With digital cameras, printers, and inexpensive online photo printing, photography has become an activity that people of all ages can easily enjoy. Children are amazing observers of the world and will find subjects to photograph that we adults barely notice - the ants marching up a brick wall, a cloud that looks like a whale, hermit crabs on the beach...there are endless opportunities for the budding photographer to take great pictures.

Here are some ways to encourage your photographer!

1. Buy them their own camera. This is easy - affordable digital cameras with decent memory are very inexpensive now. You can even buy used cameras online as adults upgrade their own equipment. See websites like cnet for reviews of digital cameras.

2. Invest in a photo printer or subscribe to an inexpensive online printing service. Many will print 4x6 photos for 12 or 13 cents each. Choose the best photos and keep an album. Nothing beats seeing the actual photo in your hands.

3. Make your child the official family event photographer. This can actually be a blessing in disguise when bored older siblings have to attend their younger sibling's birthday party or the kids don't know what to do on a rainy day.

4. Get creative with the photographs. Paint special frames, scrapbook, create collages, experiment with digital photo programs, make cards, create books, and so on. Use the photos to create gifts such as coasters, calendars, aprons, bags, t-shirts, and so on. This can be done online or through large office supply stores.

5. Talk about other aspects of photography - using light and shadow, experimenting with perspective, taking photos in different light conditions, etc. A simple photography book or even a course could be a great source of inspiration for a child.

6. Visit professional photo exhibits. Go to photo exhibits at museums and galleries and let the docents teach your child about the many characteristics that go into great photographs. Buy or check out books of photography and study the masters.

Showing your child that you care about their interests and hobbies and finding ways to share this passion are the best ways to encourage a child photographer. So many famous directors, artists, photographers, and other creative people tell stories of receiving their first camera or other creative instrument as a child. You never know how your inspiration will affect your child's life!

Learn more about this author, S D Rios.
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