With the summer break in full swing, why not combine your 365 project with keeping the little ones amused this holiday? Children’s imaginations know no bounds, and once you have shown them how to use a camera – let them show you how to find inspiration!
Kitting ‘em up
Right, it is unlikely you will want to let your offspring wander around with your DSLR, but maybe you have an old point and shoot digital camera knocking about somewhere which would do the job perfectly. It is good to let them have a camera they can use as their own, that way you can compare shots. Consider packing lightweight small tripod, like a Gorillapod to help them feel a bit more ‘pro’.
Show them the basics
Help them get to know the camera, simple things like:
- On and off
- Zoom
- Cloudy/sunny indoor/outdoor settings
- Macro/portrait/landscape
- Flash
Explain simply when you’d choose each function, and reinforce this ‘out in the field’ with a prompt when you go to take your shot.
Share the knowledge
Once out, you’ll get to see what kind of shot they like to take, and also how they like to compose a photo. I would recommend letting them experiment with how they see the world through a viewfinder, it is a beautiful experience! To help them understand the principles of composition, take a photo of the same scene, and explain the differences in how it looks. Don’t forget to ask them to share their thoughts on your photo too – it could be an enlightening experience!
It won’t be long before you’ll notice that your child, or children’s view of the world is a whole heap different to yours. Not just from point of view but also in what captures their interest, so you’ll want to show them how master certain settings and ways of taking a photograph to meet what they are trying to achieve.
Classic example
Small children are drawn to finer details rather than the larger picture for, so you’ll want to show them how to choose a macro setting, and explain that a certain amount of distance is needed to be able to get a photo that is in focus as well as help them understand that it means they will have to keep extra still and maybe use their tripod!
Ideas
So, where to start? Think about what your children are fascinated by – then head out (or stay in if it’s raining – this is a great rainy day project too!) and most importantly EXPERIMENT! Here are a few subject ideas:
- Zoo animals
- Pets
- Fairground
- Beach
- Insects
- Flowers
- Favourite toys
- Feet
- Treetops
- Sweet treats
There is no denying that the project will be as rewarding for you as it is for them. Take time to compare pictures and even give a mini critique. Most importantly, don’t forget to be inspired – you can even challenge yourself to shoot like a little ‘un and gets some pictures with a completely different aesthetic to add to your own collection!
Finally, give your kids ownership of their photos and help them to share! Ace members can add a new album dedicated to the talents of their budding young photographers really easily. Don’t forget to share your photos with us below!
**Photos updated December 29 2018**
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One of the mistakes I mostly see in shots that children take is that they are not in focus. That would be a good thing to keep them aware of.
Good luck with all the kiddies taking photographs and I fully expect to be shown up by all of them!
I'm 12 and taught it all myself - close to my 100th upload on here now, yayy :)