Most children are naturally drawn to cameras. It is fun for a child to pick up a simple box, press a button, and freeze a moment in time. Of course most kids tend to take too many pictures of the same thing. Some kids have trouble getting their desired subject in the photograph and wind up only taking a picture of the tail and back legs of their dog! If your youngster is showing an interest in photography, here are a few tips that can help them grow and improve their new hobby.
When you begin teaching your child about photography, you should give a simple explanation about the camera. If you have purchased a digital camera for your child, show them all the basic features in the beginning. The zoom feature can come after they have learned how to focus an image and how to get the image in the picture. Show your child about each part of the camera and what it does. For example, you should show them the lens, LCD screen, viewfinder and flash. If you are using a film camera, show them where the film is loaded and how to read the number of pictures remaining. It is easier to use something once you understand how it works.
Children often photograph the family pet.
Teach your child how to hold the camera. If your child wants their pictures to look good, they need to learn how to hold the camera straight. You can teach them how to check the framing before they hit the shutter button. Blurred or fuzzy pictures result from poor technique. By showing your child how to hold the camera properly, you can avoid fuzzy images. You can also teach your child about a tripod and how to use it to avoid fuzzy pictures. Your child should practice holding their hand steady when taking pictures. Also be sure to tell them to stay still when they are taking the picture, meaning, don’t walk or run and take a picture.
Explain that the image through the lens or LCD screen will be the picture. This means, if their finger is covering part of the lens, it will appear in the picture.
Inform your child that while we see things in 3D, a camera only prints pictures as a flat image. What this means is an image in the foreground can be altered by an image in the background. Show your child how to pay attention to things in the background and foreground so they don’t wind up taking pictures of Mom standing in front of a moose and the printed picture looks like Mom is the moose!
Teach your child how to move toward or away from their subject. This is also the time when you can discuss the zoom feature with your child. By moving a few steps forward or backward, they can dramatically impact their finished photo. Remind them that being too close to their subject will produce a fuzzy photo.
Lighting in a picture is very important. Inform your child that the sunlight should always be behind them, not their subjects. If the sun is in front of them, the finished photo will be nothing more than a big sun blot. If your child is taking a picture inside, stress the importance of lighting. Have them stand with lamps or overhead lighting behind them if it is possible and be sure to use the flash if there is not enough light. Also, keep subjects out of the shadows as they will produce a dark picture with unrecognizable subjects.
The best part about a digital camera is that it allows your child to practice. Encourage your child to take as many pictures as they like, and then show them pictures that look good and ones that need some improvement.
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