Why Photography for Kids Matters in an AI-Driven Era

Jan 2 / Janet Pliszka
Happy New Year!
Oh, I can feel it—2025 is going to be amazing! I am so excited about plans for Kids Photography Academy. As I was thinking about my own plans KPA in 2025, I knew I had to address a hot topic. Artificial Intelligence.

AI will continue to dominate conversations across industries. It’s a force shaping everything from technology to, yes, creative arts and, you got it, photography.

With AI now capable of generating stunning images at the click of a button, I wondered if some parents would be asking me “Why teach kids photography when AI can do it for them?” or “Why should I invest in a photography course for my children?”
Of course, I have answers to these questions (you know I do!). But for fun, I decided to ask AI the same thing. Here's what it came up with:
-Creative Expression
-Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
-Understanding Technology
-Human Connection
-Encouraging Originality
-Empowering Visual Literacy
-Timeless Skill
Not bad, right? But here’s the thing—while those points are 100% valid, I believe AI missed some of the most meaningful reasons why learning photography is such a transformative experience for kids. Let me share my take: 

Being Present in the Moment

This is such a powerful benefit of photography for kids—being present. Just the other day, while walking in the forest with my daughter, I pointed out some cool details, and she said, “Mom, you notice so many things when we’re walking.”
That’s the magic of photography—it encourages kids to slow down, observe, and truly see the world around them. It’s a mindful activity that helps them stay grounded, appreciate their surroundings, and find joy in the little things. Instead of being pulled out of the moment, they stay connected to what’s in their mind and all that’s around them. And really, who wouldn’t want that for our kids?

Appreciating Originality

In a world where AI churns out endless images, photography helps kids develop a true appreciation for authenticity. They learn to respect the thought, emotion, and effort that go into creating something real and unique.

Photography encourages them to explore their own ideas and bring their personal vision to life. This nurtures a deep respect for originality and the creative process—not just in photography, but across all creative industries.

Building Confidence through Effort!

As kids dive into photography, they quickly realize it’s so much more than just clicking a button. It’s about learning, practicing, and refining a skill. It takes thought, creativity, and a lot of trial and error as they work through what they’re learning. When they finally see what they’ve created—and recognize the effort it took to get there—it’s an “I did this!” moment that fills them with pride.

Unlike AI, which generates results instantly without personal effort or input, photography allows kids to truly own their work. They understand that the process—the thinking, experimenting, and learning—is just as important as the final image. It’s this hands-on journey that builds a sense of accomplishment and confidence. And we all know what a boost of confidence can do for a kid!

Finding Joy in Creation

Beyond the pride of accomplishment, there’s a special magic in creating something entirely from scratch. Photography gives kids the chance to craft their own stories and express themselves in deeply personal ways—something AI simply can’t replicate.

By exploring their own voice and developing their unique style, kids experience the joy of true creativity. It’s this process that fosters a sense of pride and fulfillment that’s entirely their own.

Building Connections

AI-generated content often feels impersonal. Photography, on the other hand, is all about connection. It can foster a connection to the world around them—whether it’s capturing the intricate details of bugs, plants, architecture, or toys. It can build connections with others, like the subjects they photograph or the people they collaborate with. And perhaps most importantly, it creates a connection with themselves, as they reflect on their choices, ideas, and creative process.

Unlike AI, which generates images without context or emotion, photography is rooted in personal experiences and real moments. Photos taken by real people capture genuine emotions, stories, and relationships—things that resonate deeply in ways no algorithm ever could. I believe it’s this human touch that makes photography such a meaningful and powerful tool for connection.

Developing Visual Literacy

This one’s worth emphasizing. In a world saturated with manipulated and AI-generated images, photography equips kids with the skills to question and analyze what they see. They learn to ask, “Was this created by a person or an algorithm?” and navigate our increasingly visually complex world with confidence and questioning.



So, when someone asks, “Why teach kids photography when AI can do it for them?” my answer is simple:

Photography offers so much more than the mechanics of image-making. It’s about creativity, connection, and building skills that shape how kids see the world—and themselves.