Photography is a great way to get the kids involved in the family vacation. And the benefits exceed a newfound sense of responsibility. Taking pictures provides children with means to share an adventure, places visited and new things discovered, and helps kids observe what may have gone unnoticed as well as recall their travels with greater ease and spontaneity. It opens up a new world to explore.
Yet it is important that photography remain a game, and not become a bore.
The right equipment
Simple means can result in interesting photos. The single use or disposable camera has several advantages:
They are light and easy to use and can be worn, on a string, round the neck or carried in a backpack.
They are not as delicate as their parents' semi-professional model and thus facilitate freedom of use whenever and wherever they decide to play.
They come equipped with film and many have a built-in flash. High sensitivity film, 400 asa and up, and a flash will ensure a result even in a setting with little light.
What to snap
A few suggestions may help children spot an opportunity and provide the necessary stimulation to get them started. But refrain from making choices for them: A strange hat or curious animal may hold more appeal than a static scene.
Suggest they capture their story on film, a story through images to recount to their friends back home. Help them establish a time frame, for example capturing the family adventure from take-off to landing.
Propose photographing everything that is different. A unique building or habitat can teach children much about people, places and foreign culture.
Place value on their personal interests and you will spark their curiosity. Animals, children, musical instruments, strange geographic shapes and colors are a great way to begin.
Allow them to record the world as they see it. This will ensure they weave a personal tale.
Ready, set, click
A few simple tips and soon even the wary will be engaged each and every time an image sparks their interest to click.
Avoid fuzzy photos. In low light situations, set the camera on a flat surface such as a rock.
Keep your back to the sun and the light will fall directly on your subject rather than the camera's eye.
Keep your eye on the horizon, it can give shape and add quality to the story.
Get close to the subject, it will ensure others are able to follow the tale.
Center the photo. Avoid chopping off mom and dad's head!
Keep your fingers away from the lens.
Articles and books offering additional tips and advice
eHow.com
YouthLearn
RLROUSE Directory
CDS Project
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Johnson Family Vacation The Movie
There are about three thousand parking spots in the park. Five thousand cars go through the park gates on a normal day.
Need I say more?
2. Carry a water bottle with you (and refill it with tap water.)
This is not Mexico! It's perfectly safe to drink the water, and it's a very good idea since dehydration is one of the most common visitor ailments.
By the way, much of the bottled water you'll find in the stores in the park is actually tap water from the village. ""But it says 'Spring Water'?!"" you say?
Ah, but it is spring water! The tap water in the Grand Canyon National Park is spring water that is pumped up from Roaring Springs on the North side of the canyon.
3. Keep your eyes open and watch out for animals.
If you are in the park for more than 2 hours, then there is no reason you shouldn't see some wildlife while you are there.
From the ever-present squirrels on the rim to the 'Bambi jams' on the main road caused by deer sightings, to the occasional pack of California Condors overhead, there is plenty to be seen.
4. Walk, even if just for a little bit.
There is so much grandeur and spectacular beauty to the Grand Canyon, and only the tiniest fraction of it can be seen from a road. To get the most out of your trip, leave the car behind and stretch those legs.
If walking is difficult for you, Mohave Point and the Rim Trail in front of the hotels are good options for excellent, wheelchair accessible views.
If you can have no problems walking, then I highly recommend a quick trip below the rim to Ooh Aah Point. (hint: They call it Ooh Aah Point because that is what you'll say when you get there)
5. Try something different.
Any vacation is more memorable if you get to have a memorable first time for something, and if you've already been to the Grand Canyon once, you may want to continue expanding your horizons.
Check out the Navajo reservation to the east and try the Navajo tacos in Cameron. They are made from real Navajo fry bread, a delicious fluffy flat bread whose recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.
The El Tovar Hotel restaurant also makes some very cool southwestern special dishes, and breakfast there is quite affordable.
6. Pick up some souvenirs.
Don't go home empty handed! If you are anything like me, you probably don't want to spend all of your time in gift stores finding the perfect gift.
So since I've browsed those gift shops for years while waiting for family guests, here's my cliff notes version what to get the folks back home.
The young, active child(ren) whose education you care about The science-teaching children's toys at the bookstore are all quite a lot of fun. Especially the animal masks.
The polished adult friend/family member A panoramic poster of the canyon from Yavapai Point, nicely framed and shipped directly to their home.
The pre-teen or teenager that you wish would talk to you A pair of good books, like ""Grand Canyon's Long-Eared Taxi"" and ""Brighty of the Grand Canyon"".
7. Respect the Canyon.
Last but not least, respect the Canyon. I know that for short term visitors, it's difficult to see how fragile the Canyon's ecosystem is, but every year I see the huge difference that a few thousand feet make trampling over the delicate natural grasses and flowers.
If you want your children and your grandchildren to enjoy this gorgeous world wonder as much as you do, then take care of it.
Both Nicoletta Marconi & Searstower Becky are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nicoletta Marconi has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. Nicoletta Marconi is a photographer and regular contributor to , an emergent website for families intent on making the most of their leisure. Nicoletta Marconi's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.
Searstower Becky has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Personal Desktop and Travel and Leisure. Rebecca Beltran is a former long-time resident of the Grand Canyon National Park. To hear more about what life in a national park is like, and to get more insider tips on what to see and do when visiting the Grand Canyon, go to http://beckysbackyard-grand. Searstower Becky's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.
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