Teaching children digital photography helps provide a creative arts foundation.
Teaching digital photography to children can be a creative and exciting activity giving them an artistic foundation early in life. Introducing them to art at a young age will also help them express their creativity using modern technology. Exposing a child to proper composition techniques through photography will also open the door for creative expression in painting and graphic arts.
Composition
Teaching digital photography to children at a young age can help instill the basics of artistic composition that can be used for any art form as the child develops, be it painting, photography or graphic arts. Use the rule of thirds when teaching a child to photograph by dividing the image into thirds, using six intersecting lines throughout the image: three horizontal lines and three vertical lines equally spaced, with the intersecting points falling on the main subject of the image. Point out the foreground, middle and background of an image and tell the child to always be sure nothing is protruding from a subject's head, such as telephone poles or distracting objects.
Types of Cameras
Several camera manufacturers make digital and film cameras designed for children. Look for a camera that has larger-than-normal buttons, fewer complicated settings and is durable. Many point-and-shoot cameras for children will have tough, rubber exteriors and are made to withstand drops, spills and other child-prone accidents. Using your typical, adult point and shoot is not a good idea, as these cameras are not made for rough treatment and are not cheap to repair.
Using the Computer
Depending on the age of the child, teaching her to upload images to a special folder on the computer will help them understand a digital photography work flow at a young age. Instilling the proper work flow of the digital image, from the camera to the computer, will help them understand where the files should go, and that backing up the images and taking them off of the camera will prevent losing the images if the camera breaks or gets lost.
Printing the Images
Purchase an inexpensive photo printer that is easy for the child to use. Many consumer printers have a docking station for the camera and will print with just the press of one or two buttons on the printer. Printing also ensures backup of an image and makes the process more complete when a tangible print can be created by the child. Carefully monitor their printing; the cost of paper and ink can add up quickly.
Creating Digital Albums
Use desktop publishing programs designed for children to create fun and artistic albums of their photography. Many online photo book publishers use a print-on-demand function, and you and your child can create a hardback photo album to share their creative photography with friends and family.
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