Our son got a camera for his fourth birthday. It's definitely the quality you'd expect out of a child's "toy" camera, but it does take real pictures, which was all he really wanted.
500 pictures and two set of batteries later, he's still loving that camera. Since he clearly understands that memory is cheap, I loaded all those pictures on the computer for him.
I've really enjoyed being able to look through his eyes for a little while, and see what he thinks is camera-worthy and important. I won't bore you with the myriad of photos of walls and floors and his own lap. Almost every picture on the camera involves some motion blur or missing limbs. But there are also some really heart-warming shots of the people he loves, and that he thinks are important enough to record.
With that, I give you a four-year-old's perspective of life:
I really love this one of breakfast, the day after his birthday.
He was quite proud of his cereal picture as well, and tells everyone about it.
The beloved garbage truck.
Brighton, his sister.
He's still loving puzzles.
Hi Daddy!
This was on Brighton's birthday... apparently doll cribs are pretty comfortable when you're only 22 pounds.
Success defined for a parent: when your kids think books are as cool as you do.
Apparently Mom works a lot at the computer? I don't remember this being taken.
Mom and Brighton.
This is Dog, which he got the day he was born. He's so well loved he got a model shoot all his own.
He waited patiently at the window all morning on garbage day to get these shots.
This one may just indicate a need to wash that window, but I love that it proves that his sister was right there taking pictures with him: that's her yellow camera and little hand.
The camera has funny effects... it cracks me up that he made every super hero a garbage truck!
Olympics watching (peek a book Brighton).
His first selfie?!
And lastly, he took this of me on my birthday. Not too bad! Maybe I'll have Dash take my portraits from now on...
Isn't it fascinating to see what a four year old takes pictures of? What's your favorite?
Sara says
These are adorable! What a great little photographer!
Davina says
I would love to know what kind of camera you gave to a 4 year old... I think we need one.
Meg says
He is using the VTech Kidizoom. A full review is here: https://snaphappymom.com/2014/04/14/childs-camera-review-vtech-kidizoom-camera-connect/
Elizabeth B says
I'm glad he likes the camera! He got some pretty good shots! We got a kiddie camera for Scott for Christmas but he's been so used to using my point and shoot that he didn't like his camera because of the quality. Oh well. And Brighton is only 22 lbs?!?! Seriously? My 8-month old weighs 22 lbs. hahaha. Chunky boy.
Meg says
Yeah, Brighton is tiny! People think she is younger than she is because of her size, and then she rattles off complete sentences and really impresses them. 🙂
Stephanie says
I love these pictures!! Any recommendations for kids' cameras? Dash has got a pretty good photography eye already--must be in his genes, lucky kid!
Meg says
I have only tried this kid's camera, but it seems to be very age-appropriate for 4-5 year olds. Full review of the VTech Kidizoom here: https://snaphappymom.com/2014/04/14/childs-camera-review-vtech-kidizoom-camera-connect/
Stacie says
These are awesome! I love the picture of the garbage truck, and his first selfie. So fun!
Cheryl says
Dash did a fantastic job --the view through 4 year old eyes is interesting. What a clever gift! You should post some of his photos regularly!
Don says
Excellent shots! We need to get some grandparents over there so we can see what he does with them!