Through my son’s eyes – Photography with Kids

Since I got myself a proper camera and started taking a million pictures with it every time we went out, the small boy has been taking an interest too. Each time we’re out he asks if he can take some pictures and it’s something that I’d like to encourage in him.

I’m very cautious because a camera is an expensive piece of kit and in my experience small children often drop or throw things when they get bored, so I’ll hold the camera wherever he points it and I’ll hold it steady while he presses “the big button”, but really the photographs are his.

In January we visited Lyme Park and while we were waiting for Daddy to get some tea and cake we were talking about the camera because I’d been using it a lot that day. He wanted a go, so he took these two pictures. I think the tea-cup is a pretty good picture for a four year old. I’m not sure what the second picture is, I think he wanted to take some pictures of the hills like Mummy had been doing.

Over February half term we went to North Devon and Cornwall for a week. We did an awful lot of exploring and one day we drove down to Padstow for a look around.

I was messing about taking pictures of the harbour and we stopped for a sit down and a drink. I had my camera slung round my neck and he asked if he could take some “pikk-tures” and I couldn’t refuse his little face.

He was actually trying to take a nice picture of the bin (I have no idea why) but I think the way he’s captured the people walking past is brilliant. I love this picture, there’s so much going on, even in a quiet corner of a busy place, and the sky that day was incredible. Well done Ben!

I’ve made a point of keeping some of the pictures he’s taken, I think doing photography with kids is one of those essential creative life skills that they’ll need going forward. It shouldn’t be all about selfies and pictures of your dinner.

Photography with kids is a great way of seeing and understanding what they see and want to capture in their world and seeing how they view their surroundings. Periodically I’ll be taking part in the “Through my Child’s Eyes” linky (see badge below) and showing off what the small boy has been snapping this week.

My Sunday Photo 22.2.15

My Sunday Photo 15.2.15

My Sunday Photo 8/2/15

My Sunday Photo 1.2.15

My Sunday Photo 25.1.15

My Sunday Photo 18/1/15

My Sunday Photo 4th Jan 2015

Manchester Photography Workshop with Currys

Earlier this month I upgraded from my camera phone to a Nikon Coolpix L820. It was second hand, a really good price and it was a step up from where I was camera-wise, and closer to where I eventually want to be (DSLR nirvana). There was only one problem, how do I use the thing? With fantabulous timing I was invited to attend the #LightsCameraCurrys photography workshop at Manchester Photographic, in association with Currys.

It was an incredibly informative day, especially for those who had a proper DSLR camera, alas I was in the minority with my bridge camera, but mine does what I need it to do so I’m happy. I am in no way jealous, no siree.

Christian from Manchester Photographic showed us the ropes and we ran through basics, such as finding your focus, shutter speed, apertures and ISO. We explored all the settings on our cameras and then went out on assignment. Luckily it was the Manchester Food and Drink Festival that weekend so we wandered down to take some pictures. Here are some of my favourites…

I really enjoyed just going out and taking pictures with my new camera. It’s given me the confidence to take it out and have fun with it. I really recommend going on a photography workshop, even if it’s just to boost your confidence. When I do eventually upgrade to a proper DSLR then I’ll definitely be booking myself onto another course. Manchester Photographic are ace and if you’re local, then they are worth checking out.

The Mothers Project

In April this year I was lucky enough to take part in The Mothers Project.

The Mothers is a photo project documenting the stories and experiences of Mothers of all ages, with children of all ages. Complete with beautiful photography from Rebecca Lupton.

Rebecca asked me to answer a set of questions around my experiences of motherhood and then she came round to photograph us. Writing the blog itself was cathartic and it helped me to address and work through some of the issues around his birth as well as being something he can read in later life.

For me the real treat was having some beautiful photographs of us. I am usually the one behind the camera so rarely get a decent picture of us together.

In hindsight I wish I’d waited a bit longer, looking back at the pictures I can tell I was in pain. My first back surgery hadn’t worked and a few weeks after I was rushed in for more urgent surgery. I look tired and bloated (I’ve lost a lot of weight since) and I can tell I’m not happy and relaxed. But it does serve as a pictorial reminder of an awful time in our lives.

If you get the chance or want to take part I can’t recommend it enough. It was a really terrific experience. You can read my story here. Do let me know what you think. Hope you enjoy it.