I attribute their alternative perspective (compared to adults) to two things : their size (their perspective is naturally lower) and their interests. Some children ask other children to pose and smile, as they have seen at some point at a family gathering or a birthday party. Others take photos like I do, documenting our day and what people are making without making them stop. But generally, they are not concerned with the product -- it is all about what the subject is while it is happening.
Another reason I love giving children cameras is because it is another form of visual art for them to experiment with. Just as a child can paint what they see or what they like, a child with a camera can take photographs of what they see and like. For children who cannot draw representationally, a camera allows them to show exactly what they want to show. They just have to turn it on, make sure what they like is on the screen, and press the big button. Done.
I'd like to share some of my favorite photographs by children, maybe once a week - I have many already and there are more to come.
Do you allow children to take photographs in the classroom?
I love giving young children cameras! Flickr has a fun group called "A Little Perspective" that is all photographs taken by chidren.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Mariah -- I'll have to check that out! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have never done this before, but it sounds fun. Do you develop all the pictures, or just put them in the computer? If you develop them is there a special place you go that doesn't cost a lot? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI don't develop all of the pictures. I usually go through the photos on the computer with the child and have them choose some favorites. If they have taken hundreds, I sometimes narrow them down into a smaller set for them to look at and choose from. And I usually order the prints online - it's really convenient!
ReplyDelete