Nighttime photo ops

[thyme4me]

I was wanting to get a few suggestions from this group regarding nighttime photo ops. This summer a few mothers and I are going to be having a meeting once a week with our daughters that we're going to be calling enrichment programs. We want to teach our girls new things and have new experiences. Next week will be on photography. Most of them have a camera but are not savy on how to upload, edit and order photos. Then a few weeks later we will be participating in the Great American Backyard Campout. Most of them have never been camping, used a stick match, a compass or even fished. The GABC will be having a Flickr photo gallery. I thought it would be great to incorporate some of our photography skills during this camping adventure.
Any suggestions as to interesting shots to pursue that aren't too technically involved? Because we won't have tripods with us. I would love to hear any input!

[katrinak]

One technique that is fun, kids love, and is really simple is to photograph lights with movement.

Two ways you can do it. Both use a long shutter speed. You can set their cameras to Shutter Priority mode if they have it. Set it for around one second (it will look like 1" in the viewfinder). Let them then either hold them steady while someone moves a light in a pattern. It will have some camera shake without a tripod, but they'll love the outcome.

Using the same shutter speed (shorter can work as well). Have them take a photo of a light and move the camera instead. It creates a very artsy looking photo, that they can have fun playing with.

If you have my Give It Your Best Shot No. 01: Capturing Lights I describe the second method in more detail.

[thyme4me]

Great advice Katrina! I did get your GIYBS freebie so I'll have to look into it further. Thanks, I knew you'd come up with something creative and fun!