Help! I've volunteered to teach some kids about photography .....

[karissneisha]

.......at the local youth club. They are all in the process of completing an Arts award, and their co-ordinator has asked the Camera Club I belong to to send someone along to introduce them to photography, and I being the youngest have been volunteered! Most of them just have point and shoots or camera phones, but all have an interest. I am planning on telling them a little about things like the rule of thirds, using different angles (getting down low etc), considering the light and time of day. After we've done all this, I'm going to send them out to take some shots around the club, and we can have a chat about what they got after. The main aim is to get them inspired to take pictures over the holidays to lead into a full on photography talk by one of the senior club members in the autumn.
I am still just learning myself, I've only been taking this seriously for a few months, so I was hoping that someone out there with more experience/ or who has done something similar before could give me any advice/ideas of what would be good topics to cover.
Thanks in advance!

[Swisstony10]

If they're mainly using P&S and phone cameras, then you're probably best off going with the stuff you already outlined. Stick with the creative elements, and explain how to use available light to your best advantage - if you try going "technical", even basic stuff like the exposure triangle is going to mean nothing to them, because only a very few are likely to have any control over shutter or aperture (although some camera phones now include an ISO and WB setting, which surprised me).

You could maybe include using simple home-made reflectors to get a bit of extra light onto a subject, and have them taking pictures of each other in shade using a piece of white foamboard or something to bounce evening sunlight back and stuff. Don't forget to remind them that some rules are meant to be pushed, bent, twisted, battered, and, on occasion, shattered...

I'm doing something similar over the summer, with someone who's going to start studying photography in September - she's coming with me on a few shoots as an assistant, and in return for being able to use her as an advanced light/reflector stand, I'm going to teach her what I'm doing, how I'm doing it, and most important, why I'm doing it. I think it'll be fun.

Just relax and enjoy it - let your love of photography shine through what you teach them, and they'll pick up on it.

Russ.

[BigVinnie]

Sounds like fun!

I suggest a little arts and crafts. Have them make up some reflectors and go out in groups of three and take pictures of each other. One shoot, one model, one hold a reflector.

In my opinion the most basic lesson to learn is that it is all about the light. After they learn that I would move into camera fundamentals. A lot of P&S will still allow you to do some tweaking of the settings. Knowing depth of field and panning are a couple things I would go over. Action shots are a big deal to a lot of kids these days.

Lecture, shoot, review. Repeat.

[karissneisha]

Thanks guys! Glad to know I'm on the right track, hadn't thought of panning, that sounds like a great idea, cheers.
I'm all for breaking rules, don't you worry ......

[gturner]

get them to turn off the flash and have fun

[BCampbell]

Yeah, I agree not to get technical at all and definitely don't introduce any additional equipment.

I would actually put together a short lesson plan with a brief history of photography, some basic information on how modern digital cameras work (i.e., lens to sensor to memory card to output), and how photography is used today (advertising, photojournalism, fashion, scientific research, etc.). Then explain some very basic composition concepts, preferably with examples, give a very basic explanation to help the avoid blowing out highlights, and send them off in full auto mode to take a few photos. Encourage them to ask questions the entire time.

Probably the best thing you could do is bring along a standalone printer so you can take one or two of their favorite photos from the day and print them on the spot. Give them something tangible to go home with.

[Rolling Stone]

I agree. Composition and lighting would be a good starting point. I would even throw in learning their cameras. Maybe pick a subject and have them take 3 shots with 3 different settings. Any 3 really. Just to let them explore the camera. Kids love exploring!

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by BCampbell

I would actually put together a short lesson plan with a brief history of photography, some basic information on how modern digital cameras work (i.e., lens to sensor to memory card to output), and how photography is used today (advertising, photojournalism, fashion, scientific research, etc.).

Blah. Sorry, but no kid is going to like that!
Best thing is to make it fun, but sneak in a way to teach them something.