Are young photographers overlooked?

[DPNow]

*Just what is a young photographer and do we overlook them?* As a father of two mid-teen girls, with one showing an interesting in doing...

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[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Are young photographers overlooked?

I recently spent a whole day in a school, introducing 8 & 9 year old children to photography. The school had a "Heritage Grant" to work within their local community and document the project.

My job was to get all four classes familiar with the cameras (Kodak Easyshare C195), get them taking pictures and downloaded to a PC. All in one hour lesson.

"Ducks to Water" - My first question to them was, "who has a phone with a camera in it and takes pictures?" (nearly all of them) - "who prints their pictures" (Very few out of the 120 in the 4 classes) - "who puts their pictures on the internet?" (well over half of them)

Within the hour, I had them working in pairs, taking pictures and downloading them into Picasa to edit...

Fortunately; I had nothing to do with controlling them (herding cats came to mind) and I really do not know how teachers do it day in day out.

Yes the results varied from blurred, finger obscured, wonky, etc., etc., etc., but they all had a go, all enjoyed a very different "fun" day at school and some learned a lot and produced some really good shots.

Hopefully some will take it to the next level and really enjoy a new interest. Who knows, one day I may even get a mention for kick-starting a professional photographers career.

[patmoore]

Re: Are young photographers overlooked?

Timely topic. My 92 year old father just gave his old Nikon point-and-shoot to my five year old grandson. He was about to take a shot of his parents and two younger brothers when he decided that he should be in the shot too. Here's the result.

[Ian]

Re: Are young photographers overlooked?

Love it While in my blog post I point out that age should not necessarily differentiate in terms of typical photography genres, I certainly accept that a young photographer may well try things that adults wouldn't and might even frown on

Ian

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Are young photographers overlooked?

Interesting Ian. I do rather fear that we live in a world where "I CAN" is the motto and today "ANYONE CAN" fix a tap; do plumbing; wire a plug and do wiring; yesterday a friend phoned because he had taken out his gas fire but the gas was leaking out into the room (to be decorated )

It is indeed a dangerous world, when "EVERYONE CAN" believe thats a doddle I can do it !

A little knowledge may, indeed be a very dangerous thing. Nick told our friends "you best phone a registered CORGI installer to disconnect the gas fire and SECURE your GAS supply to it". Friend said, "but you can do that? can't you? Nick replied, "yes I can, MINE, but I am not registered or insured to do yours, for love nor money"

Our Friend is sulking, at the costs now he has to pay out to a Gas professional to save his house and his neighbours homes EXPLODING due ot his "DiY efforts"

So, it is not JUST Photography seeing a reduction in its market size/value and potential employ/careers for young people - or old people.



I have recently heard tell of people who need no Surgeon or Dentist and thus remove their own appendix and teeth !


The World is going MAD

It would appear that "Heath Robinson" is born again ... revived from the WAR years of "Make do and MEND" - What goes around, comes around they say in DALLAS

This belief which feeds the "I CAN" people, has lost the "RESPECT" once held for "PROFESSIONALS" and their Skills; Knowledge and Abillity ot do a professional job"

As, is often the case - developments within the CAMERA marketplace have indeed conspired against the MANUFACTURERS in the market potential of PRO Cameras; Lenses etc - by the very same MANUFACTURERS and Convergent Technology (Mobile Phones product extension with now, sophisticated cameras ).

How soon will it be that a super duper Camera, will have a mobile phone and iPad integrated within it and photo editing software - FOR PRO's ?

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Are young photographers overlooked?

"One distinct advantage that older photographers have is that they can generally

Ian said " ... One distinct advantage that older photographers have is that they can generally afford better equipment. ..."

Actually, I disagree on this point. As my middle son I gave an E-1 each and a 14-54 Mk1 lens and a 70-300 & Tripod to share ; 3 chips and 3 batteries - together with Tom Ang (book pre-loved but "As New" off eBay ... "Digital Photography MASTERCLASS" and "the Complete Photographer".

Nick bought his two Grandaughters an E 510 & e-520 respectively (from the Oly e 4M) - with a bought lens and I gifted one - I also bought them both the aforementioned Tom Ang books to share ; and Nick gave them each a bag & batteries & Chips & charger etc., For Christmas we gave them a Tripod each as they are into "Landscapes" .

A many of us know, the E-1 is still an awesome bit of kit as Zuiko lenses and the images obtained may be STUNNING.

So, I suggest, age does not always bring more expensive and BETTER kit

It has also been joyous, supporting them all (a little) in our main hobby

Not got the hang of this 4M yet, I seem to have posted these as comments Sorry Ian !