Among the many ways of combating nothingness, one of the best is to take photographs,
an activity which should be taught to children early on, as it requires discipline,
aesthetic education, a good eye, and steady fingers.
Julio Cortázar, “The Devil’s Drool”.
From a very young age, children are curious about the world around them—they explore, admire, are amazed, and, above all, play. Photography will help them grow.
Taking pictures can be a wonderful game that allows young children to focus on their surroundings and actively engage with the world they live in: leaves on the ground, holes in trees, red cars, shop doors, the park slide—these will be their first photographs. Observing and capturing what they like will help them develop attention and focus. In this way, just like adults, they will begin to notice things they had never seen before, express their love for nature, and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.
For older children, photography will become a source of discovery and self-awareness, helping them build connections within their peer group and strengthen family bonds.
How do we start?
1. Give them a camera. Depending on their age, you can choose anything from a point-and-shoot camera to a DSLR. If possible, opt for smaller models so they can carry them without adding too much extra weight.
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2. Teach them how to use it. Show them how to hold it properly, move around to find the best framing, and explore different perspectives. But above all, teach them to wait for the “perfect moment”—when the dog runs, their sibling jumps, or the train passes by…
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3. Be the example. Even though today’s generation is immersed in visual culture, it’s important that they see you taking photos, showing them your work, and enjoying the process of sharing images with them..
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4. Let them run and explore the surroundings without feeling watched. You can set challenges and games: find something blue, a letter, an animal, a reflection.
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5. NEVER correct, only suggest. The most important thing is the experience and the fun of playing.
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6. Talk about their photos, help them create and tell stories with them. Praise their work so they feel proud. A parent’s opinion is fundamental in building self-confidence.
7. Print their photos. They can be birthday or Christmas cards, a picture on the fridge, or a gift for a friend or family member.
8. If you have the opportunity, let them join a photography workshop for children their age. They will learn, discover new ways of seeing the world, and make friends with similar interests.
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Share photography with your child, give them space and privacy to explore and discover, encourage them to keep learning, and respect their perspective. You will foster their independence, they will make mistakes to learn, but most importantly, they will have fun and develop their passion for photography and for life.
…there is a duty to be present,
to not miss that sudden and delightful bounce
of a sunbeam on an old stone,
or the wind-blown braids of a little girl
returning with a loaf of bread or a bottle of milk.
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ANDANAfoto. (March 29, 2016). "Why Teach Photography in Childhood". ANDANAfoto.com. | https://andanafoto.com/en/why-teach-photography-in-childhood/.
