5 reasons to teach your child photography

Thursday 1 September 2022, 20:40 by Jerry van Es | 3,237 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

Most children really enjoy learning new things. As adults, we often feel that we are too busy for all kinds of new activities, but teaching a child a new skill such as photography can be good for both parent and child.

I have listed a number of reasons why it is a good idea to get your child involved in photography!

1. Artistic development

Several scientific studies have shown that being artistically active is good for you. Children who are involved in making art often do better at school!

When making art, you learn to concentrate and work with attention. Taking beautiful photos is also good for your confidence and self-esteem. Becoming better at something through practice is a valuable experience of success.

2. Social skills

Photography can be a fun, social activity. This is especially true when taking a portrait, as you have to think carefully about the person in front of you. Who are they and how do you want to photograph them? Should they look angry or happy? And how do you make that happen as a photographer?

By having your child sit as a model and then modelling for your child, your child learns to put themselves in the model's shoes. As a photographer, you also need to be able to give good directions. It is quite exciting when your parents actually do what you say!

3. Creative thinking

We used to associate creativity with doing some arts and crafts at the community centre, but today it is a highly sought-after skill. However, research by the University of Amsterdam has shown that primary schools pay too little attention to developing creativity in children aged 4-12.

Another reason to introduce your child to the world of photography at an early age.

4. Visual ability

In a world where more and more communication takes place through images, photography is a highly relevant skill. Distinctive visual material is very important in many places, from Instagram accounts with millions of followers to advertising campaigns and company websites.

Being involved in photography is not only good for a child's development, it can also be very useful later in life.

5. Learning together is fun

We often complain bitterly about children spending all day behind the iPad. A fun way to get them away from it is to learn something new together. Whether you are already a very good photographer or are just starting out does not matter that much.

You head out together and soon discover which subjects you both enjoy. By doing things together, you learn skills from each other, but you also talk about the things you find beautiful and interesting.

Heading out together to take beautiful photos is a great way to strengthen your bond and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together!

Examples of photography activities to do with your child

You can find plenty of examples online of fun photo projects you can do with your child. You do not need much. A positive attitude and a simple children's camera are enough.

Going into the woods to see which mushrooms you can find this year is of course lovely, but there is often plenty to do in your own living room too.

For example, create a nice scene with your children's toys. You can make a backdrop, craft an explosion out of paper or stick thought bubbles above LEGO figures. Think of a good story and make sure the photo clearly shows exactly what is happening.

If you do not feel like doing crafts, walk through the house with your child and take photos of all the "faces" you see. The buttons on the cupboard doors suddenly become eyes and the fireplace turns out to need a huge yawn. This game works just as well outside, of course.

However you approach it, taking photos with your child has many benefits. It is fun and relaxing to do something creative together, and your child also learns skills that will be useful for the rest of their life.

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