Photography Tips For Kids From The Photo Editor of National Geographic Kids
Get those cameras out!
Kids love taking pictures. It’s a great way to spark their creativity and their is no limit when it comes to all the wonderful things they can discover from taking a closer look at the the world around them.
As a National Geographic Kids Insider, I recently had the pleasure to speak to Kelley Miller, the photo editor of National Geographic Kids publications. She was kind enough to give some great photography advice and her top 5 tips for kids interested in the medium:
1. Use what’s available
Miller insists that children don’t need an expensive camera to take great pictures. Children can start taking pictures with smartphones and point-and-shot cameras. Start by using things around you, such as friends, family, pets and school events.
2. Take photos of what you’re interested in
She recommends giving your child a photo assignment, such as taking photos at a family event.
Most often children like taking pictures of food and their pets. For taking photos of food, the best place is with plenty of natural light, like near a window For taking photos of pets, be mindful of the background (it can be distracting) and try different angles
3. Test out different camera settings
A great way to learn how to use a camera is by testing out the different camera settings. Try turning off the flash! On your smartphone, tap the screen so the camera knows what to focus on. For point-and-shoot cameras, test out the different modes – for example, the “fireworks” setting is good for night photos because it turns off the flash and gives photos a longer exposure.
4. Try smartphone accessories and apps
Kelly also recommends trying out a lens attachment, such as an Olloclip or a Photojojo lens. Taking advantage of the multitude of great photo apps is all a must for children. Try an app such as Camera Plus.
5. Gather inspiration
Get inspiration by doing some research. Look at photography online, in books and in magazines, which will help spark ideas. Visiting an art museum is also a great source of garnering inspiration. Lastly, participate in the National Geographic Kids MyShot photo community to see photos by other kids.
Contest
Let your children show off their camera skill by entering the National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids. The contest is accepting entries until October 15 and the grand prize is a National Geographic Costa Rica Family Adventure!
Do you have any tips to add? Do your children love taking pictures? What are their favorite subjects?
Disclosure: I am part of the National Geographic Kids Insider program. I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
I love taking pictures of my kids but I never really thought of giving them an assignment at a family gathering. What a great way to glimpse the world through their eyes.
This is a great idea. I have let my daughter take photos of me in the past. They each have their own camera so that they can take pictures when they go somewhere without me.
What a cute contest for kids! I think getting young ones into creative arts early is important–it helps build a lasting, unique imagination!
I have given National Geographic for Kids many times as a gift. Somehow it does not surprise me that they would hold this marvelous contest for children.
I love giving my kids the camera and seeing what they take. Their perspective is so interetsing!
Great tips for kids taking pictures I love the idea of starting kids young taking pictures. My son love taking picture of everything when we go somewhere. Thanks for sharing.
So sad to see this contest is US only. My daughter was so excited at the idea of entering!
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching
for photography tips