Sophia's learning journey with photography

 Photography is a common past time for several members of my extended family, including myself, so it is hardly surprising that at least one of my children is showing an interest already within the art form.

Sophia has shown a keen interest from an early age, not only wishing to be the subject within photos, but also expressing an interest at being behind the camera. When she was two she voluntarily snapped her first picture from my phone of Daddy and Kira because she thought they looked cute. I had little expectation of the results, assuming it would be out of focus and missing heads etc. I was pleasantly surprised with the result. It remains one of my most treasured and favourite photos ever, which is high praise from someome who currently has 21,000 photos on her phone.


She never really stopped snapping away from that moment, asking for my phone on a regular basis to photograph the family. Since receiving her ipad in the last year, her interest has blossomed and she is forever practicing the art. The photos are not good quality however, due to the device used, so we believe she has earned her first official camera for her next birthday. 


My interest lies in her thought process and reasons behind taking the photos. She likes to capture family scenes to help cement a memory. She is also fascinated with capturing nature, especially clouds and the moon. She gets very excited when she comes across man made constructions such as pylons and wind turbines, and construction vehicles. These particular themed photos will often be the spring point for learning focuses. We have learnt about clean sources of energy, fossils fuels and electricity through child led interest as a result. 


Sophia additionally takes pictures for future points of reference in her writing and drawing activity. She likes practicing writing the names of her favourite characters and shows, learning the spelling so she can then search the show on the TV. She also likes to capture images of characters which she wishes to learn to draw. Prior to having her ipad she used to pause the main TV on a desired image and run between the living room and school room to write and draw, as I do not officially allow art to happen outside of the school room. I was impressed she immediately thought to utilise her ipad camera to assist her in this manner. 


 I had never considered the educational value behind photography before Sophia's interest. It truly enhances our personal learning journey, as well as being a vital tool to provide the photographic evidence of progression which the LA departments require on an annual basis. 

 


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