Introduce Your Kids to Photography

My dad was an electrical engineer when I was growing up. I probably know a bit more about capacitors, diodes, vacuum tubes and cathodes than your average bear. 

His other interest, and by default mine, was photography.

Never one to withhold information, my father brought us on endless hikes into the forests and parks that surrounded our neighborhood.

I learned about F-stops, lenses, and developed what I consider a relatively good eye for composition.

Although my dad used a Nikon and I used a Canon, times have changed a bit and many of us use our iPhones or other digital tech toys for photography these days. Thankfully the technology has advanced to the point where the pictures come out pretty good.

We used film when I was young, and one of the first things I became aware of was the number of pix on the roll. Twenty four or thirty six shots, then the film went to be developed--unless you were lucky enough to have another roll. We were very concerned about getting the perfect shot, or at least trying to. Not anymore.

Plan a little field trip then tell kids:

1. TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES. The difference between a great shot and a so-so shot could be a millisecond, so let them take as many shots as they want. 

2. PERSPECTIVE. Almost everyone, when given a camera, takes a direct shot, with the subject centered. Encourage kids to discover new angles--take the subject not only from the front, but from the side, or even above or below. They can even get in super close and only take a portion of the subject. 

3. HOLD CAMERA STRAIGHT. When we take pictures of something with a horizon line it is especially important to hold the camera straight. Although we have an opportunity to EDIT with much of today's technology, it is a good thing to practice and get used to.

The first lesson is simple, but it should be. Go out and have some fun. 

When you are done review the pictures with them. They will like to show you what they did. Ask them what they think of the pix.

Next Wednesday I will do another Photography for Kids post and go a bit more in depth. The Rule of Thirds and finding a Focal Point will be introduced.