Bonding Tip 3: Connecting via Photography

Travel , create memories and capture them. Sounds like a perfect plan ! Let’s make it even better with  some tips to help you bond during your holiday adventures while taking some amazing photographs:

1. Choose Your Gear Wisely

Smartphones are great for travel photography due to their portability. Let your child experiment with a camera or phone to make them feel involved.

2. Share simple photography tips

The rule of thirds- a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. Imagine dividing the frame into a grid with two vertical and two horizontal lines. Encourage them to place their main subject along these lines or at their intersections. This technique creates a more balanced and interesting photo.

Rule of thirds – the grid

Experiment with Angles- Encourage your child to try different angles. Instead of taking photos from eye level, suggest they crouch down or climb up to capture a unique perspective. This not only makes the process fun but also helps them see the world from various viewpoints.

Focus on Lighting- Discuss the importance of lighting in photography. Natural light is often the best option, so encourage your child to shoot during golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This soft, warm light can make their photos more beautiful and enhances their understanding of how light affects images.

Light makes the pyramids look great

3. Encourage Storytelling Through Photos

Help your child think about storytelling through photography. Ask them to capture a series of images that convey a story—like a day in the jungle or a trip to the beach. This practice encourages them to think creatively and narratively, making their photos more meaningful.

After your adventures, you can also sit down and discuss the stories behind the photos. This boosts their narrative skills and deepens your connection.

Each picture is open to interpretation

4. Create a Photography Challenge

Turn your outdoor activities into a fun challenge. Set goals like finding unique perspectives or capturing specific subjects, making exploration even more enjoyable.

You can even do a Photo Scavenger Hunt -Provide a list of items or themes (e.g., "something blue," "a funny face," or "nature close-up" or “a local attire” or “unique food”) for them to capture. This adds an element of fun and creativity to your outdoor activities while encouraging them to think critically about composition and framing.

Unique food at a market in Laos

5. Practice Patience and Encouragement

Teach your child to be patient and observe their surroundings. Encourage them to wait for the right moment—like a bird taking flight or the tribes of the country . This practice not only improves their photography skills but also fosters mindfulness and appreciation for their environment.

6. Create a Travel Album Together

Once you’re back home, work together to create a travel album. This preserves memories and encourages reflection on your time spent together.