Photography used to be considered something meant for adults or people who are well-versed with cameras. Today, photography has become easy thanks to cameras that are easy to use and feature-rich mobile phones.
Kids can also learn photography. It is a good hobby that they would enjoy. Photography allows kids to express their creativity. It is a good idea to teach your kids how to take photographs. We have some valuable tips on teaching kids photography.
Tips to teach kids Photography
- Give them a camera of their own
When you start teaching photography to kids, give them a camera of their own. It could be a mobile camera or a digital camera. It is not necessary that you give a top-end camera. Start with a basic camera that is entry-level. This ensures even if the kids damage it, the loss won’t be much.
Ideally, give them a point-and-shoot camera. There are also specific cameras in the market meant for kids. Start with a basic camera using which they can learn how to take photos. Once they master the use of the camera, you can offer them a better-quality camera.
- Teach them to hold a camera
The first thing to do while teaching photography is to teach kids how to hold the camera in the right way. Get a camera with a strap and teach the kid to wear the strap around their neck. First, they need to learn how to ensure camera safety. Tell them to grip the camera using 3 fingers around the grip, index finger on the shutter, and thumb at the back.
Next, teach them how to hold the camera in the right way without shaking it. Then, teach them how to use the viewfinder to focus on the subject. Finally, teach them how to click a photo using the button.
- Teach them the basics of composition
While smaller kids may find it difficult to understand composition, slightly older kids would understand easily. Teach them the rule of thirds and explain its meaning. Use the camera and show them practically how it is done. Take pictures and show them the result, so they understand it clearly.
- Help them show their creativity
Photography is an art form where people can bring out their creative best. While taking photos, they can try and express their creativity. There are different ways in which they can take photos. Different angles and bringing in different elements in a photo can make a photo look more creative.
Show them examples of creative photos. Then, allow them to express their creativity by taking pictures. Do not discourage them when they make mistakes. Allow them to take as many photos as possible. Help them understand why a photo would be considered creative and why it would not. This would help them understand the practical aspects of creativity. It is important to encourage them to show their creativity in the way they want.
- Use fun activities
Practice makes perfect! Practicing the art of photography helps to make them perfect. Give the child assignments, so they practice the lessons they have learned. Give them fun activities to do. That will make them interested to practice photography. Give them fun tasks to do like shooting the dog jumping or wagging its tail.
Such activities will make them experiment and help them learn better. These practice activities will help them learn photography in a better way. It will also give them a forum to bring out their creativity.
6, Print and display the photos
A great way to encourage kids to practice photography is to print their photographs. Either print them all or allow them to choose the best ones. Print the photographs and display them on a notice board or hang them on a clothesline. This will make the kid happy and motivate them to take better photos.
- Discuss each photo
A teacher would discuss a student’s assignment to help them understand how they performed. In the same way, discuss each photo the child has taken. Explain the good aspects of each photo first, so they understand what good they have done. Then, offer a critique. Do it in a positive way without hurting the child. Let them understand lessons on what they did wrong in each photo.
- Give them a project
You can bring a conclusion to the photography lessons by assigning a project. Give them a challenging photography project to take up. Make an album of the photos they take, so it is preserved for posterity. Ensure they have fun while doing the project.
Children learn new concepts fairly easy and also retain the information for longer. Introducing your child to photography at a young age is an excellent way to help them develop an eye for capturing the right moments.
Stock photos: Dreamstime.com
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