Draw What the Explorer Is Photographing – Imagination Drawing Worksheet

Encourage young imaginations to take off with this Draw What the Explorer Is Photographing worksheet! Kids get to invent the scene an explorer might see through their camera lens. It’s a low-prep, open-ended creative drawing task that’s perfect for classrooms, homes, or as a sub activity.

What’s Inside This Worksheet

This printable includes:

• A pre-drawn explorer figure holding a camera

• A blank space / “frame” for children to fill in with what the explorer is photographing

• A clear prompt to guide the drawing: “Draw what the explorer is photographing”

• Ample blank area for children to imagine and illustrate any scene

Why It’s Useful for Kids & Teachers

• Fuels creativity & storytelling — Kids decide what the explorer sees or captures

• Encourages visualization and planning — They need to imagine a scene and plan components (foreground, background, subjects)

• Reinforces fine motor skills — Drawing different shapes and objects

• Versatile for themes — You can set constraints (jungle, underwater, space) or leave it free

• Minimal setup required — Just print and go

How to Use It — Step-by-Step Tips

1. Print
   Use regular paper or cardstock for sturdiness.

2. Warm up with discussion
   Ask children: “If you were an explorer, what would you photograph? Animals? Mountains? Sea life?”

3. Optionally give a theme
   You can assign a theme (e.g. rainforest, desert, arctic, space) to guide their choices.

4. Draw the scene
   Children fill the blank space with the scene they imagine the explorer is photographing. They should consider what will be nearest (foreground) vs background.

5. Label or write a caption
   After drawing, invite them to name or caption their photo (e.g. “Polar Bear Family”, “Volcano at sunset”).

6. Share and compare
   Let them show their drawings and explain what they chose. Display on a wall or in a class gallery.

7. Re-use variation
   Create more sheets, each with a different explorer pose, or combine with writing prompts (“Write a short story about this photograph”).

Variations & Extensions

• Photography theme: Teach basic camera framing (rule of thirds, centering) or cropping

• Writing link: Ask kids to write a short story or journal entry about the photo—where were they, why did they take it?

• Cross-curricular tie-in: Use geography, science, or nature themes (e.g. explorer in rainforest, arctic, underwater)

• Group version: In small groups, combine their photos into a “travel journal” or “explorer’s gallery”

• Art technique: Challenge older kids to add shading, perspective, or color gradients

This Draw What the Explorer Is Photographing worksheet offers unlimited potential for creativity and narrative thinking. It’s ideal for art center time, early finishers, or writing prompts. Print it, share it, and watch young explorers bring their vision to life.