Vietnam War Photography Lesson | Napalm Girl Photo Analysis & Barbara Gluck Study
 
Help students explore one of history's most influential photographs while learning how photojournalists use composition, timing, and storytelling to document real events. This engaging photography lesson examines Nick Ut's Napalm Girl alongside the work of Barbara Gluck, encouraging thoughtful discussion about ethics, history, and the power of documentary photography. 
 
What's Included:
Background reading about Barbara Gluck and her work during the Vietnam War
Historical context explaining the events surrounding the famous photographs
Biography and reflection reading, I Am Not "Napalm Girl" Anymore by Kim Phúc Phan Thị
Photo observation, analysis, and critical thinking questions
Three-photograph Barbara Gluck photo series activity focusing on visual storytelling
Napalm Girl photography analysis worksheet
Two versions of the Napalm Girl photograph: Original historical photograph, School-appropriate version with blurred nudity
Opportunities for discussion about photojournalism, ethics, composition, and the role of photography in documenting history
 
Why You'll Love It:
Teaches photography through real historical photographs instead of staged examples.
Helps students analyze composition, storytelling, emotion, and visual communication.
Connects photography with history, media literacy, and visual storytelling.
Print-and-go format that's ideal for photography, journalism, art, history, and media studies classes.