Fleckrc Loc: Lufkin, TX

I appreciate any advice you have to give! Do you have a set curriculum that you follow?

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Sounds like a very worthy project. At some point some of the technical stuff, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc., will have to be taught. I think that might be the hard part. Might not be much fun in learning the exposure triangle, etc.

Don

MJPerini

First, Great that you are willing to teach photography to kids.
I would not worry about curriculum or technique until you meet your kids.
The one thing I might do first is spend a minute or two asking them and telling them how many different kinds of photography we see. Birthdays, Holidays, vacations, but also news photography, Pictures that tell a story, pictures on Amazon to sell mouthwash, or Bicycles or a million other things. Pictures that make us feel a certain way, Pictures that make us laugh, like funny animal pictures, Pictures from the Moon etc
The one thing all those have in common is that someone decides to take them, and you must know enough bout the camera you have to use it in a way that makes pictures you want.
I would ask them what kinds of pictures they like, and what they would like to learn how to do, or do better..
They'll tell you. Depending on the age and experience it could go lots of other ways but in my experience this is a good way to start. Because the best aim is to get them to enjoy it, --if they enjoy it they will keep learning.

Those would be my suggestions....
Good Luck

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

This is an impatient generation, quite often with the attention spans of gnats. So expect them to be distracted quite easily. Meet them where they want to be: using smartphones. That's where you can teach composition, lighting, perspective, point of view, moment, angle, and all the other things that make images interesting to look at.

The more advanced technical aspects of exposure, lens selection, adjustable camera techniques, and accessories will be intimidating for kids until they get hooked on image making. But once they see what can be done with adjustable cameras and interchangeable lens cameras, some of them will want to ditch their phones and use "dedicated cameras."

I've said it for 20 years, now... We live in a digital world. There is a myth that one must learn film photography first. That's complete nonsense, and complete frustration for those who will never buy a film camera. Film certainly can be fun and "arty," but the vast majority of young photographers don't want to use film at all. So plan accordingly.

If you want to teach film photography, don't make it a requirement! Make it an optional, "advanced" course. It will have enough intrigue to attract the right people who won't lose patience or attention to detail.

You can teach advanced photography with film or digital cameras, and teach it exactly the same way in each case. I haven't seen a digital SLR or mirrorless yet that can't be stripped down/dumbed down to work like a Nikon FTn or Canon FTb or Pentax Spotmatic. They all have manual modes. You can teach manual exposure methods, and still get to all the advanced modes and reasons to automate things.

Remember that every control on every camera was put there for a reason. Don't make fun of any of them. Teach them all in their intended contexts. For instance, raw capture is better than JPEG capture for a long list of reasons, but JPEG capture is better than raw capture, for a *completely different* set of reasons. Knowing when to choose one workflow or the other (or both!) is important.

Most important to the successful photographer is knowing what a good photograph looks like. We learn that by seeing thousands and thousands of great images, and emulating the techniques that made them. Developing an "eye" for scene capture and subsequent refinement in post production is important. So help kids make study of exhibits, books, websites, magazines, and other photo presentations a good habit. They can train their eyes a lot, just by watching great movies and PBS serial dramas.

Above all, don't be afraid to stretch and challenge, but keep it positive.

Jazztrader

Googled "photography club for kids:"


https://www.magazinemama.com/blogs/editors-blog/top-3-tips-for-teaching-a-kids-photography-club

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/photography-club-ideas-for-kids--37014028162067544/

https://clickitupanotch.com/photography-for-kids/

https://www.picture-power.com/photography-lessons-for-kids.html

https://digital-photography-school.com/6-photography-projects-kids/

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I found you need to take them one at a time and let them run or walk at their own speed. Some pick it up and want to go and others will end up dropping out. I support them all but found that a one on one gave the best results. They also have a great difference in the vision of photography between an early teen to and older one.

dbfalconer Loc: Salida CO

Some random ideas:
Keep your group small or have teen assistants.
Show a few photos and ask kids to tell what story each photo tells.
Will this be a 1-week daily camp setting? Or weekly for 10 weeks? Part of an after-school program or entirely independent? If independent, You may need parental permission slips, legal waivers, etc. (Personally, I would seek to piggyback with an established program, perhaps a local scout troop or Boys and Girls Club, or work through the library or community center.)
Never be alone with a child or even a group. Consider health and safety issues, first aid.
With the kids, establish ground rules for behavior to create a safe space. Respect, constructive criticism, etc.
Damage to equipment?
Provide lots of hands-on activities. Give an assignment for next session: a theme or style if they take cameras home. Or a look-for challenge—color combos, shapes/patterns hunt, etc.
Keep group small and sessions short. You want them engaged and eager, sorry to see a session end!
If you include a snack time, easiest for kids to bring their own re diet restrictions. Consider ‘banning’ allergy triggers like nuts? Snacks are tricky. Can all participants afford to bring their own? Lots to consider…

I’d love to participate in such a program. Just learned there was one locally last week so I will inquire. Love to know how yours evolves if you would PM me down the road. Good luck!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Contact the local 4-H in your area about starting a 4-H photo club. Photography is a category in 4-H where kids can show their work at the county fairs, just like animals, cooking, sewing, etc.

I used to do photo seminars for 4-H kids every year. Today there are individual clubs for specific projects. I'd suggest you try that; most of the kids had no clue about camera and photography basics and were really willing to learn.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I don't have any ideas for teaching or subject matter, but I did receive a cute, functional little 8MP camera that may be useful for some of the kids. It is called a "Camp Snap" and is available for $39.99 plus shipping. Total cost $45 and a little change. The camera comes with a simple instruction sheet, a charging/transfer cord (USB-C on each end) installed rechargeable battery, a 2 GB memory card installed which requires a small phillips screwdriver to remove. The viewfinder is not very clear, but the camera is made for kids to use and get the feeling of taking photos. To check it out go to "campsnap.com" and it will provide a link to order.

I bought mine as a lark and was impressed with the results. I've only taken a few indoors but the photos are clear, bright, and quite accurate in color. For $45 it may be a good buy for kids with limited funds for a SLR or a DSLR. I'll get a few pics over the next couple of days and post next week.

Fleckrc Loc: Lufkin, TX

Thank you for all of your thoughtful advice!

Fleckrc Loc: Lufkin, TX

I bought some of those for my youngest grandkids and they thoroughly enjoyed using them!

Fleckrc Loc: Lufkin, TX

Great idea! My grands were in 4-H and even won some of those competitions! Thank you!

Fleckrc Loc: Lufkin, TX

Thank you for responding! I fully understand all of your legal advice since I was in the education field for 40 years and also Girl Scout leader. I will definitely attach to an organization for all of the reasons you stated. Thank you again for your excellent suggestions! I'll keep you posted!

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

It is great that you are able to work with young people so they can "progress quickly to advanced levels," but could you share with the OP some examples of what you actually do.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

A good place to start would be the beginning. I suggest to begin with encouraging them to carry their pnones and cameras with them and begin looking for opportunities to make images. In other words to begin seeing the world as photographers. Also some mundane but essential stuff. Be sure your phone is charged, your camera has a memory card and a freshly charged battery. I am assuming none of them will be shooting film. Then have fun, but always have a goal in mind.