Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from Nat Geo, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
by legendary National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths and children’s author Nancy Honovich.
This new book for kids comes out next week, August 4th!
Synopsis:
National Geographic Kids Guide to Photography is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to covering every facet of photography and photo equipment: from smartphones to point-and-shoot to SLR to even underwater cameras. Presented in a kid-friendly format, this fun, fact-filled book is packed with all the essentials for budding photographers.
As you know, few art forms have changed more over the last decade than photography. The technological advances have made it much more accessible, and now everyone, including kids, is walking around with some kind of camera in their pocket. It’s more important than ever to teach kids the right habits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives, as the deceptive ease of use of the new devices pushes aside the foundations of good photography.
Annie is an amazing mom who has traveled the world with her kids, teaching them photography along the way, so she brings a unique and invaluable perspective on the topic. She can share tips for certain age groups, and suggest activities parents and kids can do together or separately—either while traveling or in their own backyard. Lots we can do with the material, and I’d be happy to brainstorm more angles.
Review:
This book is aimed at kids between the ages of 8-12. Miss Grace LOVES taking pictures, and always has, so as soon as the book came in, she was off and going through it and then immediately grabbing her camera (aka my pocket camera) and heading off the complete her 'assignments'. Each chapter features assignments by Annie, based on the concepts covered in that chapter. As you can see, they are fairly easy:
Miss Grace and I went through her photos and picked out ones she was most proud of, having read the book:
I'll give Miss Grace credit with trying, for these 2 photos- she had the idea, just needs to work a bit on the comp and too much flash:
Pretty cool, right? Close up of the sofa fabric!
She called this one her 'toe selfie'.....8 year old humor...She LOVED using a flashlight to get different perspectives. Course I think a super bright LED mag light, of Mom's, might NOT have been the flashlight Annie meant...LOL
The book features eye catching graphics and some really great tips, for common problems, and easy solutions! Many of which adults have too (in fact you just MIGHT want to read the book when the kiddos are at school! You'll pick up quite a few hints and ideas!).
I love this image she caught of raindrops and a turtle that was just under the water in the pond:
It's subtle, but very cool. And it took a steady hand to get the right shot!
The book also discusses basics in photography, like how the camera sees differently than our eye does, and what we do to correct that, when taking photos!
And how changing where you take the picture, can make your eye go right to where you want it to by echoing the auto framing of the eye!
Who knew a piece of brick could look so interesting when a flash up close exposes it's different strata
As you can see, the photos are just EYE popping and the photos really encourage kids to up their photography game!
Miss Grace started working with close ups and the rule of thirds for conposition. I think cutting off the cat actually gives this photo more of an edgy feel, and relays more of the cat's personality than a regular shot would have:
The book also has ideas on how to make some great gifts, like this photo cube, from the photos you take.
Perfect for Christmas giving, isn't it?
We HIGHLY recommend this book for all gift giving situations you have coming up, especially Christmas nad birthdays! Miss Grace declared it would be awesome to get the book, a pocket size camera and LARGE memory card (she's already had to have been offload her pictures 4 times since getting the book- it's a small card, LOL), as a present!
You can purchase this great book for your budding photographer at the Nat Geo shop.
You knew the kid would have to include at least one actual selfie, right???
Any surprise at the expression the cat has?
Right, me either!
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