While I do not have children of my own, I do have two beautiful grandchildren, Miles (9) and Madeline (5). They are fortunate to have three grandmas. To them, I am “Grammy B!”

A few months ago, in the midst of trying to figure out how to amuse and keep her children engaged and occupied, their mother, Jackie, asked for our help. She gave us a “Grandparents’ Challenge:” come up with something that would interest, and at the same time, challenge and teach the children something they could do on their own. Given that we live far away, and like so many of us, unable to visit them during this time of plague, it certainly stretched our imagination.

It set me to thinking. They had always been interested in my own photography. Both kids loved to model for me whenever we visited and always clamored to see the results of my work. What if I taught them what it was like to be on my side of the camera? Would they be interested in photography? I was a bit intimidated to even suggest this.

Would they roll their eyes, refuse to participate, or maybe just go along because they had to? I have never taught kids before, so how did I expect to teach a 5 and 9-year-old anything, let alone photography? As in so many things in my life, I would never know unless I tried.

My first step was to do some research into children’s digital cameras. I ordered both cameras through Amazon. A blue one for Miles and one in pink (Madeline’s favorite color). They were not expensive but it did take a while for them to arrive. We can thank the pandemic for that.

Before they actually received the cameras, we set up a Zoom call where they could then open their gifts while I provided an introduction to:

“Grammy B’s Photo School.”

Every week, I came up with a different assignment, making sure they understood they could take as many photographs as they wanted. Jackie agreed to upload their photos to “Google Photos” each week. We then set a time and date for each child’s weekly Zoom class. Thanks to them, I learned how to share my screen on Zoom, which makes it easy to review and discuss their photos.

Their assignments – sports-related shots, things that begin with certain letters, or images depicting their favorite colors. Other ideas they had fun with were pandemic related photos, pictures of machinery and gadgets, scavenger hunts, their dog’s eye view, favorite foods, or even tell a story with your favorite stuffed animal (something Maddie especially loved). Her latest assignment was to walk 20 steps and take a photo. One of Miles’ assignments included writing captions for each photo, which then became a grammar/spelling lesson.

As the weeks progressed, my doubts began to disappear. I realized I didn’t need to do everything perfectly. I just needed to show up and to be open to the amazing possibilities that these two kids unearthed within me and themselves. During this scary time of isolation and uncertainty, this project has given me joy, love and a great deal of hope for our future generations.

You are probably wondering how these assignments turned out. Here are a few samples of their work, (with the photographer’s permission, of course).

We are all having a lot of fun with this! Not only do I have the opportunity to pass my father’s legacy on to my grandchildren, but in the process, create a bond with them in a whole new dimension! It also establishes a weekly connection between us. I love seeing what they come up with, sharing in their thinking, and creativity. I am constantly surprised and our sessions are filled with laughter and excitement.

Do I believe that they will both become devoted photographers as a result of my teaching, not really? it’s more about having fun, being accountable, coping with a summer without friends, or their usual activities. It is also about showing up (for me, as well as them).

We are now into our 7th week and have quite a collection of photos. When finished, we plan to create photo books, one for each of them. It will be another learning project that we will all share and create-- all via Zoom!

By the end of the course, if all goes as planned, Miles and Maddie will have more than memories. They will have their book of photographs to show when someone asks how they spent their summer during the Great Pandemic of 2020.