Shoot Like a Kid — Photography Tips for Beginners.

The results from no preconceptions can be refreshing and fun.

Image by Latino Life

I handed my DSLR to my best friend’s eldest boy and watched him go wild. He was around 10 years old at the time. He snapped away with no inhibition, strutting off in delight.

I never worried about the fate of my camera; he was a sensible boy who appreciated everything he received, even if it was a borrowed item. The joy of being trusted with the use of the tool of my trade stretched his mouth into a wide grin.

He shot from as many angles as he could find. On-comers up the country path found themselves face-to-face with his lens. He didn’t stop to ask permission; he simply shot away.

To be fair, an adult may not have gotten away with this so easily. People are far more generous with a child.

He didn’t need to worry about settings, as I’d switched on auto.

Of course, he particularly liked photographing my friend and me, and he took a picture I still treasure to this day.

My point is that, as adults, we sometimes overthink and follow preconceived notions about how we should take photographs. Rules or photographs taken by photographers we admire captivate us. The technical details of what we believe will make…