Photography for Children

Photography is one of the most accessible art forms, and children really get a kick out of using camera equipment. These days it's especially fun for kids because digital cameras let them see what they are taking pictures of immediately.

If you want to help your child explore the world of photography, there are many ways you can do it based on their age and skill level. Here's what you need to know to get started.

The first thing you need to consider is the digital camera that your children will be using. Very small children can use durable "drop proof" cameras that can be found in toy stores or online. Although these cameras take photos with relatively low quality, it will still get your little one used to the idea of taking pictures and you'll be spared the nervousness associated with giving a child an expensive piece of equipment.

You can get a quality digital camera for under $100 for elementary school children, or spend a bit more to get a camera that will last them a little longer. Another option is to give your child your old camera when you decide to upgrade.

Before you buy your child a camera, be sure to read the reviews of the camera so you'll be sure it will meet your needs. By doing your due diligence beforehand, you'll be able to find the right camera. There are many options available on most digital cameras, but your child probably won't need more than the focusing options and a few other settings. Don't give them more than they can handle or it will be too frustrating.

Once you child has a camera, you can encourage their use of their camera through a variety of different projects and fun activities. The first step is to have them take their camera anywhere they can. Walks in the park, trips to grandma's house and even a simple journey through the supermarket can be a photographic adventure for young children. Having their camera ready to use will encourage them to take more pictures.

If your children are in the older elementary grades, help them evaluate their photography and work on framing shots. Digital cameras can really help in this aspect because your child can get instant feedback on each shot. As they get used to their camera, help them to learn basic photography concepts, such as the rule of thirds and backlighting techniques.

With digital cameras, the focus can really be on experimenting and taking lots of shots because you don't have to worry about wasting film. Your kids can shoot away and keep only the photos that they are most proud of.

Encourage your kids to take lots of photos, using a variety of different techniques and perspectives. Encourage them to push the different buttons on the camera for different effects to see what they like the most.

Ask them to document a day in their life, or a special occasion in a way that they perhaps hadn't imagined before. Maybe they will take a closeup of the dog's toenails or their water glass at the dinner table. Once the photos are printed, ask your kids to write creative captions, journal entries or fictional stories to go along with their visual art.

When your child has mastered the basics, you can challenge him or her to complete photography projects. Your kids can get pictures of everyone in their family making silly faces, for example. They can take many different pictures of the family pet throughout the day or photos of their favorite times of day to send to their grandparents.

Look at photos that other people have taken, whether in the newspaper, a coffee table book, on a website or in a photo art gallery. Talk about what appeals to them about each of their favorite photos. What kind of lighting, composition, or special effects help to create the mood of the photograph?

You can join your child in their photography habit by learning more about it yourself. Take a digital photography course or buy a book so you can share tips. The quality of your photos will improve and you'll be able to have a hobby that you two can share for years to come.

Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Coupons.com and Momscape.com, where you can find the latest online coupons for cameras and electronics. Get the latest $5 off $50 coupons as well as Overstock coupons.