Digital photography is a pliable and forgiving medium, which makes it perfect to incorporate in a classroom curriculum.
There are many possibilities in the process of taking a photo digitally. One can take a photo using their camera phone, DSLR, tablet, or simple digital camera. Because there are so many "modes" of creation, it gives students options for how they want to proceed with a project artistically and provides options for students that might not own a digital camera. Most digital cameras also have different settings to choose from that change the visual aspects of a photo before editing on another software. Students are also able to take multiple pictures of the same subject with the same camera or different ones based on the look they want their photo to have. This can also be useful in a classroom because there is no "clean up" to creating multiple photos.
In addition to changing the settings on a camera, students are able to transfer their photos to computer programs to apply new effects to their photos or create something entirely new. For example, students can alter their photo by cropping it, changing the white balance, and putting a filter over it. Students working in design can also apply aspects of their photos to their designs and their designs to their photos.
Apart from graphic design, digital photography can also be applied to other new media and fine art. In terms of new media, photos can be used in videography. This could be a good opportunity for students to work collaboratively as well. Digital photography can be used as a tool or a medium in the fine arts too. Students can uses photos as a reference for other art work. They can also use it to layer into their other works after printing it.
The ability to apply digital photography to other areas of art gives students the opportunity to exercise their critiquing techniques by choosing what kind of effect they want when taking a photo. It also gives teachers many areas to explore with their students, which is helpful when students have different interests they might want to pursue.