Three Photography-Related Books to Share with Toddlers
Does your toddler keep insisting that you lend them your mobile phone?
If they do, it’s time to teach them how to take pictures of their own.
Books are an excellent place to start. Let’s see what interests them.
Technical terms for photography should be gently introduced to toddlers. Their language skills have not yet developed very far and complicated things need to be unpacked. That said, we can still begin to teach different aspects. We can explain terms and feed them bite-sized pieces. So, what would you like to teach your toddler about photography? To further explore their world? To have a bonding time with you?
Only one of these books is considered a photography book for toddlers, whereas the other two give ideas to discuss with toddlers before and after they take their pictures. This is only a sample of the vast range of books written specifically for toddlers.
We define toddlers as children who can walk (i.e. toddle) usually between one and three years old. Photography, like other visual arts, stimulates a child’s interest in their environment, and other people, deepening understanding and building self-esteem.
Keep reading to find the toddler photography book ideas for your needs!
How we choose the best photography books for toddlers for you
We know that photography can help toddlers develop on many levels.
Our team has read through articles, hundreds of user reviews and star ratings to find a place for you to use to find what toddler books would be best for you at a reasonable price.
We hope this will be useful for you regardless of your interests and budget.
Smile! (Baby Faces Board Book): Smile! Board book (1997) by Roberta Grobel Intrater
great for taking time to study the human face
What we like about it...
This older, 14-page board book helps toddlers understand more about faces. Is the person sad? Happy?
The rhyming text and faces, from different backgrounds, add diversity.
What you should know...
Some of the images are dated, but they can also be used to talk to toddlers. Also, having someone tell the baby to smile takes away from what the baby is feeling. Have them also look at the eyes to see if the smile agrees with the smile. Such a dismissive attitude towards the baby’s emotions can be acknowledged and be a point for asking the toddler what they would do to make it better. Although the text may seem deficient to some, it can still be used for developing the skills for a positive critique. i.e. “I think the background would be better in a bright colour than black.” Then ask how the difference in the background changes the picture.
Click!: An Interactive Board Book Perfect for Pretend Play and Screen-Free Fun (2021) by Duopress Labs and Tim Palin
most cost-effective introduction to photography for a toddler
Why we like it...
You can’t beat the price of this 22-page, combination book/toy camera if you are looking at exploring whether or not your toddler is interested in taking pictures by themselves. For under ten dollars US, you can have your answer. Its size will be easy to handle in the average toddler’s hands and this is such a plus.
The pull-out tabs make it feel more real.
What you should know...
Although this book is great for role-playing and is age-appropriate, it does not take any pictures. All the action is using the imagination, much like dolls and toy trucks. If your toddler starts to show signs of frustration, think of getting them a camera that takes real pictures.
Bright Baby Touch & Feel Baby Animals Board Book (2006) – by Roger Priddy
good for introducing infants and young toddlers to colors, textures and a few animals
Why we like it...
This little book makes a good gift for a small child. Its size enables even infants to hold onto it, and explore the textures through the cut-out holes. Used as a beginner’s book, it provides a good introduction and also gives a place to start discussing simple images. And even create animal stories together and what sorts of pictures your child would like to capture.
What you should know...
This short book comes in a small size. Some like it. Some don’t. A number of people mentioned that it doesn’t stand up well to being chewed. A challenge with a teething child. But infants and young toddlers seemed to like it. This is a time to teach children how to care for books.
When considering books for infants and toddlers, consider spending a little extra to buy the book new instead of used, especially when buying online…and definitely not the kindle version for a book such as this. eBooks lack tactile and olfactory sensations.
The textures tend to be very similar but different colours. It would have benefitted from a wider range and more animals.
It can also form a springboard for discussing the difference between toy animals and live ones.
As cameras have become more readily available – especially with digital, more and more adults see that toddlers would also like to be taking pictures on their own. For some practical reason, we do not recommend letting any toddler have access to your mobile phone. So, what should you do?
With all the different options available on the market, it can be hard to figure out just where to start. We recommend beginning with books. They are relatively inexpensive, especially if you use a library as well. And they help you discover your child’s interests.
We’ve created a buyer’s guide of some frequently asked questions to help you choose the best-written resources to explore your toddlers’ photography interests. These focused questions will help you form stronger ideas about what your toddler would enjoy.
FAQs
How can I teach my toddler to take good pictures?
Remember, tastes differ. What you think of as a great shot may be boring to your toddler.
Consider what makes them laugh…or what they like to watch.
1. Let them choose photo subjects that interest them.
2. Get a camera that has fast shutter speeds so their images won’t be as blurry…
3. Consider their lighting. Working by a window can often give better results.
4. Teach them to use their toys as prompts.
At what age can kids learn photography?
Many suggest introducing children to photography before five years old. At this age, they are naturally exploring their surroundings. By recording what they found interesting each day, it helps them appreciate their own lives and experiences.
How do you teach little kids about photography?
1. Read them stories about photographers, especially when they were children. Show them pictures of different styles. Encourage them to talk about their lives.
2. Start with an inexpensive camera with an auto mode.
3. Practice with people they know and objects they have readily available
4. Talk about different perspectives.
5. Take close-ups.
6. Teach them to hold still while they take the shot.
What are the benefits of photography in early childhood?
Photography, like other visual arts helps develop creativity, strengthens confidence, deeps appreciation of others and their surroundings and can have a calming effect on them when they feel anxious.
How do I get my toddler started with photography?
Most toddlers love stories but aren’t good readers. Start by reading to them and telling them bits about how the pictures in the books were formed.
Next, consider getting a basic camera with automatic settings. Make sure they can handle it easily. You want it to be easy to use so that they don’t get frustrated.
You’ll also want one that is durable and teach them that it is never to be used as a weapon (they have been known to hit siblings!)
Consider giving them an assignment for the day such as, “How many squares can you find today?
Then let them go hunting.
In Conclusion...
So, what’s the best way to introduce your toddler to photography? That depends on your toddler. If you start with books, you will quickly discover whether or not they are willing to sit still. You will gain an understanding of what their interests are at this point and if photography is something that actually interests them. Remember some very healthy toddlers have zero interest in photography even if their siblings are enamored with it. Better to do some reconnaissance work before investing in equipment they will not use.
We hope you found this information useful on your journey to find the best photography options for your toddler.
All you need to do now is click the buttons above to continue your exploration.
Thanks for stopping by!