Photography provides an incredible medium for children to explore the world, express their creativity, and learn important skills. Participating in photo contests can be a highly enjoyable activity for them, opening a path towards recognition of their talent and enhancing their competitive spirit. This article presents some engaging photography contests that children can partake in and gives insight into how you can guide your child towards participating in these fun and educational events.
The National Geographic Kids Photo Contest is arguably one of the most popular photography competitions for children. Open to children across the world aged 6 to 14, the contest offers incredible prizes including a trip to Washington D.C., camera gear, and children’s books published by National Geographic. Participants are evaluated based on creativity, photographic quality, and genuineness of the content.
Another great opportunity for children to showcase their skills is the Young Photographer Awards, run by The Royal Society of Photography. With four categories: Under 12s, 12-15, 16-18, and a Disability Category (18 and under), this international contest encourages young people to express their feelings, ideas, and perceptions through photography.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year: LUMIX People’s Choice Award, conducted by the Natural History Museum in London, also has a category for young photographers. This contest encourages children to capture the beauty of the natural world in a creative and ethical way. The museum even offers free resources to help children improve their skills and understand the competition rules.
Child Photo Competition is an international photo contest dedicated to discovering and promoting talented child photographers worldwide. They organize multiple contests during a year each with different themes, creating a platform for children to showcase their unique vision and gain inspiration from their peers.
The Kiwi Kids News Photo Competition, apart from the main category, runs a ‘Junior Category’ for children aged 13 and under. The contest focuses on sports, nature, and news-related images. Participants are encouraged to submit their best snaps and have their skills graded by professional photographers.
One of the superb photography contests with an educational aspect is the Shoot Nations Photo Competition by Plan UK and Shoot Experience. This competition targets children and young people up to 25 years old. It encourages entrants to depict global issues that they are passionate about, with themes changing each year.
Another interesting entry is the PTA Reflections program. An initiative of the National PTA, the program asks children to create art (including photographs) that represents their own interpretation of a given theme. It’s less of a contest and more of an initiative to foster creative thinkers but is a worthy inclusion in our list.
The Smithsonian Photo Contest Last Call is open to photographers under 18 and is perfect for the budding photojournalist or documentarian. The Smithsonian often has very specific themes for their contests, which can encourage children to think creatively about how to capture a theme in a single image.
Beyond these contests, various other regional and international contests are held every year. Parents can encourage kids to participate in these contests and even indulge in healthy competition by conducting family-friendly contests at home.
Parents and mentors can play a crucial role in guiding kids throughout their photography journey. Provide them with the right tools and resources to understand the basics of photography. Show them how to leverage different angles, lighting and composition to capture the essence of the subject.
Instilling a sense of ethics in photography is also important. Teach them to respect privacy and seek consent where necessary. Show them how to appreciate nature and how to be responsible while capturing wildlife.
Lastly, always maintain a positive and encouraging approach. Remember, the aim is not just to win but also to learn, grow, broaden their horizons, and most importantly, to enjoy the process.
Remember, these competitions aren’t just about winning. They are platforms where children can experiment, express their creativity, get exposure, and bolster their confidence. They are stepping stones for your child to capture their perspectives in an artistic way, developing a hobby or even a potential career path along the way. By participating, they can also be part of a community of peers with similar interests, opening up a plethora of learning and growing opportunities.
Photography contests for children are undeniably a fun and engaging means of nurturing their creative instincts while teaching them the value of healthy competition. Providing guidance and creating an environment where creativity is cherished can pave the way for your child’s interest in photography to truly blossom.
