Take a Look Around: Photography

I am a photographic artist, and I teach kids about photography all the time. This book gives simple step by step activities that teach kids about the most important part of photography: learning to see. Jim Varriale presents the basics of shadow and light, camera angle, frame and scale, compostition, capturing the moment, and more in a way that all ages can understand. I would highly reccomend this book for anyone who wants a simple, straight-forward approach to making good photographs. This book is not about exposures (though you'll learn as you do these activities) nor about darkroom work, but that can all come later. This book reinforces the art of photography, not the science part. I use it's principles with my youngest students, as it simply can't be done any better.

Photographer/author Jim Varriale has produced a deceptively "simple" book that covers the basic principles behind the art of photography. His book, illustrated by photographs taken by children he taught at summer camp, is all the more remarkable for the imagination, courage, and freedom he has inspired in them. Throughout, these photographs tease, touch, and delight with their disorienting perspectives, pathos, and humor. Extraordinarily mature conceptually, they invite us to share each photographer's highly personal view of the world. Mr. Varriale's accompanying text defines lessons as "projects" and is written clearly in a warm, inviting style. Although purposely free of complicated technical instruction, the book is, nevertheless, a serious work that merits as much concentration on reading as on looking. Although it is intended for children, the book is, in fact, ageless in its usefulness. Every adult who has ever despaired of understanding the "how-to" articles in sophisticated photography magazines and books (and that includes the instructions that come with big-name cameras) will appreciate Mr. Varriale's introduction to an art form he assures us is immediately accessible.