The camera itself is an engaging tool, but how else can you set the stage for learning? My 5 year old absolutely LOVES books, and reading a photography themed story, before even picking up a camera, sets the tone before we head out to shoot together. I wrote “Phoebe The Photographer” to inspire a love of photography in both kids and adults, and it’s a great way to get your kids excited to learn!

Get them their own camera if you can. If your kids are younger, don’t spend a ton of money on a digital camera, and don’t worry too much about quality. It will give you peace of mind that if the camera drops, or if their sticky fingers streak the glass on the lens, it’s not a big issue.

Film cameras can be a great way to teach responsibility as well! Give them a Fuji Instax camera + pack of film, and place limits on the number of photos they are allowed to take on a given outing. Your kids will beam with pride that they have their own equipment, and will be more careful and respectful of the limitations. It also means that when you go out and shoot, you can each bring your own cameras and shoot together!

Allow your kids to express interest in where they want to go, or what they want to capture. Yes, they may decide to take a million selfies with your mobile phone, or they may want to stick to snapping photos of their stuffed toys in the darkest rooms in the house, or they may focus in on the one wilting flower in your garden. But there is a vision they’re holding in those images, and it’s important to allow their creative visions to be realized.

Depending on the age of your kids, they may be ready to learn some technical basics. At 5, my daughter is starting to learn a little about light, composition, and editing.

One of my favorite games to play with her, when it comes to composition, is one called Zoom In, Zoom Out. For the game, I encourage her to talk a walk around our house or yard. She takes two photos: one up close, the other a pull back.

I show her tips on how to focus the close up shot (don’t get too close!), and holding the camera steady. When she completes her mission, my job is to look at her close up shot, to see if I can guess what it is she photographed. The pull back shot allows her to reveal the answer!

After going on a photo walk, sit down with your child and look at their photos. Better yet, get the photos printed and look through the prints together. Ask your child which photos they liked the best and why. Hearing their perspective will open up richer conversations about composition, light, and focus, and allow you to teach them why they may like or dislike certain photos over others.

The printing process can be mundane and overwhelming, so finding buddies to help you stay accountable, and make the commitment to yourself and your family is key. Which is precisely why I created my own support network. You’re invited to join me for the Embrace 3 Day Photo Printing Challenge. We’ll work together to get a simple project off your device and into your life for good. Because in the end perfect pictures are printed ones.