3 Photography Books to Share with Teenagers - Ages 12 to 20
Working with adolescents can border on the mystical. They possess that uncanny ability to slip from being a child to an adult and anywhere in between within moments. Delightful? Sometimes. Frustrating? At other times. Perplexing? Many times.
And this is why photography is so good for them!
Photography books for teenagers need to be selected carefully.
Some are beginners. Others are very advanced, depending on what you and they have done in their first ten years.
I have met grade twelve students that could barely read, while some of their peers could easily master advanced university courses. Yes, you need to ask where your teenager is on this spectrum, and they might not be willing to tell you.
You will need to know how interested they are in photography and what type of photography. Some are mesmerized by drones while others prefer underwater exploration.
Teenagers' photography books open avenues for them to explore their creativity in ways their parents may not have dreamed of. With all the newer technologies emerging, it is important to search for books that address current issues and explain how to use them. Some older books give a good historical perspective but are dated when it comes to methodology.
Keep reading to find resources for photography books for teenagers that will stimulate your child. If your adolescent is an avid reader, they may discover whole libraries waiting for them.
How we choose/select...
We know that photography books for teenagers answer a lot of “how-to” questions, help them organize what they would like to shoot and challenge them to explore new venues.
Our team has read through articles, user reviews and star ratings to come up with a sampling of where to begin selecting photography books for your teens that are practical and cost-effective.
So continue reading below…
52 Week Photography Composition Challenge Week to view Planner: An Undated Diary with Weekly Photography Assignments for Aspiring Photographers (2022) – Simple Quirky Designs
A good tool to teach project management in personal photography
Why we like it...
Like many adults, many teenagers lack the organizational skills necessary to take them to the next skill level.
This undated week-to-view planner provides a place for them to see at a glance what they have planned – much like their school class timetable. With daily prompts, it encourages and streamlines their creative efforts.
Its size allows them to quickly grab and put the “photography journal” into their school bag to travel with them wherever they go. Ready for use-on-demand.
What you should know
Although this journal gives good suggestions and overviews for the week, some may find that there isn’t enough room for their favourite pictures and writing.
Camera Quest – 31 Day Photography Challenge: A Fun-Schooling Photography Activity Book for Kids and Teens (2020) by Margarita Brown
This challenge can be repeated each month and done as a group activity or school project
Why we like it...
This 70-page book is designed to be copied and used for family or group activities. It takes photography out of the solitary artist's realm and makes it a group activity where one can see how different the same place or situation can be perceived based on the point of view. Once one month is completed, new topics can be added to create ongoing monthly challenges.
Keep in mind, teenagers can be highly competitive!
What you should know...
Although it gives excellent challenges, these are designed to be fun and not to examine or challenge technical difficulties. Each member will need a camera and a way to print their photos.
Joel Meyerowitz: Seeing Things: A Kid’s Guide to Looking at Photographs (2016) – Joel Meyerowitz
an excellent photography book for the whole family
Why we like it...
In this 80-page book, Joel Meyerowitz, an accomplished photographer, takes his readers on an exploration of how photography freezes time by looking at the works of masters, giving some commentary and encouraging readers to delve into their own interpretations of the use of light and other techniques.
He stirs the imagination by examining elements of composition.
Although this book says it is for those aged 10 to 13, many find it suitable for an older age range.
It has delighted many teenagers.
By using the work of several famous photographers, it deepens one’s perspective and appreciation for the history and art of photography.
What you should know...
Although this book simplifies concepts for a children's audience, it can easily be used and appreciated by teenagers and adults. This book can definitely be used by teenaged photographers, but perhaps it would be better as a family book.
Moving Forward
Photography can open up many avenues. But how are they to learn more and manage their time?
This is where books come into the picture. By studying age-appropriate, up-to-date books, they are essentially being given audiences with accomplished photographers who can answer their questions, without ridicule. They also gain access to the thoughts of photographers who are long dead.
As they develop their photography and reading, it may also stimulate their reading in other areas and increase their joy in discovering what lies around them.
To help on this journey of discovery, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to help you on the way to choosing photography books for your teenager.
FAQs
How does photography help a teenager’s health?
1. Photography develops mindfulness while focusing outside of the self. This in itself can decrease the risk of depression that afflicts so many teens.
2. Having teens go outside and take photos from many different angles, has a calming, grounding effect on them which, in turn, reduces anxiety.
3. Photography can introduce them to like-minded friends. So many benefits come from having a positive peer group.
4. Photography helps develop gratitude and appreciation.
5. Using photography gets teens away from indoor screens and outside in search of good images… and lots of fresh air and exercise.
6. Photography is known to boost self-esteem.
7. Photography encourages independent thought and confidence as they compose images that are their own.
8. Photography records a teen’s life and underscores the fact that they matter.
9. Photography gives teens a vehicle to appreciate others.
Are Selfies Good for Teens?
Selfies have come a long way from the days when you set a timer and ran to get back in position before the shutter clicked.
The attitude towards selfies has also changed. They are no longer the self-indulgent records that used to be collected and have become tools for enhancing resumes and job searches.
With the changes in the marketplace, it is good for teens to learn how to take excellent selfies that enhance their chances.
At the same time, teens need to learn moderation, self-control and concern for others when they consider posting or otherwise using their images.
How does photography affect a teenager’s sense of self?
This can be a two-edged sword.
If they see themselves as beautiful/handsome, then it can strengthen their ego, but if they focus on perceived flaws (acne, crooked nose, splotchy, messy…) then they are more likely to become more self-conscious.
Can teenagers make money from their photography?
Yes, depending on their skill level.
But be aware that there are regulations for making money when you are underage. Parents may be responsible for any contracts that their teen wants to enter into.
There are lots of opportunities from selling stock photography online to being an apprentice with an established photographer.
In Conclusion...
So, what are the best photography books for your teenager? This depends on many factors. How well does your teenager read? What are their interests? How much experience do they already have? Do they have others they can work with?
Regardless of their skill level, we think it is important that they learn to keep written records of their work, even if they don’t know much about journaling. They may want to know when an image was taken and what they had been thinking at the time. It becomes a personal record. We also think they should review the basics and build a solid foundation.
We hope you found our team’s information helpful and that it will help you get the best photography books for your teenager.
All you have to do now is tap the green buttons to check the prices and learn more about which items will best suit your teenager’s photography book needs.
Thanks for stopping by!