daplight Loc: Kansas

Maybe some of you out there have been approached by a parent, asking something like: "My little Johnnie, (or Suzy), has been told he/she has knack for photography, can you teach him/her?"

My first impression is that this parent is 'helicoptering' into the kid's space to try and motivate them to get busy and do something. When I first got interested in photography I pursued it on my own, reading books, magazines, etc. I've tried to mentor a teen before, but became frustrated when they didn't show the commitment and missed prearranged appointments.

I would be more than willing to discuss the many complexities of photography to a willing student, but I would like to see them approach me, asking for themselves, rather than the parent. Thoughts anyone? How would you handle the request from the well-meaning parent?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'd begin with subject and composition.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

If they have an interest, go for it.
Instruction and teaching enthusiasm might bring out a budding photographer.
As for the "get busy and do something" thought, it's much better than playing video games! They will be learning something. As to the drive to learn, maybe that needs to be triggered.
Keep in mind that an introvert child will most likely be less prone to aggressively ask for assistance.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

I'd begin with teaching the importance of the triad: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

leftj Loc: Texas

Ask the parent to have the kid come talk to you about it and this will enable you to gauge their level of interest.

ciclista Loc: Nashville, TN

Mayby having other kids involved would be good. A friend of mine and I and the school librarian started a camera club at a local middle school. The PTO bought 10 Panasonic bridge cameras (about $4000) and the club is oversubscribed. We get tremendous satisfaction working with the kids.

poppytom

I tend to agree about questionable motivation by the student. I think it's a good idea to meet with student to see interest level they really have before possibly wasting your time. Tom in Ohio

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

First of all you need a different approach. I would not show up either for a lecture on complexities of photography. As a teacher you instill the love of the subject. The wonder of photography or whatever you are doing. If the student is being forced into the instruction it might be possible to turn them but again after a few tries you can get a sense of where it is going. Not enough space here to teach you teaching but your post says it all. I would hate the instruction of complexities.
Turn it down until you learn teaching as an art.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

I would start with the question, "Why isn't your child asking me for help?" and then expanding to, "If they are really interested have them call me. My rate starts at $xx per hour."

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

Tell them you are open to it IF their kid comes and talks to you directly.

nikon_jon Loc: Northeast Arkansas

I would agree. Over the decades I have known many people who seem to be interested in the craft until they come face-to-face with the amount of study and work it takes to refine their skills. Unfortunately the camera manufacturers are being kept in business by building cameras that people think will do all their thinking for them. That is called market pressure and I guess I would rather see them promoting this mentality rather than go 'belly up' for lack of sales.

In 6 1/2 years on the photography staff at our local daily, I only met one, yes, that's one, person who walked through our door as a graduate of the local university who could pick up a camera and shoot an assignment and come back with usable results. In fact, he turned out to be quite a craftsman with a camera.

Peoples perception of what it takes to be a good photographer also contributes to the problem. I volunteered my time to work on a construction project one weekend. Knowing my experience with a camera, I was asked to document the project. You would be surprise at the number of people who would ask me to help them with something because I was only walking around, as some of them told me, playing around with a camera.

Alas! People just don't know.

Mary White Loc: Port St Lucie, Florida

Time spent with a young person, even if they only learn one thing, is never a waste of time.

Mary White Loc: Port St Lucie, Florida

Shame on you...this is a teenager. He/She won't ask for help because they don't have access to help or even realize their own potential. They need guidance. Why does it always have to be about money ????????

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Take them to your public library and have them ask the nice lady at the reference desk where the photography books are...then evaluate their level of interest after six months.

Mary White Loc: Port St Lucie, Florida

Thank you, architect 1776. You are right on! I assisted with teaching a state park's kids' 3-day photo camp last summer. The kids were 10-14 years old. They were great! Just got feedback this week on some of the kids who are 4-H club members and they are quoting the teachers from the camp to their 4-H photo club. One set of parents told me the kids entered a marine biology contest and placed with honorable mentions, second and third place awards. Their photography, which, yes, they were already interested in, noticeably improved. One of the things we did for them was to place specimen taxidermied wildlife on a trail for them to practice photographing in a natural setting. Just think what one student could learn with your one-on-one instruction, daplight !!! Go for it!!!