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.
Step-by-step guide to take photos of different kinds of animals
Step 1
Gather your materials and bring them with you.
Step 2
Decide whether you will look for animals at home park or the zoo.
Step 3
Ask an adult for permission and help to go to the place you chose.
Step 4
Make a short list of animal kinds you want to photograph.
Step 5
Turn on your camera or smartphone.
Step 6
Take one test photo of a toy or plant to check focus and brightness.
Step 7
Look carefully to find one animal to photograph.
Step 8
Point your camera at the animal and take a clear steady photo.
Step 9
Take photos of at least three different kinds of animals.
Step 10
Choose your favorite photos from the ones you took.
Step 11
Glue or tape one photo per page in your notebook.
Step 12
Write the animal’s name and three features you notice under each photo.
Step 13
Decorate each page with coloring materials and stickers.
Step 14
Make a short list that compares how the animals are similar and how they are different.
Step 15
Share your finished photo journal on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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).
Watch videos on how to photograph different kinds of animals
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4 Videos
Animal Classification for Kids | Mammals Reptiles Amphibians Fish Birds
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50 Animals for Kids | Learn Animal Names | Types of Animals for Kids | Wild Animals Name
What Are The Different Animal Habitats? | Animal Habitats Compilation for Kids
Facts about animal photography and observation for kids
🐦 Bird species are often identified by tiny details like feather patterns and beak shape—photos make those details easier to spot.
📷 Many smartphones now have portrait or macro modes that help you take close-up animal photos without a big camera.
🦉 Night animals like owls and bats are trickier to photograph because they need low-light settings or extra lighting.
🐾 Parks and zoos can host hundreds of species—keeping a photo journal helps you count and compare how many different animals you find.
📓 Scientists use photos from cameras and citizen scientists to study and protect wildlife—your photo journal can be helpful too!
How do I guide my child to take pictures of different animals and create a photo journal?
What materials do I need to take animal photos and make a photo journal?
What ages is this animal photography activity suitable for?
What safety tips and fun variations should I consider when photographing animals?
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