We have found that allowing kids to have the opportunity to take pictures and experiment is a simple way for them to be creative and to practice their strong observational skills. This seems obvious, but get the kids outside! It’s the best place to start since that’s where the natural light is. Next to a window, or using a big light or lamp are also great tools if needed.
1) Let them use your “big” camera.
If your child is old enough to keep the camera around their neck, trust them! When you go over the rules, remind them that the camera is a very delicate tool and can break if they are not mindful while they are holding it. After the responsibility and trust are mentioned, we find that they are usually very careful with equipment. Even letting them use a phone first is a perfect place to start.
2) Give them one goal at a time.
This might be a timed challenge where they are tasked with photographing as many interesting shapes as possible, or to take sets of photographs showing opposites such as bright vs. dark or soft vs. hard. Find a prompt that makes their eyes light up, and go with it.
3) Talk about their work!
Ask how they felt about what they captured, what their thought process was like, and share with them what you notice and find interesting about their creations. Print out their work and hang them in the house! It’s very rewarding to see your work hanging on a wall and it will help build their confidence as a creator. We use Mpix for printing student and client work and they give new customers 25% off their first order!
CHALLENGES THAT MIGHT COME UP:
One challenge we face when teaching kids about cameras is they can get frustrated when their idea doesn’t come out exactly as they imagined. When you discuss their images ask them if they are happy with how their picture turned out and if there is anything they are frustrated about. This will allow you to problem-solve together, try again, or find more appropriate camera settings, light, or angle, etc.
We’ve heard this one so many times, "…but my camera is so expensive…”
Another challenge can be to fully trust them with your expensive equipment. This can be understandably hard for some parents, but in our classes, the more trust, and responsibility we put on them, the more careful they end up and we’ve never had a kid drop a camera.
WHAT DOES LEARNING ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY DO FOR KIDS?
There are a number of benefits that come from young kids learning about photography. Learning to control a camera allows them to practice patience and observation skills while they create something uniquely them. They gain more confidence with themselves as creators, and they are able to practice problem-solving with a very fun way of learning math and science.
Photography also gives them the opportunity to be creative in a unique way, since they are learning to notice what makes their eyes happy as they experiment with their exposures. As they start to create more with color, light, texture, and composition they will only continue to grow as artists.
Art-making should be fun, and even though there are technically a lot of “rules” about what makes a great photo or piece of art, we just want our students to have the drive to create for themselves and to notice and appreciate experiences and aesthetics that make them feel something.
Follow us on INSTAGRAM for lots of fun photo activities and incredible student work!
