Requested to teach teenagers all about photography
Jan 18, 2017 18:41:42 #
daplight wrote:
Maybe some of you out there have been approached b... (show quote)
I agree with the answers that stress talking to the student. I'd invite the person on a "photo walk" or outing based on THEIR interest and most importantly FUN!. Keep it to about 2 hours of shooting and then two hours of refreshment--and remember the quantity factor for teens-- while you download shots and compare interests, points of view. Ask lots of questions like why this angle, this subject, what's interesting TO YOU about this photo. Then, after the "What's The Subject" is drilled, explore framing options to change and maybe even improve the composition. Perhaps see what exposure issues arise. BUT it has to be fun.
I think I'd do my first two or three sessions with a phone just to show that it IS the photographer, NOT the camera. And count on the kid's phone being better than yours!
I've done this with little kids 7-10 year-olds. They see the world so very differently from adults--especially the Grandpa kind.
Have fun,
C
Jan 18, 2017 20:45:35 #
daplight wrote:
Maybe some of you out there have been approached b... (show quote)
A conference between you, parent and child in which the child has an equal say. If you suspect coercion from the parent, find an excuse to back away.
Jan 18, 2017 21:01:32 #
Charge if you like, but there's nothing wrong with giving away your love of photography for an hour or two.
How old a child? 8- and 12- and 16-year-olds are very different creatures.
Our kids are grown, but I would go to a youngster's house with parents there, hand him/her a camera, and shoot in the backyard for a while. Trade shots. Show your interest; show interest in THEIR interests. Show what you can do, but don't show off. If after an hour they have a clear interest, talk about "lessons." If not, you aren't out anything but a little time.
How old a child? 8- and 12- and 16-year-olds are very different creatures.
Our kids are grown, but I would go to a youngster's house with parents there, hand him/her a camera, and shoot in the backyard for a while. Trade shots. Show your interest; show interest in THEIR interests. Show what you can do, but don't show off. If after an hour they have a clear interest, talk about "lessons." If not, you aren't out anything but a little time.
Jan 19, 2017 05:44:01 #
As a life long teacher, let me share an axiom that is a daily and living concept. People raise and/or lower their performance to match the expectation put before them. Don't apologize for placing a high expectation before the student. Make it reasonable, but don't make it low. Then compliment each time he/she achieves the goal you have set.
Jan 19, 2017 06:26:20 #
After retirement from industry science/management, I, at 70, took the teachers exams and was fully licensed. One of the opportunities offered in addition to regular teaching is in-home teaching is injured or home confined students. Asking the other... long term... teachers, the concensis was a male should never do this because of the danger of accusations by student or parent. Personally I observed that the girls that are now students "ain't the gals I went to school with" some now are very assertive, are highly sexulized toward the boys and play flirt games, even with ol' dudes. Caution is the word, group is the recommendation.
In the school system where I was teaching, photography was an Art Course for credit. If not they you could volunteer to give an occational lecture on photography. In Science optics, in Art composition are good topics; it does not take much to light the fire. The students can read and can take online free courses, many out there.
In the school system where I was teaching, photography was an Art Course for credit. If not they you could volunteer to give an occational lecture on photography. In Science optics, in Art composition are good topics; it does not take much to light the fire. The students can read and can take online free courses, many out there.
Jan 19, 2017 06:27:59 #
I would advise they go to a local club where hopefully they'll get several opinions. But if you go it alone I'd go for composition first, rule of thirds and leading lines etc. If they like what they see then move on to 'improvements' by way of ISO / F stops / pp etc.
Whenever I'm coaching kayaking / canoeing keep asking if they're having fun. When they say no you've got a problem that needs addressing straight away.
Whenever I'm coaching kayaking / canoeing keep asking if they're having fun. When they say no you've got a problem that needs addressing straight away.
Jan 19, 2017 08:26:43 #
I got some good ideas on how to teach my 10 year old grandson photography from a book I got at Amazon: "Photo Adventures for Kids: Solving the Mysteries of Taking Great Photos" by Anne-Laurie Jacquart. (Rockynook Publishing).
You can easily adapt some of the ideas to teenagers.
It seems to be working pretty well, so far. But in teaching anyone anything new, its always an adventure. Have fun!
You can easily adapt some of the ideas to teenagers.
It seems to be working pretty well, so far. But in teaching anyone anything new, its always an adventure. Have fun!
Jan 19, 2017 09:00:24 #
I would tell the parent to have the child contact you. When talking to him/her see if you can get a feel for their interest in photography.
Jan 19, 2017 09:12:38 #
When I attended photography school (Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida) I was the oldest of all the students in my class. A majority were under 20 years of age and a common complaint from teachers was that they were no paying enough attention is class or that they were not serious enough when on assignment.
I have been approached only once by a father to instruct his child and my answer was that I did not have enough spare time to do so. I recommended the same school where I attended classes. That child never went to formal studies in photography.
Am I willing to teach? Yes, but children are always a challenge. They are more inclined to play than to study. I think I could do better if I teach adults and usually when I see someone with a good camera doing something foolish I ask permission and politely I tell them what they are doing wrong. I never had anyone that I approached to behave improperly and I always had a "thank you" as their response to what I did.
I do not have enough spare time happens to be a good answer at times.
I have been approached only once by a father to instruct his child and my answer was that I did not have enough spare time to do so. I recommended the same school where I attended classes. That child never went to formal studies in photography.
Am I willing to teach? Yes, but children are always a challenge. They are more inclined to play than to study. I think I could do better if I teach adults and usually when I see someone with a good camera doing something foolish I ask permission and politely I tell them what they are doing wrong. I never had anyone that I approached to behave improperly and I always had a "thank you" as their response to what I did.
I do not have enough spare time happens to be a good answer at times.
Jan 19, 2017 09:34:21 #
daplight
Loc: Kansas
I want to thank everyone for taking the time and willingness to offer a lot of thoughtful advice. There were so many great suggestions, all have merit. I also want to thank all the 'teachers' in the crowd. Without you I think our youth would be helpless and hopeless. I will try to pay the benefits of my mistakes and successes in photography forward.
Daplight
Daplight
Jan 19, 2017 09:34:40 #
I consider it a mountainous task to teach someone 'all' about photography. Good luck!
Jan 19, 2017 10:39:41 #
I agree about having the child approach you...for many reasons. The child could be told that you've offered the instruction and all you need is for the child to make the request. That removes any fear of rejection from the child's thoughts. As to actual instruction, go slowly and create circumstances that afford quick results, especially at the front end. If a child works their butt off without seeing something good result from it rather quickly, that child may soon lose interest. I made that mistake when trying to teach my daughter how to play the guitar. Too much, too soon withough enough immediate positive results.
Jan 19, 2017 10:40:02 #
peterg
Loc: Santa Rosa, CA
jerryc41 wrote:
I'd begin with subject and composition.
You need teach only 4 things: Know your subject, composition, lighting and (camera/processing) technique. Perhaps, find a good book to use as your syllabus. To teach other art (e.g. painting), just change the technique. Simple! 
Jan 19, 2017 10:45:27 #
I think the best chance of success with womeone new to cameras and photo stuff, is to delve into history . A protfolio of old,historic photos showing stuff of historic value, how that has enabled thor to be preserved, and a bit of hsitory of the photographer would enable the student to grasp the significance of the camera and what it has meant to history. If you detect a glimmer in the eye, then move on to the technical stuff. If the student isn't motiviated by a first intro to what has occured throughout the history of the camera, chances are they will not catch the bug for their own contributions, however small. Just my thoughts.
Jan 19, 2017 10:53:11 #
Teachers can inspire students, so why not give it a shot. I have taught photography to hundreds of people over the last 15 years. Some have gone on to start their own photography businesses. I am thrilled when I see the light go on and watch inspiration take over. But sometimes inspiration needs a nudge and sometimes a teacher can do that.
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