Get kids involved in a family vacation, from behind the lens

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

Photography is a great way to get the kids involved in the family vacation. And the benefits exceed a newfound sense of responsibility. Taking pictures provides children with means to share an adventure, places visited and new things discovered, and helps kids observe what may have gone unnoticed as well as recall their travels with greater ease and spontaneity. It opens up a new world to explore.

Yet it is important that photography remain a game, and not become a bore.

The right equipment
Simple means can result in interesting photos. The single use or disposable camera has several advantages:

• They are light and easy to use and can be worn, on a string, round the neck or carried in a backpack.
  
• They are not as delicate as their parents' semi-professional model and thus facilitate freedom of use whenever and wherever they decide to play.
  
• They come equipped with film and many have a built-in flash. High sensitivity film, 400 asa and up, and a flash will ensure a result even in a setting with little light.

What to snap
A few suggestions may help children spot an opportunity and provide the necessary stimulation to get them started. But refrain from making choices for them: A strange hat or curious animal may hold more appeal than a static scene.

• Suggest they capture their story on film, a story through images to recount to their friends back home. Help them establish a time frame, for example capturing the family adventure from take-off to landing.
  
• Propose photographing everything that is different. A unique building or habitat can teach children much about people, places and foreign culture.
  
• Place value on their personal interests and you will spark their curiosity. Animals, children, musical instruments, strange geographic shapes and colors are a great way to begin.
  
• Allow them to record the world as they see it. This will ensure they weave a personal tale.

Ready, set, click
A few simple tips and soon even the wary will be engaged each and every time an image sparks their interest to click.

• Avoid fuzzy photos. In low light situations, set the camera on a flat surface such as a rock.
  
• Keep your back to the sun and the light will fall directly on your subject rather than the camera's eye.
  
• Keep your eye on the horizon, it can give shape and add quality to the story.
  
• Get close to the subject, it will ensure others are able to follow the tale.
  
• Center the photo. Avoid chopping off mom and dad's head!
  
• Keep your fingers away from the lens.

Articles and books offering additional tips and advice
http://www.ehow.com/how_17506_teach-child-photographs.html">eHow.com
http://www.youthlearn.org/learning/activities/multimedia/photo1.asp">YouthLearn
http://www.rlrouse.com/digital-camera-child.html">RLROUSE Directory
http://cds.aas.duke.edu/ltp/wanna.html">CDS Project

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