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Backyard photography scavenger hunt

Kids will have fun hunting for great shots, and learn about digital photography along the way.
Content starts here
» Set the territory
» State the rules
» Create the targets
» Suggested photo challenges
» Revisit the basics
» Choose a digital camera

Set the territory


Nature is everywhere: public parks, your own backyard, or even along city streets. Determine where your little scavengers are going to roam, and set clear location boundaries—making sure to emphasize safety.

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State the rules


Whether it is your back porch, a giant oak tree, or the steps of city hall, select a single starting point for all participants.

Be clear about the rules. For example, instruct them to work independently or in teams of two. Decide if they can consult each other or other people during the game. Or, let them know they can shoot more than one image of each target.

Have all scavengers start together, and designate an ending time-say an hour later—and a spot to gather when they have finished.

When time is up, the game is over. Have each child share his or her photos either right from the camera's memory or by downloading images to your PC or printer. Tally up the points, and state the winner.

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Create the targets


Dream up a list of 10-15 objects that one might find in your chosen territory—everything from ladybugs to little league players. Consider the season, the time of day, and the environment.

Assign each item a value based on how difficult you think finding and shooting it might be. For example, a blade of grass might only be 5 points, while a butterfly might be worth 40. Print and copy a list of targets and their values for each player.


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Suggested photo challenges


Be sure to devise your list of targets to expand young minds as well as entertain them. Here's how:

  • Get close: choose a target such as the inside of a flower or the wing of a bug that challenges kids to think about cropping and close-up photography.

  • Catch the action: have scavengers learn what happens when they shoot an object in motion, such as a person on a bike.

  • See the big picture: create a target that requires a sweeping view, such as a sunset or a city building. A number of HP digital cameras allow for panoramic photography for capturing such shots.

  • Go bright: ask kids to capture a shadow or a ray of sunlight, to allow them to experiment with how to shoot in bright light.

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Revisit the basics


Before sending your group off on a nature-photography adventure, give them a quick refresher on technique. Learn more about taking photos with kids.

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Recommended products


Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.

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