The Crossover: Observation & Attention to detail

I’ve learnt a lot more than just how to operate a camera from studying photography. It’s trained my eye and sharpened my mind - especially when it comes to observation and attention to detail. Through countless hours behind the lens, i’ve learned to reads between the lines of an image: noticing how light falls across the subjects face, the tension in the body language, the story told by a backdrop, or the meaning behind a carefully placed object. These subtle details often carry the most powerful messages.

Now, as I take my next step into primary school teaching, ive come to realise how valuable these same skills will be in the classroom. Little details are important when working with children, much like in photography, where the smallest detail chan change the entire meaning of a photo. A change in tone, a quiet moment, or a distracted gaze can reveal so much about how a child is feeling. By being attentive, i’ll be able to respond more sensitively to their emotional needs and support them more effectively.

Additionally, lesson planning benefits greatly from this attention to detail. It encourages me to design activities that are responsive to the individual needs of my pupils - adapting and adjusting in the moment, just like framing a shot on the go. I intend to apply what I have learnt from photography - that meaningful results often occur from looking closer, thinking more deeply, and being fully present - into every classroom I teach.