HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

CAMERASFORKIDS.INFO

INEXPENSIVE TIPS FOR CHILDREN WITH DIGITAL CAMERAS

Many of the questions kids have about digital photography are easily answered. Here's
some easy remedies to some of children's most popular questions aboout taking better
shots.

Q) Is the sky in you picture kind of dull and could use more color?

A) Try puting your sunglasses over the lens when you take the picture. This is called POLARIZING and can be used to draw out the color in other types of shots, too.

Q) Is your camera having trouble focusing while you are trying to get a closeup of a flower or other small object?

A) Try moving just a little further back. Sometimes if you are to close to an object, the camera has a hard time focusing.

Q) Did you ever wonder how to make small objects such as toys look really Big?

A) Trying crouching down really low and shooting a picture of that object from
really low. The lower the angle, the larger the object will look. Now try making that object look really big. That's right, shoot the object from above so that you are looking down on it. These tricks are called PERSPECTIVE, meaning another way of looking at something.

Q) Can't find a good deal on a tripod or a tripod just doesn't seem to work for what you are trying to take a picture of?

A) One really cool (and cheap) solution might be to use a large beanbag. Place the beanbag on a firm surface and gently let the camera sink into it. The beanbag will keep the camera from shaking which makes you photos sharper.

DIGITAL CAMERAS USED AS A LEARNING TOOLS:

In today's world of cell phones, texting, video games, television, and other media devices, it's tough to get kids away from the distractions of the techno era. In a world of ever increasing diabetes and obesity at an earlier age, it's crucial for kids to get up and exercise. (more than just their fingers) While some children are into sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, or other activities that burn calories, boost the metabolism, and increase the sensitivity of the insulin receptors, other children do not enjoy sports that much.

Digital photography is a healthy alternative for kids that don't enjoy sports. It's an added bonus for kids that are already active. It's surprising to see a 13 year old set down their cell phone to pick up a camera (or use their cell phone's built in cameras) to laugh, play and shoot pictures while moving around. It can be a fun activity with friends, or an indivial exploration. One of the keys to keeping children involved in digital photography is to keep exposing them to different aspects, scenerios, and environments. While their first adventure with the camera may be uneventful, they may love the next adventure.

Knowing your children and what they enjoy helps. While teaching the Cameras For Kids Project in schools, there's been a general difference girls and boys. (although it's important to remember there's no set rules). Girls seemed to like the images of animals such as horses and pets. They also seemed to to enjoy scenics full of blue skies and trees. The boys in the same class would gravitate towards blowups
of insects, pictures of cars, and unusual angles of things like tunnels. The idea is to expose the children to as many types of photography as possible. You'll eventually find something that they really love. Hopefully they will soon be getting exercise on there own. - Cameras For Kids Staff

SOMETIMES THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE A CHILD IS FREE

For Familes on tight budgets this holiday season, you can turn the time into something meaningful and fun. Many people are going back to the basics. Commiting some time to you children can be specacial and fun, and doesn't have to cost anything but a little time. Especially with younger children, a simple 'Chistmas Voucher' inside a card can mean a lot. Whether placed inside a card or given to seperately, you can make a voucher or ceriticate telling you child that you are going to spend X amount of time with them working on a special project. The project can be anything your child loves. A treehouse made out of scrapped wood, A model airplane, A dress up and make over session(s), or of course, photography excursions (even if it's just the back yard). Somewhere in our culture, we've forgotten the fundamentals of holidays, which is just to love, cherish, and be thankful for the blessings that already surround us. Going back to the basics may give your family memories for a lifetime.



If digital photography is the path you choose, here's a link to a free lesson plan developed for children and has been implemented as a 30 minute presentation in schools. The lessons can be expanded on and turned into individual moments with you loved ones. LESSON PLAN

For assistance with the lesson plan, here's a link to the lesson that is currently being used in schools. Scroll down to teachers, here's a simple lesson plan

Children's Digital Photography Book Wins National Bronze Award

As well as receiving multiple five star reviews from teachers, parents, and professional book reviewers, the 'Cameras For Kids' book has just received the Reader's Favorite National Bronze Award for books in the Preteen Division. RF has also posted a wonderful review on their site as well. Thank you America!

READER'S FAVORITE AWARD

TEACHING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

We're currently sending books out to some Developmentally Disabled classes to see how receptive they are to digital photography. We're exited about yet another area we're branching off into. If you know of any places in need to consider, please let us know! Teaching digital photpgraphy to the developmentally Seems like it would have tremendous benefits in spacial perception, sharing with others and an imediate gratification factor to encourage positive behaviors. Our first goal is Autism.

Cameras For Kids

WE'RE DECREASING OUR CARBON FOOT PRINT CAMERAS FOR KIDS!

Cameras for kids has gone solar! One of the best ways to protect the environment is through prevention of wasted energy. With solar energy, the sun does most of the work simply by way of solar (or photo voltaic) panels. The panels are placed on the roof of the building where they will be facing the sun for most of the day. In California, the ideal position is generally facing south-west.

As the sunlight hits the solar panels, the light is converted into energy, The amount of energy depends on what type of solar panels used and how many panels were placed on the roof. The panels are connected into a single electric circuit and the energy from each panel gets combined. The combined energy then goes into a box on the side of the building called an inverter. The inverter's job is to convert the DC electrical current into AC electrical current. DC (or Direct Current) is generally what comes out of things such as batteries and solar panels, but before it can be used in the building, it has the be converted to AC (Alternating Current).

Alternating Current is made my turning the flow of electricity into a 'wave' instead of a straight line. The wave goes up and down as it moves through the circuit. The waveform is measured by how many times it goes up and down in 1 second. This measurement is called Hertz. The average current flow going through a house or business (in the United States) is 60 Hertz. This means that the wave of electricity goes completely up and down 60 times in 1 second. After the electricity had been collected and converted into an AC waveform, it's ready to be used to power lights, computers, appliances, and other machines used in offices and homes. When set up properly, a solar panel setup can supply most of the electricity to that business or home for free.

Here's the really cool part though... Along with saving money on our electric bill, we are also decreasing our carbon foot print on the environment, which means we're decreasing pollutions that would normally be created to provide the same amount of electricity. The decrease in pollution is good for people, plants, and animals alike. Many scientists believe that this decrease in pollution will also slow down the process of 'Global Warming' which has been the cause for extinction for many species of animals and plants. A 1500 kWh / Year system can prevent approximately 7,500 lbs of CO2 greenhouse gas from going into the air and save almost an acre of trees in just 1 year. Since most solar panels work at 80% of their maximum capacity even when they are 25 years old, that's a lot of happy critters and trees.

Thank you Solarponics.

CHILDREN ENTER OUR FREE CONTEST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

May 14th, 2010

CAMERAS FOR KIDS INFO is announcing their first ever national photography / essay contest for children, titled "Why I Love Photography". ALL photos and essays must be done by the child entering. The child must be between the ages of 7-14 years old to enter. Entry is free and winners will be anounced on the website. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will each receive a free copy of the 'Cameras For Kids' book. Honorable mentions may also be announced on the website. For more information, visit www.camerasforkids.info - The fun place for kids to learn about photography, animals, nature, and science!

TEACHERS WRITING GRANTS PROPOSALS FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Writing grants can be really tough, especially right now with budget cuts being the overall theme in education these days. Further, the arts are often the first thing on the chopping block. if you are a teacher, principle, or otherwise involved in education here are some things to think about:

Depending on your school, the arts may have been stripped from the learning curriculum altogether, you may have to write up the grant as an after school program or a developement enrichment program. The developement program must be age if possible. Follow the stages of developement while writing the grant. Here's some benefit of photography...

- Development of fine motor skills.

- Spacial perception, distance, and shape recognition.

- Learning colors

- Cognitive developement and problem solving skills.
(operating the camera and understanding settings vs situations)

- Creating a healthy couriousity of nature, science, and culture.
(subject matter: emphasize photography as another way of learning it)

- Health and wellness... walking, exploring, exercise!!!

- Reading and writing skills... concurrent essays.

- History... Field trips to local historical places.

- Self esteem... Nothing says instant gratification like digital photos!

- Computer training... a wonderful way to augment computer lessons.

- A sense of community envolvement... have them make a newspaper.

- Socialization is encourage in many of these.

- Math... converting from megapixels to lines of resolution, DPI, and

other elements of photography that requires the use of numbers.

- Technology... digital photography is evolving rapidly.

These are just a few ideas in various ranges of age and developement. There's lots of other ways to work digital photography into the form of a grant proposal. I tried to include all the basics of the current curriculum... Social Studies, Math, Reading, Writing, ect. Some principles and administrators are great at writing grants, others my need teachers to help or even write the proposals. Some districts
even leave this up to the teachers for the most part. feel free to print and use anything you see on this website, but try to mention us when possible :)

TEACHERS can visit CamerasForKids.Info to learn more

TEACHING CHILDREN DIGITAL CAMERA PRESETS

Preset modes within a digital camera are a wonderful way for children to learn and explore. The various camera modes generally include Macro, Sport, Landscape, Portait, and Night Shot. These preset exposure settings make it easy for kids to shoot in many different circumstances. The challenges of learning these features are very rewarding and will give kids a chance to check out all those wonderful buttons and knobs. Below is some explainations of the basic camera presets. To learn more, visit the CAMERASFORKIDS.INFO website.

CAMERAS FOR KIDS BOOK NATIONALLY AIRED ON WNB-WEST

Some fantastic news, The 'Cameras For Kids' book has just been nationally aired on the WNB-West Radio Show Hosted by Don McCauley. The interview is currently being aired on the Children Authors Show The interview talks about the goal of the Cameras For Kids program and the benefits of digital photography to parents and teachers as well as children. If you'd like to help direct Cameras For Kids in a positive direction, please post some feedback.

TEACHING CHILDREN DIGITAL CAMERA FUNCTIONS

As an adult a lot of parents and educators are courious about all those buttons on their camera and wonder exactly what they do. We tend to be apprehensive about trying some of these features out because we're worried about altering the cameras default settings or otherwise making the camera not function properly. This is one area where children have an advantage. What's the first they a young child does when they get in a new / different car? They grab, twist, and pull every button or dial the can get their little hands on. Children are inherently courious and love to explore in this way. Below is a list of camera functions that may be available on your camera. You can also go to CAMERASFORKIDS.INFO for more information.

Selecting A Digital Camera For A Child

When choosing a digital cameras for children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Children have a little bit different needs than adults when picking out a camera. Below is some helpful tips for parents and teachers. For more information on
digital cameras for children, visit CAMERASFORKIDS.INFO

Cameras For Kids, Using Technology To Reconnect People With The World Around Them

CAMERAS FOR KIDS - PRESS RELEASE 3/21/2010

Cameras For Kids, Using Technology To Reconnect People With The World Around Them

Cameras for kids is a fun filled book full of projects for young children. The projects are fun, simple and inexpensive to create. The book was made to stimulate art and creativity at an early age. Most of the supplies can be picked up a places such as the dollar store. Kids do not need computer knowledge as long as parents can print the photos for the projects. Basic camera functions, settings, and composition are covered in this book. Recommended for ages 7 through 14 years of age.

Basic camera functions and operating modes as well as simple composition concepts are described in easy to understand language. The concepts are accompanied by colorful images, icons, and example demostrations for children to try on their own. The book was also created with educators and parents in mind and can be easily adapted to a curriculum for art and enrichment programs. The program has been presented to a varying range of students in the Atascadero Unified School District, on the California Central Coast. The kids are very enthusiastic about the program and have a fun time learning. The book has already been adopted by districts and libraries.

As a compliment to the book, there is a CamerasForKids.Info website with free instructions and information on photography, downloadable lesson plans for teachers, and even assistance in writing grants for schools with tight budgets. The website has plenty of other topics for children to explore such as articles on animals, nature, and science. Designed to be an overall positive learning experience, the Cameras for Kids Website was created to reconnect children, parents, and teachers with the world around them. The goal is to instill a sense of couriousity and wonder into the minds of children during the growth and developemental portion of their lives. Unlike other electronic devices such as computers, TVs, MP3 Players, Cell Phone, and Video games, The Digital Camera encourages kids to get outside, explore, and exercise, another often neglected subject in schools today.

A pleasant and unexpected result of the book has been the response of parents and teachers. They have been contacting John Crippen and telling him how much they have learned about their own cameras. “Cameras For Kids” has been reinvigorating adults on the subject of digital photography. They have been exploring their cameras and taking a new found interest in photography while having fun with their children / students.

Visit the CAMERASFORKIDS.INFO Website for more information

WELCOME TO THE CAMERAS FOR KIDS BLOG!

CLICK HERE to return to the Cameras For kids website.

CLICK HERE to post your photos on Flickr!

CLICK HERE to join the Cameras For Kids Fun Club

On this blog, you'll be able to talk and exchange ideas with other kids. You can also share your photos with everybody. A couple quick reminders before you start... Remember, once you post something on the internet if goes everywhere, so be careful what you post! The other reminder is to just be polite to others. Thanks, from the Cameras For Kids Staff!

CAMERAS FOR KIDS BOOK RECEIVES 5 STARS

Educational and fun, January 22, 2010
By Readers Favorite "Readers Favorite" (Hawesville, KY USA)


Cameras for Kids: Fun and Inexpensive Projects for the Little Photographer is an educational and fun book for children. He teaches the art of photography in a manner that is easy to understand. The list of supplies is simple to find and relatively inexpensive. Most items are found at local dollar stores. He takes the reader step by step through using a camera. The suggestions for using miniature animals in grass are both inexpensive and fun for children.

I have had my camera for several years and had no idea what some of the symbols meant. Crippen's book cannot only educate children but adults. I believe my camera skills have improved thanks to Camera's for Kids.

Camera's for Kids is well written and organized. This book takes the mystery out of taking good pictures. My only criticism is the editing and proofreading. This book needs a lot of work in that area. However, that did not diminish my pleasure in discovering something new about my camera.

CLICK HERE - TO THIS LINK TO SEE THE BOOK!