Everyone sees things differently, especially children. They generally see things through innocents and curiosity. Children who are interested in taking photographs can learn a great deal and earn responsibility through the process.

There are basic life skills that children can explore while taking photographs. Children can gain planning and choice opportunities by figuring out who and/or what to have in their picture and how to hold the camera. Children's picture possibilities are unending, sometimes taking pictures of friends, taking shots of their shoes, or a shot of the place they are at. Many children gain the simple memories of life by picking up a camera. They don't think twice about taking pictures of a parent reading the newspaper, a sibling making funny faces, a family pet walking down the hallway or the moon outside as it rises in the sky. This is life and they like to capture it, not just the special moments and celebrations. They gain creativity by using different techniques such as taking pictures behind their back, upside down, on a slant, between their legs, up close, or far away. They have complete control of their work. With digital technology these days it also allows an opportunity for problem solving. A child can take a picture and visually see the result. Maybe they cut off a friend from the picture so they re-take it again to achieve what was missing. Picture taking is an individual skill that can be used anywhere. Many children need something that is their skill alone and doesn't rely on a team to accomplish. Children tend to provide unlimited potential for photographs. They also gain a sense of accomplishment by looking at their work and appreciating what they have done.

There are lots of opportunities for using the photographs that children take. You can enter them in magazine or on-line contests, their own local newspaper, a local fair, or other opportunities. There are privacy restrictions that likely result from these which should be an adult's responsibility to know and follow. You can purchase children their own scrapbook or bulletin board and allow them to display their photographs as they want to. It's also a great idea for parents to sit down with children and review their pictures and ask them for their insight on each photograph taken. Great conversation and learning can be achieved this way. All these ideas provide additional creative opportunities for children.

The most important lesson

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