Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
How to Introduce Photography to Your Kids
Michael Elliott — Fine Art Film Photographer-Flâneur and Londoner at Large
Photography is a wonderful hobby that can spark your kids’ creativity and curiosity. It can also help them develop their technical skills and learn about the world around them. But how do you introduce photography to your kids in a fun and engaging way? Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.
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Start with a Simple Camera
You don’t need to buy an expensive or complicated camera for your kids to enjoy photography. A simple point-and-shoot camera or even a smartphone can do the trick. The main thing is to make sure the camera is easy to use and comfortable to hold. You may also want to invest in one of these kids’ cameras which are a fun design and have features like games and filters.
Teach Them the Basics of Framing
One of the first things to teach your kids about photography is how to frame their shots. Framing is how you decide what to include or exclude in your photo. You can use a DIY viewfinder made of cardboard to help your kids understand this concept. A viewfinder is a small window that shows what the camera sees. You can cut out a square or rectangle from a piece of cardboard and let your kids look through it to see how different things fit inside³.
Photo by Raíssa de Paula on Unsplash
Teach Them Some Composition Techniques
Once your kids have learned how to frame their shots you can teach them some composition techniques to make their photos more interesting. Composition is how you arrange the elements in your photo to create a visual impact. Some of the basic composition techniques are:
The rule of thirds: Imagine dividing your photo into nine equal squares with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place the main subject or point of interest along one of these lines or at their intersections.
Leading lines: Use lines in your photo to guide the viewer’s eye towards the main subject or point of interest. These lines can be roads fences bridges or anything else that creates a sense of direction.
Filling the frame: Get close to your subject and fill the frame with it. This can create a sense of intimacy and detail.
Negative space: Leave some empty space around your subject to create contrast and balance.
Encourage Them to Experiment and Have Fun
The best way to learn photography is by doing it. Encourage your kids to experiment with different angles perspectives distances sides and settings. Let them take photos of anything that catches their eye or interests them. Don’t worry too much about the technical aspects or the quality of the photos. The main goal is to have fun and express themselves.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Show Them Examples and Give Them Feedback
Another way to help your kids learn photography is by showing them examples of good photos and explaining why they work well. You can use books magazines websites or even your own photos as sources of inspiration. You can also give them feedback on their own photos and point out what they did well and what they can improve on. Be positive and constructive and don’t forget to praise their efforts.
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