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$20

weekly
or $180 for 9 classes
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Focus Academy 4th Grade Photography: Emotion, Composition & Cultural Exploration

New class
Ages 8-10
Live Group Course
Learners explore storytelling through emotional portraits and cultural moments. Weekly photo challenges include composition, repetition, nature, and documenting celebrations and diversity in their world.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(483 reviews)
Star Educator

Live video meetings
1x per week, 9 weeks
2-6 learners per class
55 min

What's included

9 live meetings
8 hrs 15 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will be encouraged to get out and take more photos in between classes to share at the beginning of every class.
Letter Grade
included

Class Experience

US Grade 4
Throughout the course, students will explore the relationship between composition and storytelling. They’ll learn how to guide viewers’ eyes through their photos using techniques like leading lines and the rule of thirds, while also capturing emotion and movement. Each week, live Zoom classes will include engaging lectures, demonstrations, interactive activities, and opportunities for students to showcase their photos.

Students will photograph a variety of subjects, from cultural events to natural environments, and practice translating their images into stories through written narratives. The course will include discussions on emotional storytelling and how to bring feelings to life through photography. Learners will also explore math concepts like patterns and angles by incorporating these elements into their photos. 

This course is part of a series offering a complete and comprehensive photography curriculum for all grade levels, Kindergarten through 12th grade. All of these courses meet grade-level academic standards for photography and integrate other art, English, math, science, and social studies skills. 

Focus for 4th Grade Photography: Composition and Storytelling with Emotion

Photography Skill: Advanced composition techniques (leading lines, rule of thirds), emotional storytelling

English Skill: Writing detailed stories to accompany photographs
Math Skill: Patterns, fractions, and angles (photographing patterns, incorporating angles)
Science Skill: Life cycles and habitats (photographing animals, insects, plants in different habitats)
Social Studies Skill: Exploring diversity and culture (photographing cultural events or representations)

💡 Group Learning: This class runs with a minimum of two learners. We generally delay sections with solo learners up to 3 times to give more learners time to join before cancelling the section, unless requested sooner by the family.

Learning Goals

Learners will apply advanced composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, to create balanced and visually appealing photos.
Learners will develop the ability to convey emotion and narrative through photography and write accompanying stories that complement their images.

Syllabus

9 Lessons
over 9 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Composition Rules
 Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Emotional Storytelling
 Capturing Emotions Through Photos 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Exploring Nature
 Photographing Life Cycles in Plants and Animals 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Photographing Cultural Events
 Capturing Celebrations and Traditions 
55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
With a Master’s in Special Education, Erika designs our courses to be inclusive and engaging for diverse learners. Our hands-on, interactive approach keeps students actively involved, and we’re happy to provide accommodations.
Supply List
Camera, phone, or tablet to take photos
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Offered by

4.9
483reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Erika Hatfield
Master's Degree in Education from Western Governors University
Erika Hatfield
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Phoenix
Erika Hatfield
Meet Your Instructors – Professional Photographers & Educators
At Next Level Photo Education, all of our teachers are experienced photographers who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. Whether you're learning smartphone photography, creative techniques, or professional branding skills, we’re here to help!

Erika Hatfield – Certified Teacher & Portrait Photographer
📸 Certified Professional Photographer (PPA) & founder of Next Level Photo Education
🎓 Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Master’s in Special Education
👩‍🏫 Taught over 2,000 learners worldwide
💡 Specializes in portraits, branding, and hands-on photography instruction

Jake Hatfield – Lighting & Technical Photography Expert
🔧 Former mechanic turned photographer
💡 Specializes in lighting, forced perspective, and technical troubleshooting
🚗 Experienced in car photography, studio lighting, and creative techniques

Aaron Snyder – Commercial & Portrait Photographer
🏡 Real estate, product, and portrait photography expert
🎞️ Skilled in photo editing, retouching, and visual storytelling
📷 Over 20 years of experience in commercial photography

Miguel Pereda – Product Photographer & Videographer
🎥 Professional photographer & filmmaker
📦 Specializes in product photography, branding, and content creation
📸 Experienced in event photography and directing commercial shoots

With diverse backgrounds and specialties, our team is ready to support learners of all skill levels on their photography journey! 🚀

Reviews

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