Photography is a great hobby to have. It is something that can develop artistic skills, as well as a range of others. If you’re considering a camera for your child, you may want to know what age is best for this? You may want to know which camera is best suited, or which features you should consider for age appropriateness. Whatever the reason, we have compiled some of the best information to help you determine if your child is ready for a camera, and if so, which.
You, as their parent, will know when they are ready to move to a more expensive, or professional camera as opposed to others. However, many cameras that have been developed for children are working to provide not only creativity and imagination, but also helps them work on fine motor skills.
When choosing a camera for your child, consider the child and their age. Here are some other important tips to keep in mind when introducing a child to photography.
Before the Age of Five
It is recommended to get a child interested in cameras and taking pictures before the age of five. This is because they are interested in the world around them and all of their surroundings. They are able to take the world in, but when they capture this with pictures, it can bring new light to them. Encouraging your child to use a camera helps get them outdoors and saving memories they will cherish. Regular camera use is an excellent substitution for more traditional electronic devices. Getting children into photography at a young age helps them develop a new skill and gives them another reason to appreciate the world around them. It’s a way to cultivate interest in nature, and can lead to a lifelong passion for some.
It has been shown in many instances and studies where children before the age of five can actually increase the stimuli in their brain and promote better brain development through the use of photography and other creative endeavors.
In addition to this, another study performed stated that photography can not only build self-esteem, but creativity, imagination, perceived values, and also brings people together closer. These children are not only working out their fine motor skills, but they’re capturing memories, moments, and loved ones. This alone provides them with more cherished value and brain development.
It’s vital to get little ones in this age group highly durable cameras that will withstand being dropped and beat up a bit during use. Look for more small and lightweight cameras that are protected by a durable case and lens cover. Choose a model with a thick body and rugged construction that won’t fail after the first drop. These little rugged units give your little ones the ability to snap photos where they go without you having to worry about them failing from normal use.
Asking children, especially small children in this age range, to take a picture of the family dog, their favorite toy or stuffed animal in a pose, or their sister or brother can help them start making decisions earlier on in life. This sets the best stage for their development earlier on.
Between Five and Nine
Children between the ages of five and nine years old are a bit more developed than the smaller children who might be introduced to photography. However, this age is still agreeable to many and can still provide the mentioned benefits to the child.
There is also more room in this age range for children to show their potential and be proud of their work and new hobby. It is a chance for them to speak to new children or people about something they’re passionate about. It can also make them more innovative. Children in this age group that take photos regularly are less likely to rely on other electronics that don’t offer as many benefits. These children can also discover other interests they have through photography.
Children in this age group should look for more advanced cameras than younger children. There are models on the market with large touchscreens and more interactive features. They capture better photos and videos and offer a more valuable experience for the children. Children in this age group can also benefit from instant print cameras, and they can use these products to print and color objects they are interested in right away. An instant print camera is a bit heavier, but offers fun coloring opportunities and provides a more interactive experience for children that are old enough to value it.
Nine and Older
Those children who are older than eight have a better understanding of photography and the specifics that go with it. They are easily able to use a camera, even a more expensive one. They can take the time to explore and capture images that capture their attention. They are given a chance at independence, while also having something they can be proud of.
At this age, more and more skills begin to develop because of the use of the camera. They can focus more on problem-solving skills because they have to determine the angle, lighting, and other specifics of photography. They can experiment with more, while also having more knowledge on depth, perception, and color contrast.
Art is Important for Early Childhood Development
With art exploration comes a world full of color, excitement, questions, and wonder. As parents, we want the best for our children. Most parents today, and many children have access to smartphones equipped with decent cameras. They aren’t the same as standard cameras though. A new camera gives parents the ability to limit screen time effectively while allowing their children to take stunning photos conveniently. If you’ve been considering the use of these cameras, then it might be time to consider introducing your child to them.
Free expression is one of the best benefits that children can grow from. This is ideal for mental health and helps them to relieve stress and also know how to work through things that might come up in their lives. This is a life skill that can be taught earlier on, offering the best building blocks for the child to use as they grow.
It is important to support your child during this, but do not lead them. Consider helping younger children at first, but then allow them to express what they’d like using the camera after that. This can help them gain more independence, while expressing themselves and how they feel when using the camera.
Allowing the child to explore with the camera and take pictures gives them independence. It gives them the chance to build themselves, gain self-esteem and self-awareness, and might even bring in a few friends.
If you’re ready to explore and introduce your child to photography, then we welcome you to shop with us. With a camera specifically built with children’s growth in mind, you can find that an introduction to photography was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
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