Photography games to introduce children to photography in an education

When we consider introducing children to the same hobbies as adults, the initial approach can sometimes be difficult. We'd all like to share hobbies with them, but it's hard to teach them in a fun way. We've compiled a series of games and activities that can help us introduce little ones to a hobby like photography.

There will be time for them to learn rules and regulations, but for now, the ideal thing is to try playing, doing crafts, and getting them interested.

Taboo photography version

This first proposal is based on the game Taboo, but with pictures. We'll take four photographs for each word the opposing team has to guess. These photographs will indicate what the opponent can't say to explain their word.

For example, it's easier to understand. If the word is "Swings," we'll take four photos, for example, one of a slide, another of a child swinging, another of a snack bag (grandmothers love to take their grandchildren on the swings and feed them while they exercise), and the last one of a seesaw. Those photos are the ones that can't be used.

The objective of the game is to showcase photography as a means of expression. We recommend using the SaveFamily Print instant camera, which will provide a first introduction to the world of digital and instant photography.

Introduce your partner

This game can be a good introduction. We'll need a SaveFamily instant camera. We'll put a group of children in a circle and ask each of them to "introduce" the person on their left to us through a photograph.

Depending on what you see in the portrait, you should describe their expression, their mood, and so on. Then, the child described will be responsible for saying whether they felt that way or if the expression in the photo is the one described by their classmate. This game will teach them to talk about values and prejudices.

Photography from different points of view

This game requires each child to take 10 photographs for 15 to 30 minutes. The photos must be taken in a room with plenty of decorative objects. The instructions are:

You have to take 10 photos.
The theme and technique are free (the language can be adapted to the age of the children.)
You cannot move objects.

Then we can see the different styles, points of attention, and level of creativity of the little ones; it's surprising what they notice.

DIY Recycling

There are many photography tools we can build ourselves, the famous "DIY" (an acronym for "Do It Yourself") that abound online are a clear example of this. We'd like to highlight a few inexpensive examples here that yield results that are, to say the least, entertaining.

Honeycomb diffuser with straws. It's a classic, simple, entertaining, and useful tool that helps us review math concepts with our children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=187&v=JM5YZCZNVe4&feature=emb_logo
Strainer diffuser. If you don't have time to make the previous set or want to make several in one day, this one is very quick. You just need a small strainer and a flashlight. Put the two accessories together and... see what happens.
Put your camera underwater. If you're going to the river, you can take fun photos from the water. A Tupperware container, a glass food container, a fish tank, or even a large glass jar can work; you just need skill and a little imagination.
Vaseline on the lens. This involves "smearing" the outside of the front glass of your lens, leaving the center area free. If you don't have a lens you want to break, it's a good idea to use an inexpensive UV filter. This will give you a very original retro effect.

It's wonderful to spend time with your children and share hobbies together.

Photography games to introduce children to photography in an educational and fun way.