Photography can be an excellent means to express oneself and relax. Although serious photographers and image editors can wind up spending a great deal of money to develop works of art, your teenager can get started right away. Using nothing more than the camera that is on his or her smartphone and the right image software, your teen can express themselves to the online community and develop themselves as an artist or simply post images that they find interesting.

How can you encourage the use of photography for teenagers as a valid outlet?

1.  Hardware – As many teens have smartphones in their pockets today, the camera on these units can take amazingly clear photographs that can be transferred over to the computer. If your teen doesn’t have a smartphone or other digital camera, there are a lot of cheap cameras that can help him or her get started at places like Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon or even eBay. The first camera doesn’t have to be extravagant, just functional.
2.  Software – Although expensive image editing software can do amazing things to your teen’s photography, spending a great deal of money isn’t necessary. There are a lot of online editors for free that can help your teenager develop amazing images from his or her photograph. Check out this article, Top 10 Free Photo Editing Options to get started.
3.  Sharing with the World – Every teen wants to find a way to fit in among peers. Instead of connecting with the wrong crowd, your teen could find this solace by participating with other teens and sharing artwork and photographic marvels. Many websites are geared around this social presence such as Pinterest, Flickr and Worth1000.com. Using sites such as these, your teen could develop more productive relationships while engaging others in the world with his or her art forms and photography.
4.  Rewards – There are many rewards that can come with developing artwork. You teen could find that it is truly relaxing or find entertainment value in the process. It can be the means to express one’s inner emotions without the need to vent in an inappropriate manner. The fact is, the teen will never know unless they try it for themselves – which is the whole point. A lack of effort will ensure failure, whereas an attempt could yield great success.
5.  Interaction by You – By showing interest in your teen’s efforts, you can provide a great deal of acceptance that he or she is looking for. Although they may want more freedom and responsibility, they still need that form of attention from the parent. Children inherently want to please a parent as long as it is possible. This means you need to put effort into being in the child’s life and praising accomplishments as they happen. While photography may not be everyone’s cup of tea, your teen may find more within the process than he or she may have thought.

Creating digital artwork for the world to enjoy can be your teen’s way of finding his or her place among peers. It could easily become the means to find his or her place in the world if they wish
to pursue a career in such things as photography, or graphic design later. While not everyone will be recognized among the greats, it doesn’t mean that your teen should give up or feel their work is any less important. Children need to understand that as long as they enjoy the creation from their own hands that is all that matters.

Also check out this article on Photography as a High School Elective