Photography Lessons - 2-Hour Youth Session Checklist - Ten Tips for Success

In the growing world of camera-phone technology, the art of learning how to take a photograph has almost been lost when it comes to our kids. Today's youth are instantly connected by an endless chain of blurry selfies.

Teaching kids to take good photographs is easy.

Getting them to the lesson is the hard part. There is no Facebook or Instagram where I am going.

Unedited shot from 5th Avenue, site of the historic Linn County Courthouse 

Spring in downtown Albany.

We start the lesson indoors, and progress to the quaint and picturesque downtown Albany. This is our checklist for April 2, 2015:

1)   Proper shoes. This means closed-toe shoes that you can walk for a bit in.

2)   Warm clothing. April in Oregon can be like Winter. Brutal. Bring a good coat, a beanie, and gloves.

3)   Refreshments are important, especially for a youth class. I recommend SOBE Zero calorie water.

4)   Snacks are important as well. Bring some almonds, pretzels, or fruit.

4)   Lenses: Wide Angle, Macro, Walkaround, 50 f1.4 Lowlight, and Telephoto. Check.

5)   Tripod

6)   Extra batteries.

7)   Extra memory cards.

8)   Reporter's Notepad. These are handy to give away as a journal for the aspiring shooter. Take notes and give the youth something to refresh the mind.

9)   Be thorough and patient. Encourage questions.

10)  The Basics. Remember to focus on composition. Framing, shutters, and apertures should be understood before hitting the street to shoot live. Teach about light and shadows. Be simple and be dynamic. Have fun!

A photo by a participant of one of my seminars.