Using Photography in Art Projects!

Students can create original magazines using approachable Microsoft Word software, while exploring graphic design and digital photography skills.

STEP 1: Brainstorming Ideas

First, we looked at 4 different kinds of magazine covers to determine what they all had in common. We made a list of all of the elements they found that were similar from one magazine to the next to include in their own. They decided these items would be a large title, a subtitle, the issue number and date, a barcode, and at least 3 article title's they can read inside the issue and added some location requirements as well. The students also all agreed that the best magazine cover photos had good lighting, 1-2 subjects, and relatively plain backgrounds. Each student then completed a magazine preference page to nail down the details they wanted to focus on and concrete the ideas they had for their original magazines.

STEP 2: Taking the Cover Photo

Students were instructed to bring in props and costume pieces if they wanted to use them. They split into groups of 2-3 and headed to pre-approved areas in the school for 10-15 minute shifts in order to take their cover photo pictures with particular backgrounds. They were also allowed to build a background using butcher paper if a school location wasn't as appropriate. They returned to class and uploaded their pictures. If they weren't happy with their picture, they were allowed to signup for a 2nd photo shoot shift. Students also were allowed to use pictures from their phones that they took at home or in their community. Students who chose magazines where their subject matter wasn't as easy to have at school like pets chose this option.

STEP 3: Adding Graphic Design Details

After students were happy with their cover photo, they used Microsoft Word to bring the rest of their magazine cover elements together. They became familiar with the Insert, Draw, and Layout tools to create and manipulate each piece. When all of their elements were added, they saved their covers and emailed them to me as a pdf in order to turn in their final designs.