5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Teens in Their Photography Journey
Show Interest
Ask Questions about their photography. (Not Yes or No questions)
What have you been enjoying taking pictures of lately?
How do you feel when you capture a good image?
Do you have any projects you are working on or want to work on?
Where would you like to go take pictures or with who?
What lens do you like to shoot with? Why?
Be supportive by being informed on what they are working on. Ask if they need anything to help in their journey.
2. Print Their Photos
Print their photos, make photo books, hang their images on your wall and at your work.
If you do the online social networking thing, like their photos, tag them and share them with others.
3. Help Them Develop a Photo Project
Take them out to lunch or coffee and ask them what photo project they would want to work on if they don’t have one.
Help them define clear goals with a beginning and an end.
30 Day Photo Challenge
Fashion Shoot with a friend
Make a shot list for a Downtown “Your City” photo book
4. Join Them
Buy a camera and learn photography with them; let them teach you.
Go on hikes as a family or downtown, anywhere you think your teen will want to take pictures.
5. Give Them the Opportunity to Shoot with More Experienced Photographers
Find a Photography Group or Photo Club
Ask a local photographer
Check out a local Community College for classes
If you live in Santa Barbara check out my course below.
Show Interest
2. Print Their Photos
3. Help Them Develop a Photo Project
4. Join Them
5. Give Them the Opportunity to Shoot with More Experienced Photographers
About the Author
Trevor Blackman was a destination wedding photographer for over ten years and during that time was featured in multiple weddings publications. You can see his wedding photography work here. During his years as a wedding photographer he also ran a boutique film lab. He now focuses mainly on landscapes and sells his work at mneian.com. He is passionate about producing quality large format prints and creates the prints and frames that he sells.
Beyond photography, Trevor is married with 5 kids under 20. Trevor has a Master’s in Theology, taught at the College level and has taken doctoral seminars in education and leadership. He has worked with teens for over 20 years and was POST certified as a police officer in Colorado and was nationally registered as an EMT.
