Take A Picture Of Animals Of Different Kinds!
Use a camera or smartphone to photograph different animals at home, park, or zoo, then sort and compare their features in a photo journal.
About this activity
Use a camera or smartphone to photograph different animals at home, park, or zoo, then sort and compare their features in a photo journal.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your materials and bring them with you.
- 2
Step 2
Decide whether you will look for animals at home park or the zoo.
- 3
Step 3
Ask an adult for permission and help to go to the place you chose.
- 4
Step 4
Make a short list of animal kinds you want to photograph.
- 5
Step 5
Turn on your camera or smartphone.
- 6
Step 6
Take one test photo of a toy or plant to check focus and brightness.
- 7
Step 7
Look carefully to find one animal to photograph.
- 8
Step 8
Point your camera at the animal and take a clear steady photo.
- 9
Step 9
Take photos of at least three different kinds of animals.
- 10
Step 10
Choose your favorite photos from the ones you took.
- 11
Step 11
Glue or tape one photo per page in your notebook.
- 12
Step 12
Write the animal’s name and three features you notice under each photo.
- 13
Step 13
Decorate each page with coloring materials and stickers.
- 14
Step 14
Make a short list that compares how the animals are similar and how they are different.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished photo journal on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I guide my child to take pictures of different animals and create a photo journal?
To do this activity, plan a short outing at home, park, or zoo and show your child how to hold and aim the camera or smartphone. Teach simple settings: tap to focus, zoom gently, and take several shots. Encourage patience and quiet to observe behavior. Back home, print or import photos into a notebook, sort by type, and add labels and notes comparing features like legs, tails, colors, and habitats.
What materials do I need to take animal photos and make a photo journal?
You'll need a camera or smartphone with battery and storage, plus a protective case or strap. Bring a small notebook or printable photo templates, pens, stickers, and a glue stick if you want a physical journal. Optional items: a portable printer, binoculars, a field guide or ID app, wipes, and a small first-aid kit. Choose child-friendly devices and memory options appropriate for your child's age.
What ages is this animal photography activity suitable for?
This activity suits toddlers through teens with adult supervision and adjustments. Ages 2–4: supervised snaps—encourage pointing and simple turning of a camera. Ages 5–8: teach framing, counting different animals, and simple labeling in a photo journal. Ages 9–12: independent outings, comparisons of features and habitats, basic editing. Teens: deeper study of species, composition, and photo editing or digital portfolios.
What safety tips and fun variations should I consider when photographing animals?
Safety first: never approach, touch, or feed wild animals; keep children within sight, use zoom lenses, stay on paths, and carry water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Teach quiet behavior and turn off flash for skittish creatures. Variations: make themed scavenger hunts (feathers, paws, beaks), create habitat-comparison pages, try silhouette shots at sunrise or sunset, or build a digital slideshow with captions to share with family.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a camera or smartphone if those are not available?
If you don't have a camera or smartphone, use a tablet, borrow a parent's phone, or use a basic digital or disposable camera so you can still complete Step 5 (turn on your camera) and Step 8 (take a clear steady photo).
My photos are blurry or animals keep moving — how do I fix that?
If photos are blurry after the Step 6 test photo or animals move during Step 8, stabilize the device by leaning on a bench or using a small tripod, switch to burst mode or a higher shutter speed on your smartphone, and retake shots when the animal pauses.
How can I adapt this activity for a 4-year-old or a 12-year-old?
For a 4-year-old, do the activity at home with stuffed animals and have an adult handle Steps 5–11 while the child colors and dictates the three features for Step 12, and for a 12-year-old have them visit a park or zoo, research species for their Step 4 list, and write a detailed comparison in Step 14 before sharing on DIY.org (Step 15).
How can we make the photo journal more creative or advanced?
Enhance the photo journal by adding captions with habitat notes and a small location map next to each glued photo (Steps 11–12), using mixed media and stickers in Step 13, and creating a digital slideshow to upload when sharing on DIY.org (Step 15).