2007-02-04 07:57:56 · 8 answers · asked by cghope@verizon.net 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
By getting your child an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera, you may be contributing to him being discouraged and/or losing interest soon.
Sign your child up for one of the fantastic beginner classes for young people at a local YMCA or YWCA (or YMHA/YWHA) or Boys' Club or Girls' Club. The classes are fantastic, and they're designed for different age groups. Of course, a lot must come from his curiousity and desire to learn by reading books and magazines independent of the classes.
Photography is a great hobby and will encourage him to read and be curious and take note of details (great way for a hobbyist to make money, too, after a few years he can do portraits for friends, neighbors, family) and develop his creativity and talents everyday of his life. Oh, how I wish I were your neighbor!
You will want to get an affordable but very versatile camera and lens so that your child can grow and develop, a camera that he can grow with but will not outgrow anytime soon.
If the classes are for film photography, the best camera around (rugged, very well built with similar options to a pro level camera but VERY affordable and reliable) is the Nikon N80, and the best lens is the Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D (or the more affordable but equally as good, Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D-macro... make sure it says Micro OR Macro).
The best digital camera would be the Nikon D70s with the kit lens. Check out the prices at www.keh.com and if you still think the camera is too expensive, then check out the Nikon D40, an entry level or consumer level camera with a kit lens at www.bhphotovideo.com or www.adorama.com. IF you STILL think that is too expensive, then consider the Canon S3 iS with the built-in 12X lens and great features for the price this camera pulls at either www.bhphotovideo.com or www.adorama.com or do a Google search and see if you can find a better price elsewhere on the 'net.
The BEST place to get the Nikon N80 or Nikon D70S and lens at a substantial savings is: www.keh.com and you must be ready to buy as soon as you see what you want because the camera and lenses do not stay on their shelves very long; if you do NOT see what you want, go back in a day or two but, remember, be ready to buy as soon as you see what you want.
Good luck and best wishes!
2007-02-04 08:41:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with kehkohjones answer. You cant give learn to play piano on a piano that sounds like crap. Same with photography. If the camera either cant produce excellent photos or if you dont have complete control over its functions, you could be put off. For a child who doesn't know if photography is for him yet, you may be hesitant to spend big $$ on a camera. There are some middle of the road cameras that arent quite SLR cameras but they are a damn site better than the usual compact camera.
As for photography classes, it might be a good idea to ring around and visit camera shops until someone can point you in the right direction in your area.
And lastly, good on you for listening to your son's interest and helping him following it up rather than saying "we cant afford it" or "you cant make a living with photos". I admire you for that.
2007-02-04 11:38:22 · answer #2 · answered by Piano Man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him a camera. He will learn a lot about photography by doing it. As he gets a bit better, get him a book on the subject. If he is still interested in classes in a few years, consider them then but not now.
2007-02-04 08:12:09 · answer #3 · answered by tentofield 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give him a decent digital camera. At that age it is more about creativity than technical points
Start saving now and send him through the Brooks Institute of Photography.
2007-02-04 08:18:29 · answer #4 · answered by Mere Mortal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Trick Photography Special Effects - http://tinyurl.com/46KR7Q5NY5
2015-12-10 16:45:29 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I disagree with the answer above in that I recommend a moderate priced digital camera... and invest in Photoshop or Elements for manipulation. Being able to adjust the image is as important today and in the future as taking it.
He is young enough to spike the learning curve on this one. I wish you guys luck.
beaux
2007-02-04 08:11:42 · answer #6 · answered by beauxPatrick 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello, I would first simply buy him a cheap camera or even a disposable one and a photo album. Let him have fun trying to capture unusual or images that mean something special to him. At his young age unfortunately he is too young for classes etc so the best bet is to practice and in time if he is still enjoying it then see what else is available to him
2007-02-04 08:05:47 · answer #7 · answered by joanna r 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
buy him a disposible camera or even better, a cheaper digital camera so he can see his photos right away. don't spend to much at this stage.
2007-02-04 08:17:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋