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This photo, “The light of a cave,” was taken by Ansel LaPier and entered in last year’s Reflections contest under the theme “Beauty is.”
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From The Wave: Photography offers options for kids to show creativity
6/15/2011 10:48:11 AM
Submitted photo
Ansel LaPier receives an award at the Reflections state awards ceremony from the Washington State PTA president and the Reflections chair.
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By Tammy Kimberley
Wave Staff Writer
"You cannot depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus."
- Mark Twain
You've probably heard the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words. Really great photos in a newspaper or book typically catch the reader's eye first, often telling the story in a way that words can't always do.
Photos are powerful things that can amuse and entertain us. They allow us to express our thoughts and feelings in a unique way or capture memories that we want to be able to recall down the road.
The fun thing about photography is that anyone with a camera can do it. But while anyone can click the button to snap a shot, skilled photographers will tell you that it takes time, patience and a lot of experimenting to develop skills that lead to eye-catching results.
As Mark Twain said, your imagination has a lot to do with how your photos turn out. And since kids often have wildly creative imaginations, they have potential to shoot some amazing photos. Advertisement
Ansel LaPier is one local kid who has been recognized for his skills in photography, although he didn't always realize he would enjoy taking photos.
"At first I did not like it because my brother was always taking photos, and it was boring," Ansel said. "I called him ‘picture, picture, picture Jonas,' but then I started taking pictures, too."
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Shutterbug suggestions
Whether you're thinking about asking if you can borrow the family camera to take a few shots or you already have a camera you enjoy taking photos with, here are a few tips on how you can be a budding photographer.
Learn how to hold the camera. While this may seem obvious, ask your mom or dad how to frame the subject you're trying to take. Ask them how to use the zoom lens, or if it doesn't have a lens, how to get in close to capture details.
Look at the light. The lighting affects the appearance of everything you photograph. If you don't like the way the light is affecting your subject, move yourself or the subject.
Experiment. Try shooting from different perspectives, such as up high or down low. Figure out what the various settings on your camera are for.
Turn the camera. All sorts of things look better in a vertical picture, so take time to turn the camera sideways and take some shots.
Take lots of photos. Assuming you're using a digital camera, it's not a problem to take lots of images since you can simply delete those that don't turn out. Taking many photos is a great way to experiment with different techniques.
For more information on taking fantastic photos, visit these websites:
www.betterphoto.com/photography-for-kids.asp
www.digital-photography-school.com/13-lessons-to-teach-your-child-about-digital-photography
www.biglearning.com/treasure-photography-for-kids.htm
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A first-grade student at Liberty Lake Elementary School, Ansel has received multiple awards from LLES and the Central Valley Council through the Reflections Program. This cultural arts competition provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by entering their own original works.
Ansel also recently was informed that one of his photos was selected as a runner-up in the Art in Health Competition sponsored by the World Congress for Physical Therapy. The theme of the competition was "Health in Motion," and his photography of children shooting basketballs at Hoopfest will be one of 15 pieces on display at an exhibit in Amsterdam, Netherlands, later this month.
Ansel has been taking photos since he was 5 years old, and he said he enjoys taking photos of his dog, Harley, and scenes outdoors when he is camping with his family. One of the tips he shared is for kids to take photos of things they are interested in.
"Take pictures of things that you think are funny or cool," he said. "I like to get down low and take pictures because you get a good view point."
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