Choosing a Digital Camera for Your Child
What camera should you get for your child?
This article is broken down into age groups to help you determine which camera model would best suit your child’s needs. The guidelines for age are just an introduction point. Children develop at their own speed, and some may be more inclined to “serious photography” than others.
Toddlers through the age of Elementary What do kids like about cameras/photography
Switching the camera on and off at their own discretion.
The reason and the effect of pressing a button and causing something to occur
The view of someone or something on an LCD display
The display or in a photograph
Making the same mistakes as Mom and Dad.
The Type of Photos You Can Expect to See:
Photos of the ceiling, floor, or shots of partial objects and people
Multiple photos of the same individual or an object
What to Look For in a Camera:
Since the first stage generally is for children younger than that, You’ll need a robust camera that is designed specifically for little hands.
Fully automated features, including flash and focus
A combination of resolution and storage space that can store a large number of images
Controls that are simple to operate and comprehend
Early Elementary to Middle School: What do kids like about cameras/photography
Capturing your favorite people, things, and places
Recording memories, such as field trips, vacations and birthday celebrations, etc.
They are trusted with an electronic camera of their own
Printing pictures or using them to create journals, scrapbooks, and cards.
The Type of Photos You Can Expect to See:
Snaps of candid and polite photos of pets, friends, and family members
Many photos from every life-changing event, such as field trips, vacations, and celebrations
Photographs of themselves with their friends or doing funny things
What to Look For in a Camera:
Simple to use and comprehend
Durable and affordable for the unlikely event of it being lost, dropped, or even stolen
A majority of features are automated, but some control over certain things, like zoom and flash.
Good resolution (clear pictures) But not too high that pictures take up the storage space.
For fun: Special effects, like captions or clip art.
Flexible camera straps and cases for the fashionable
Middle School and Older: What Kids Like About Cameras/Photography
Photographing your friends, favorite places, or possessions
Discovering your self-confidence through self-portraits, photos, and pictures with friends
Creative outlet and self-expression
Editing photos and perhaps making collages, scrapbooks, and journals
Printing pictures, using them on web pages, or sharing the images
The Type of Photos You Can Expect to See:
Many group photos include photos of friends
More beautiful images of architecture, nature, and even people
Self-portraits, whether alone or with friends, showcase the different aspects of their character.
Expect to be seeing more sexual expressions in the photos as it is a significant part of the exploration process for the age group.
What to Look For in a Camera:
A moderately-priced adult-sized camera that is priced reasonably, adult-sized
Control of zoom and flash and perhaps other advanced features
A few kids might still love customized faceplates and “fashion” cameras
Most of the time, automated features, except when they show an increased desire to pursue photography
Expandable memory options
The best thing about digital cameras is they allow you to effortlessly download them onto your computer to view ( or delete) without having to pay for prints. You can download them onto an external disk for storage or print them at your home.
Introduce your child to the fundamentals of operating the camera. Children may also have to be aware of which button to use and where to put their hands to ensure they do not block the viewfinder. Instruct them about the importance of lighting, for example, making sure that you have enough light to be able to see the subject they’re taking pictures of. Make sure they have enough lighting in front of the object. Make sure they don’t place the camera in the sunlight. You might need to teach your child how to focus the camera.
Bring your child books on photography from famous photographers, such as the ones with photographs of children. Examples of this are “In Our Time: The World as Seen by Magnum Photographers,” any of Anne Geddes ‘ books, photographs of infants, or any of the works by Ansel Adams. If you own pets or pets, any of William Wegman’s dog books is an excellent way to display them and so on. Highlight the lighting used throughout the pages, the way the photographer placed the subject in his photographs, and also what it is in the photo that makes it fascinating or enjoyable.
Visit your kids’ photo exhibitions or locate ones that are suitable for your family on the internet. Find local exhibitions by contacting studios or museums within your vicinity. Invite your children to make comments on the lighting and the way the photographers came up with their photos.
Print the photos of your child and then show them to her for her to view. Recognize your child’s achievements.
Encourage them to come up with suggestions for photography shoots or contests that involve all the family members. You could suggest the “What Is This?” Contest.
What’s that?
When taken close-up, many commonplace things take on weird, unusual, and otherworldly appearances–especially if they’re shown upside down or at an unexpected angle. Even your pet!
“What Is This?” Mystery photos can be displayed on-screen on your computer for slideshows, and people can play a game of guessing what’s in the picture.
It is also possible to organize a Photo Exhibition, where you can invite your family and friends over for a snack and an art show. Children love sharing their works of artwork!
Another option is to create a jigsaw puzzle from the photo print. The youngsters can print the image (on cardboard) or glue a photo onto cardboard (to increase the thickness) and then cut it into squiggly pieces, creating an enjoyable puzzle that everyone will enjoy.
Have your children enjoy themselves using their cameras. Encourage them to take pictures of whatever interests them. Answer their questions and be available if they need assistance.
Leslie Uhl has a B.A. Photography degree from Art Center College of Design and has been taking photographs for more than 20 years.
Both of her kids like to take photos. This article is based on her experiences in finding the best equipment for her children.
