20 Steps from Home
I was inspired today while listening to the photography.ca Podcast #83. Marko the host was sharing an idea submitted by one of his listeners. The idea was to do a photo walk but limit it to 20 steps from your door. As I was listening I thought how great it would be to do this mini photo walk with my girls. Upon getting home I shared my idea and right away they were excited. Jaelie my youngest (3) was upset at first, since she did not have a camera of her own yet. So I explained that she did have a camera and I presented her with my old Canon S400, then she was very excited. Teagan has been taking photos for a number of years now even though she just turned six, but was also very keen to go. Teagan uses my current pocket camera, the Canon SD870IS. We rounded up our gear and headed out the door. I was excited too as their energy and creative use of the camera was so much fun to see. We had about half an hour before dinnertime and took full advantage of it. We stayed within the 20 steps (maybe giant steps) and took lots of pictures from all different angles. I enjoyed watching and helping the girls get their pictures. I was getting pressured to look at what they took every couple of seconds it seemed. The girls’ cameras were low on battery from the start, but they managed to stay operational right up to dinner. Right after we ate we headed to the computer to see what we had captured for pictures. Together we looked through each of our pictures and talked about them. We got some great shots and we didn’t have to travel to a far off land to do it. Below is a sample of them. Jaelie’s pictures are the first horizontal row; Teagan’s are the second and mine the third. Give 20 steps from your door a try with family members, friends or by yourself. This exercise tasks you to focus on really seeing what you might just look at everyday just out your door.
“Why does the earth spin?” – Teagan
“Why doesn’t the earth get dizzy and fall down?” – Jaelie
Christopher Dean Young's Photo Blog 
What a great exercise to do with your family and your images are lovely as well. Thanks for sharing. I might have to try this.
October 9, 2010 at 11:58 am
Thank you for your kind comments Tammy. I’m always surprised at what my children can do already and I fully believe in letting them try their hand at as many suitable things as possible. Also, it is nice to have them involved in an interest of mine, so we can share these experiences together. I will keep an eye out on your blog to see if/how “20 steps from your home” turns out for you and your family.
October 9, 2010 at 12:24 pm