*
Developing A Range Of Essential Life Skills:
Helping children learn new skills is an essential part of their growth and development. Not only are the benefits of skill development immediate but what kids acquire at an early age can also be brought well into adolescence. When paired with the right and proactive mindset, these skills can even set them up for success in later life.
Among the wide range of essential skills, kids can learn is photography, as it taps into their natural curiosity and creativity. However, teaching kids photography isn’t quite the same as teaching adults. Below, we introduce you to the significant role photography can play in kids’ advancement and the unique ways you can impart the joy and wisdom of the craft to them.
*
The Benefits Of Teaching Photography:
As an art form, photography naturally builds upon children’s capacity for creativity and self-expression. In the same way, children learn storytelling techniques in school through reading and writing, taking photographs can hone their visual communication skills using basic elements like detail, exposure, angles, and coloring. But beyond creative and technical learning, photography can also cultivate soft skills such as patience and dedication, as they have to pay attention to every stage of the artistic process.
You may think it’s too early to think about it, but this combination of hard and soft skills makes photography viable as a hobby and a career. If teaching kids photography helps them realize their passion for the craft, numerous career options are waiting for them. These range from the sciences in terms of forensics and astrophotography to creative fields like travel and photojournalism.
*
Tips On Developing Kids’ Photography Skills:
Finding Appropriate Gear:
While kids can start by using smartphones or toy cameras, you eventually have to let them handle high-quality equipment like digital cameras. Since brand new cameras can be a massive investment at this age and stage of learning, you can equip them with appropriate photography gear by looking for used mirrorless cameras online. By filtering through listings and getting to know their specs, you may find that a used Nikon Z5, for example, offers great value for its price. It’s compact and simple for kids to use but still allows limitless creative opportunities through its 24.3-megapixel camera and impressive image stabilization system.
As kids develop their photography skills further, you can also introduce them to various lenses to help them create more interesting shots. One of the best beginner-friendly lenses by well-known manufacturer Canon is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, which is perfect for capturing a vignette effect that can be fun to play with. Meanwhile, if your child uses a DSLR, you can look into the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM to help zoom into unique details when taking outdoor photos.
Taking Kids To Art Museums And Galleries:
Teaching kids the fundamentals of photography and giving them creative prompts and exercises can definitely help integrate technical and hands-on learning. But a practical way to reinforce this learning approach is to take kids to art museums and galleries. To start, gallery and museum visits can be a fun and interactive experience that develops children’s cognitive and sensory skills. These visits can also support their social and emotional health and well-being if they go with their family members or peers.
In the context of learning photography, these visits can also be an avenue for building their appreciation of photography and art as a whole. Aside from letting them take photos of the artworks that interest them, they can look at the images displayed and learn firsthand what makes them visually appealing and meaningful.
Overall, photography is a worthwhile hobby and passion that allows kids to exercise their creative muscles and acquire developmental skills essential not just for childhood but also for later life. It’s crucial to start slow and match their pace when teaching them and to encourage them continuously as they improve and build on each skill. Here at FutureSTRONG Academy, we help parents and mentors guide children to unlock their full potential through workshops, courses, and resources.
*
References:
- “7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens” Pew Research Center, 13 May 2023, https://futurestrong.org/2023/05/13/7-habits-of-highly-successful-teens/
- “Used Mirrorless Cameras” Adorama, 30 Mar. 2021, https://www.adorama.com/l/Used/Photography/Cameras/Mirrorless-Cameras
- “The First Canon Lenses You Should Buy” New York Times,15 June 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-first-canon-lenses-you-should-buy/
- “The role of museums in supporting the wellbeing of children and families” Museum Next, 11 Jan. 2022, https://www.museumnext.com/article/the-role-of-museums-in-supporting-the-wellbeing-of-children-and-families/
*
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our life coaching, virtual robotics, and coding classes? Visit FutureSTRONG.org today! Call 678.310.5025.
Image via Pexels
Article Author: Ressi James
* * *
About The Article Author:
TBD.
Check Out Our Latest In Mindful Parenting!
Too Dark To Have A Name – A Poem
* I have the choice of being constantly active and happy or introspectively passive and sad. Or I can go mad by ricocheting in between. ~ Sylvia Plath * In day with sun, bright with light,One gleams with warmth, and delightWhen darkness comes,...
The Parenting Framework Of Discipline: Setting Limits And Boundaries
* Setting Limits: It's not always easy to get children to do as they are asked, Whether at bedtime or in other situations, children often try to challenge the limits adults set. An important part of positive discipline involves setting effective limits for...
The Rise Of Vape Shops And What You Need To Know About Teen Vaping
* This is what school administrators across high schools in Metro Atlanta are having to circulate in their school newsletters. We are sure you have seen the explosion of vape shops and CBD stores in the Johns Creek and greater Atlanta area. The ease of access...
How To Help Youth Cope From Stress And Worries
* Action Items For Mental Wellness: To support mental health we have to talk about mental health. Everyday. We have to stay engaged with our children to pick up in any changes in their appetite or behaviors. We will have to normalize the discussion about...
Looking For Your Next Role? Here Are The Top Attributes Companies Want In You.
* This post is going to answer this question: What are the top attributes of a person that companies are looking for when they are hiring them? The first thing that they are looking for is a self-starter, a person who is self-motivated to get into the thick of...
Anxiety and Depression In College. Know the Warning Signs.
* Two-thirds of students who experience anxiety or depression don’t seek help, according to the 2019 National College Health Assessment. Even more disturbing, the Centers for Disease Control has reported that suicide is the second leading cause of death for...
Here’s What Mental Health First Aid Is
* We've all heard of rendering physical first aid, but do you know that there's something called the mental first aid. Here's how the toolkit works, understand this so you can rush to the aid of anyone who's having a mental health breakdown or a panic attack....
Rescuing Our Kids From Discomfort Is A Terrible Idea | Learnings From The Toad & Frog Fables
* * Want To Listen To The Article Instead? * Works Cited: --https://www.circeinstitute.org/blog/why-we-need-frog-and-toad-more-ever * * * Future STRONG is a global initiative for personal growth. While you're guiding...
Reading, Math And Socio-Emotional Skills – Make Up 12 Years Of Quality Education In The UK
* * Want To Listen To The Article Instead? * Works Cited: Until all children learn to read, do basic math, and gain socio-emotional skills, they won't complete 12 years of quality education.Says the Great Britan that has endorsed...
Big Problems With Smart Phones & Social Media – Increased Anxiety And Impact On Development
* https://youtu.be/2oF0FywuvbM * Want To Listen To The Article Instead? * Works Cited: ...
Tips For Social Media Safety To Protect Young Eyes Against Online Violent Content
* https://youtu.be/bhEbY4BKwCM * Want To Listen To The Article Instead? * Works Cited: ...
The Grifters Are Coming For Our Gen Z | Losing Money To Online Scammers
* https://youtu.be/jH1CLh7M8Mo * Want To Listen To The Article Instead? * Works Cited: --https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpCh5fkJ61Q * * * Our mission with FutureSTRONG Academy – to grow children who respect themselves, their time...
Questions, just ask!
Text or Call: 678.310.5025 | Contact: Fill Form
Bringing a Group? Email us for a special price!