Start with whatever camera you have: smartphone, point-and-shoot, DSLR, or tablet. Explore basic controls together. For phones, open the camera app and find settings: focus (tap the screen), exposure (slide up/down after tapping), flash on/off, grid lines (turn on for composition help), portrait mode, and night mode. For real cameras, learn aperture (f-stop controls depth of field), shutter speed (controls motion blur and light), and ISO (light sensitivity). You don't need to master everything today—just understand that these settings control how much light hits the sensor and how the image looks. Practice adjusting settings and taking test shots to see how changes affect the photo. Discuss that photography is about controlling light to create images.

Teach fundamental composition techniques that make photos visually interesting. Rule of Thirds: imagine the frame divided into a 3x3 grid (turn on grid lines in camera). Place subjects on grid intersections, not dead center. This creates balance and visual interest. Leading Lines: use natural lines (roads, fences, rivers) to guide the viewer's eye through the photo. Framing: shoot through doorways, windows, or branches to frame your subject. Symmetry and Patterns: find repeating shapes or mirror images. Fill the Frame: get close to your subject so it dominates the photo. Negative Space: leave empty space around subjects to create mood. Practice each rule with test shots: 'Take a photo using rule of thirds. Now try leading lines.' Review together and discuss what works.

Lighting makes or breaks photos. Go outside and practice shooting in various light conditions. Golden Hour (early morning or late afternoon): soft, warm, flattering light—best time for photos. Midday Sun: harsh shadows and squinting subjects—trickiest light. Shade: even, soft light perfect for portraits. Backlight: sun behind the subject creates silhouettes or glowing edges. Overcast: clouds diffuse light like a giant softbox—great for portraits. For each lighting condition, take the same subject (a person, object, or scene) and compare results. Discuss how light direction and quality change the mood: side light creates drama, front light is flat but clear, backlight is artistic but tricky. Learn to 'chase the light'—good photographers shoot at optimal times and avoid harsh midday sun when possible.

Put it all together with a photo walk! Choose a location with variety: a park, downtown, neighborhood, or nature trail. Set a challenge: 'Take 20 photos using the techniques we learned.' Give specific assignments: 5 photos with rule of thirds, 3 with leading lines, 2 with interesting framing, 5 in different lighting conditions, 5 close-ups. Walk slowly, observe carefully, and shoot thoughtfully—quality over quantity. Encourage experimentation: try different angles (low to the ground, high up, eye level), perspectives (wide shots, zoomed details), and subjects (people, nature, architecture, abstract patterns). Talk through shots: 'Why did you choose that composition? What story does this photo tell?' This builds intentional creative decision-making rather than random snapshots.

Back home, review the photos together on a larger screen (computer, tablet, TV). Look at each image and discuss: What works well? What could be better? Does it follow composition rules or break them effectively? Is the lighting flattering? Is the subject in focus? Does it tell a story or evoke emotion? Identify the best 5-10 photos from the walk and discuss why they stand out. Point out specific successes: 'This one nails rule of thirds and has beautiful soft light—well done!' Also discuss misses constructively: 'This would've been great if the horizon was level' or 'The subject is too far away—next time get closer.' Teach basic editing if time allows: crop to improve composition, adjust brightness/contrast, enhance colors. Save favorites and delete obvious failures. Celebrate progress: 'You're thinking like a photographer now!' Commit to practicing regularly—photography is a skill that improves with repeated experimentation.