I don't want to make a huge deal about this despite appearances to the contrary, but I think there may be some value in learning to shoot in a manner other than "take 400 images and hope that one or two turn out." If they have a disposable film camera with 12 or 24 shots they will be forced to try to get it right in fewer shots: to take it nice and slow, compose and frame, to not waste shots. Plus, I think there's great value in levelling the playing field so no one thinks that another student has an advantage due to arriving with a Leica X1.
Hey, I'm not saying that this film thing has to be done to the exclusion of digital. It would be only one exercise among many. Hell, there is something to be said for the instant feedback of chimping, seeing an obvious fault and being able to immediately reshoot. Christine is obviously a very capable teacher and I know that she will be more than able to teach her students valuable lessons with both film and digital cameras. So on to other things: I've often thought it might be fun to incorporate some great photographs into such lessons. Maybe not each class, perhaps only for the first class, show the students a photographic masterpiece, initiate discussion: Do they like it? How does it make them feel? What makes it different from other photos they've seen? Can they learn anything from it that they can use in some of their own photos? Tell them a bit about the photographer and the circumstances surrounding the photo. Tell them how they can find other great photos to admire and be inspired by. It may be that some kids haven't seen many photos other than in the news, on Facebook or family snaps. To know that there are genres of photos out there that they haven't been aware of could only be a good thing, right? Anyway, Christine, it's your class and whatever elements you use whether from this discussion or from all other sources, I know your students will learn a great deal from you. They'll be lucky to have you as their teacher. Cheers, frank --- Original Message --- From: David Parsons <parsons.da...@gmail.com> Sent: January 15, 2012 1/15/12 To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <pdml@pdml.net> Subject: Re: OT: Photography for Kids? If the parents are willing to put their kids into a photo class, they can give them a camera to use while attending the class. How many families don't have a P&S camera that their kids can use for a class (that would be able to afford and show the interest of putting them in a class)? They will be better suited to learn rules of composition that will help them take better pictures, than to use any specific camera. I wouldn't even bother with film. They are going to want to share the pictures on FB anyway, why make it difficult for them? Chris, if there is one thing that would be great for everyone to know, Focus and Recompose. I can't tell you how many vacation shots that I have where the background is in sharp focus and we are just out of focus because the person framed with the landmark in the background and the camera picked that for focus. Maybe that isn't as bad with face detection nowadays though. On Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 1:38 AM, Christine Aguila <christ...@caguila.com> wrote: > Actually, I'm not keen on the disposable camera idea--though I do appreciate > the idea, but let the kids get the real thing in their hands--even if it's > just a point and shoot. They can handle it. Cheers, Christine > > > > On Jan 14, 2012, at 10:08 PM, knarftheria...@gmail.com wrote: > >> I like your disposable camera idea, John. It would be a lot cheaper than the >> Holga and would achieve the same result with the advantage of built-in flash. >> >> The only advantage of the Holga would be that they get to keep them, but in >> this digital age, realistically, how many would get used once they get them >> home? Film, processing and prints would be a huge expense for most >> youngsters. Much easier grab a p&s. >> >> Cheers, >> frank >> >> --- Original Message --- >> >> From: John Sessoms <jsessoms...@nc.rr.com> >> Sent: January 14, 2012 1/14/12 >> To: pdml@pdml.net >> Subject: RE: OT: Photography for Kids? >> >> From: Christine Nielsen >> >>> Hello all... >>> >>> ...and Happy New Year! >>> >>> Well, 2012 has gotten off to a busy start, and I haven't had much time >>> to cruise the list lately... I hope Santa was good to everyone! >>> >>> One of the things I've been doing is teaching some classes, sort of a >>> "Photography for Moms"/Beyond "Auto" kind of thing, and it's been >>> going pretty well. I've been asked several times if I do kids' >>> classes... and I think I'm going to put something together in that >>> vein. >>> >>> So... I'm doing some research & thinking about how that might work. >>> And soliciting input from anyone who might have it... >>> >>> Thus far, this is what I'm assuming: >>> >>> - Kids aged 9 & up... maybe even a 9-12 group, and a 13 & up? >>> - Mostly p & s cameras, esp with younger kids >>> - Composition getting greater emphasis than ins & out of exposure - >>> we'll deal in Auto modes >>> - Teaching practical applications... finding "good" light, how to >>> photograph your friends, your pet, sports, landscapes, your vacation, >>> macro, etc... >>> - Keep it fun... a photo scavenger hunt? a website they can post >>> pics/contribute to? "A day in the life", or other photo projects..? >>> - Maybe 4 - 6 classes, 90 mins each >>> >>> What do you think? Anyone out there ever done this sort of thing, or >>> have any good resources to share? I'd be most grateful... >>> >>> >>> -c >> >> 90 minutes is too long; 20 minutes would probably work better with kids, >> certainly with teenagers. Heck, I know adults who can't pay attention >> for 30 minutes. >> >> I'm a big believer in starting kids out with one of those disposable >> film cameras and turning 'em loose. >> >> When they come back, THEN start going over the basics of composition, >> exposure & such. Get the kids involved early by having them find the >> compositional elements in their own photos & encourage a little self >> analysis - "How could I have made this better?" When they can relate >> abstract concepts to their own photos, they just seem grasp them a >> little more firmly. >> >> HINT 1: Use the flash indoors. That's what it's there for. >> HINT 2: The built in flash works really good for back-lit portraits. >> >> Then give 'em another disposable camera and turn 'em loose again to >> apply what they've learned. >> >> -- >> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >> PDML@pdml.net >> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >> follow the directions. >> -- >> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >> PDML@pdml.net >> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >> follow the directions. >> > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- David Parsons Photography http://www.davidparsonsphoto.com Aloha Photographer Photoblog http://alohaphotog.blogspot.co -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
