Photography

I’ve taught a few of my friends photography and if I were to teach a 12 y/o I think I’d do the same albeit slower, softer and simpler. I have an old Nikon D3400 I lend out with all the setting set to the optimal P-mode point and shoot settings and a basic 80mm wide lens and a 70-300mm zoom.

I start by explaining the buttons and dials and encouraging experimentation and asking questions. They won’t remember what they all do, but I think explaining it makes it clear that I enjoy it and makes them more comfortable to ask.

When we go on a walk, I make sure to frequently ask about their photos and if they like how they came out on the screen. If so, that’s cool and I ask them why did they do what they did. If not, I ask them what they don’t like about it and if something unexpected happened. After they tell me what they wanted/expected I explain the settings, lighting, composition etc necessary to get it and tell them to try again with these tips.

I also try to shoot the same thing they are in my style with my camera and show it to them and ask for their opinion. Sometimes I get something right that they wanted and they’ll ask about it.

My friends practically all have ADHD or difficulty learning and in my experience they all respond best to solving the problem on their own. I’ve never taught it to a child, but I think my method would work well with some added patience.