What's the First Photography Lesson a Kid Should Learn

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who often writes nigh education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more than.

It's important to give kids the tools and resources that they need to be successful. — Information technology's important to give kids the tools and resource that they need to be successful.

Pexels.com, CC0 License, text added Rose Clearfield

If you're here, it'due south probably because you have a kid or several kids who have a stiff interest in photography and are looking to do more. The good news is that they're already motivated and gear up to acquire. Simply now what?

It's important to give kids the tools and resources that they demand to be successful. It's too important non to go overwhelmed. You and your kids won't be able to tackle everything in this article in a week or most likely even a month. Selection one project or idea at a time and go from there.

The Canon Rebel line is a fantastic entry-level DSLR line for beginner middle school and high school photographers — The Catechism Insubordinate line is a fantastic entry-level DSLR line for beginner center schoolhouse and loftier school photographers

Pexels.com, CC0 License

Select an Appropriate Camera and Case

A photographic camera is a adequately costly purchase and non something to exist taken lightly. You lot don't need to run out and spend a ton of money the first time your kid mentions the idea of photography. However, if he conspicuously has a passion, it's important that he has a solid piece of equipment. While cell phone cameras can be fun while out and about with friends, older kids should have a high-end betoken and shoots or entry-level DSLRs to really ameliorate their skills. Historic period volition most probable be the determining factor for your camera purchase. I've included some resources for choosing kid cameras for a multifariousness of ages.

It'due south also of import to purchase a camera instance. If your kid is going to take a lot of pictures, he needs to exist able to take the photographic camera with him without worrying well-nigh damaging it.

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You don't want your photos to end up a blurry mess like this one did. Take the time to steady your camera. — Y'all don't desire your photos to end up a blurry mess like this ane did. Take the time to steady your camera.

Copyright: Rose Clearfield

Tip #1: Acquire How to Hold and Steady the Camera

It is like shooting fish in a barrel to go frustrated when many of your photos plough out blurry. While photo clarity is a concept that every lensman is constantly improving, there are some simple tips y'all can provide for your child that volition brand a huge difference.

Utilise a timer: Most standard point and shoot cameras have a timer. You can use a brusque setting (i.e., ii seconds) when y'all don't demand to let time to make it a shot yourself.
Use a tripod if y'all tin can: There are some cheap tripods on the market that are perfect for indoor and some outdoor settings.
When a tripod is not bachelor, steady yourself against something: Leaning your elbows on a railing or balancing against a wall volition all the same brand a big comeback.

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Tip #2: Use Manual Settings (Non Auto)

If you take an older child with a betoken-and-shoot or DSLR, have him resist the temptation to shoot in auto mode all the time and instead help him learn the manual modes. While your child may exist frustrated with worse photos during the learning process, the effort will be worth it in the terminate. Pick one or two features at a fourth dimension (e.g., aperture and shutter speed) and build from in that location.

I take between 12,000 and 15,000 shots per year.

Copyright: Rose Clearfield

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Tip #iii: Take a Lot of Photos

One of the best means to better any skill is to practice. Photography is no exception. In the age of digital photography, it is not expensive to take lots of pictures. Encourage your child to bring his camera with him often and to take photos anywhere it'due south appropriate. Consider "field trip" options for photos, such every bit the zoo and the aquarium. Don't discount routine events as well, such equally picking up a few items at Target. You lot never know when inspiration will strike.

Tip #4: Learn Basic Photo Techniques

There are a handful of basic rules in photography, such equally the rule of thirds and finding a focal point, that are relatively easy to acquire and are very effective. Don't exist afraid to tackle them with kids.

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Tip #5: Consider a Photograph Challenge and/or Set up of Lessons

One way to improve your photography while having fun, meeting other photographers, and gaining exposure for your work is to participate in a challenge. Ane excellent and very popular claiming is Chantelle'south monthly photo a twenty-four hour period challenge. There are also a number of Scavenger Hunt Flickr groups. Additionally, there are numerous photo blogs, spider web sites, and channels with photo lessons, tutorials, and more. My favorite YouTube photography aqueduct is PhotoRec Boob tube.

After completing a basic crop and light adjustment, I edited this photo of myself in with a purple tint and soft focus. I did all of this with Picasa. — After completing a bones crop and light adjustment, I edited this photograph of myself in with a imperial tint and soft focus. I did all of this with Picasa.

Copyright 2012, Rose Clearfield

Tip #6: Learn Basic Photo Editing

Lightroom and Photoshop are amazing tools but not necessary for beginning photographers learning basic editing techniques. There are a number of costless options out at that place, including Picasa and PicMonkey. Apparently these tools as not as powerful as Photoshop and Lightroom, only they are wonderful for beginners and for anyone who enjoys quick, fun methods for altering photos.

Bank check out the photo above that I edited with Picasa. Getting comfortable with performing a basic crop and light adjustment will become a long way. When you've exhausted the functions of costless editing software and are ready to take your skills to the next level, consider investing in Lightroom and Photoshop.

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I get an amazing amount of support and feedback on Instagram (randomcreativeart). — I become an astonishing amount of support and feedback on Instagram (randomcreativeart).

Copyright: Rose Clearfield

Ane of the all-time ways to improve your photography is to get feedback from others. Once your child has started to build a collection of photos, consider ways for him to share them online. Think nearly what is advisable for the historic period of your child. Facebook, Google Photos, Instagram, and SmugMug are all great options.

Displaying your work is a great evaluation method for photographers of all skill levels. — Displaying your work is a neat evaluation method for photographers of all skill levels.

Copyright: Rose Clearfield

Tip #8: Buy Frames and Other Displays

Some other bang-up way to get feedback and to evaluate your own piece of work is by displaying it. Go your child'south photos upward at domicile. This will exist a huge ego boost for him and volition also encourage him to view it oftentimes. Evaluating your work on a regular footing is one of the best ways to improve. If you don't take frames on paw or a lot of extra room for displaying artwork, get-go by putting some photos up on the fridge.

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Tip #9: Buy an Album or Portfolio

Fifty-fifty if your child opts to share nearly of his photos online, information technology tin can nonetheless be squeamish to take an album or portfolio for printed photos, too. This is another method for encouraging evaluation. It also allows you to take some of your photos wherever you go and share them without utilizing any applied science (i.e., a wink drive). Grandma may not check your Facebook photo albums, but she would love to look at your photo album.

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Tip #x: Await Into Local, Historic period-Appropriate Classes

While there are many great learning and networking opportunities available online, it can be very valuable to take a grade in person, too. Bank check for local, age-appropriate photography classes for your kid. Many park districts and colleges offer summer classes and/or weekly after-school classes, which may include photography.

Most chain book stores, such as Barnes and Noble, have a fairly comprehensive photography selection. They may offer kid specific resources. — Most chain book stores, such equally Barnes and Noble, have a fairly comprehensive photography selection. They may offer kid specific resource.

Copyright: Rose Clearfield

Tip #11: Provide Resources and Examples

1 of the best ways to learn a skill is to study the best that in that location is. Consider great photo books, local exhibits, and gratis resources online. Look for photograph sites that fit with the specific interests of your child, such as cats or trains. Check your local library for photo books.

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Tip #12: Enter a Contest

Although a contest is not a necessary component for improving your photography skills, it tin can be a fun claiming and a good motivator. There are a number of contests out in that location specifically for kids. I accept linked a couple of the best kid photography contest resources that I found online. Check for boosted local opportunities, too.

Photography Contests for Kids
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Whether your talent lies in photography, verse or cooking, we have a fun contest for you lot.

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Questions & Answers

Question: What learning skills volition a preschooler learn from photography?

Answer: Preschoolers will learn building imaginative skills, artistic/visual development, problem-solving to create different images, improve skills, etc.

Rose Clearfield (writer) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Baronial 21, 2012:

Yep, for sure, Vicki! Many of these tips are applicable to all photographers. Thanks!

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, United states of america on August 21, 2012:

This is great info for children OR beginning developed photographers. Great info and so well laid out, as always!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 20, 2012:

Thank you, MissOlive! Yous're absolutely right nigh technology presenting more and more options for all types of photographers. I still remember getting my first photographic camera, likewise. Information technology's an exciting experience.

Marisa Hammond Olivares from Texas on August twenty, 2012:

randomcreative, photography skills have always intrigued me. Kids projects are becoming more advanced and technology is providing many wonderful options for them to present with photos. All of your suggestions are very helpful and explained nicely. I remember being really excited when I got my get-go photographic camera as a immature daughter. voted up and shared

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August twenty, 2012:

Cheers, Cyndi! I accept definitely become more than a little bit of a photography addict myself. :)

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on August 20, 2012:

What an amazing hub full of tips and tricks that kids - and adults - will benefit from! Nice job and keen intro! I myself am condign a photography addict. :) Voted upwards!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 28, 2012:

Thank you Docmo! I'm so glad that this will be helpful for her!

Mohan Kumar from Britain on May 27, 2012:

Rose, What a brilliant hub. My girl loves ot take pictures and she'll do good from all these approaches. Truly useful- voted upward and beyond!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May fourteen, 2012:

Thanks Kathy!

Kathy on May 14, 2012:

Great ideas! Thanks!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May thirteen, 2012:

Thanks Kelley! That means a lot to me. I'm continually working to improve my articles, and I'm glad that it'southward paying off. I'm so glad that this is helpful for you, also. That'southward great that your son has an interest in photography.

northland, thanks! In the age of digital photography, photograph activities with kids have become much more affordable. Take fun with information technology!

kelleyward on May thirteen, 2012:

Wow you continue to astonish me at how you design your hubs beautifully and pack them with and then much vital data. Thanks for sharing this Randomcreative! I will use this with my oldest son who is really interested in Photography! Take care, Kelley

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 13, 2012:

Thanks TrahnTheMan! I agree about photography's potential every bit a creative media. Equally someone who has very limited drawing skills, I love to limited myself through photos.

As for the phone apps:

1) I feel similar a lot of kids already have the know how to learn photography phone apps.

2)There's admittedly naught wrong with these blazon of apps, but I choose to concentrate on more than serious photography techniques in this article.

With that beingness said, photography telephone apps would still make a bang-up topic for an commodity.

TrahnTheMan from Asia, Oceania & betwixt on May 13, 2012:

Great hub with LOTS of helpful ideas! Photography is a fabulous media for creativity, and while some kids can't depict, all boys and girls can take photos. Smart phones accept go so ubiquitous that information technology's probably worth adding some photo apps to your list of tips :-)