In a message dated 4/29/01 5:22:36 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
kyu@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> inspired by Tom's photo excursions with his daughters, I have decided to
> give my oldest nephew his first real camera for his 9th birthday which is
> coming up in May. I have sniped a nice OM-10 with 50mm/1.8 for him on
German
> "uPay" that I'm going to do a foam job on one of these days.
>
> Now, what I still haven't quite figured out is - how do I get started
> teaching him how to use the camera? I'd like for him to eventually
> understand how things work and what he's doing, but I'm unsure about how
> much and what to tell him for starters, without confusing him by simply
> asking too much of a 9-year-old child. I'd be grateful for any suggestions
> as to the appropriate steps to split the teaching/learning process up into.
>
Volkhart,
Just a thought. As I've mentioned before on the List, I'm giving my
brother-in-law an OM-2S (just arrived back from CLA and "flash ready"
conversion, along with film advance repair, from John H.. Thanks, John!).
Bro-in-law is pretty much a point and shoot type of photographer, but has
interest in learning & using an SLR, hence the gift. Long story short, I
picked up a basic photography book entitled Basic 35MM Photo Guide for
Beginning Photographers, by Craig Alesse. Covers all the basics from how to
hold your camera, to film types, ISO/ASA, exposure (f-stops, shutter speeds),
lenses, flash, available light, etc. Nice photographs accompany each concept
(features an OM-1 and OM-3 along with the competition). There is a good
index in the back of the book. This is a very simple, step-by-step book.
$12.95. This book, or one like it, might be a good idea, so nephew can read
up on his own, to supplement what you are telling and showing him about his
camera.
Another thought (I think Tom Scales is doing this, too) is to go on
"missions": today, we're going to photograph things close-up; next time, try
a "depth-of-field" exercise; next time, action shots, etc. Burn a roll or
several frames doing just flash.
Also, and maybe most important, find out what subjects and/or type of
photography really interest him, and feed that interest. Show him and talk
about great photographs you see in everyday life in magazines, newspapers,
etc. so he'll become aware how much photography, in one form or another, is
a part of our every day lives. Your interest and enthusiasm will "infect"
him.
Lastly, don't underestimate the "smarts" of a 9 year old. :>)
Rich
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