Join us for an engaging and interactive program tailored for upper primary students, where they will build critical thinking skills to interpret photographic portraits. Focusing on the National Portrait Gallery’s rich collection and the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025, students will explore how photography captures identity, culture, and storytelling in powerful and diverse ways.
Through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, your students will uncover the stories behind photographic artworks – fostering creativity, visual literacy, and a deeper understanding of contemporary and historical portraiture. This program is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and designed to inspire curiosity and connection through the lens of photography.
Activity Outline
Our visual art programs are curiosity-led and photography-focused, guiding students through different ways to interpret portraits. Students will:
- examine photographic portraits that explore biography, identity, and culture.
- compare styles, techniques, and media used in photographic portraiture.
- engage in thoughtful discussion, creative activities, and observational drawing inspired by photographic works.
- reflect on how photographers use light, composition, and expression to tell compelling human stories.
Curriculum Connections
Learning areas: The Arts – Visual Arts
General capabilities: Creative and Critical Thinking
Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Materials
Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils for the drawing activity.
