You don't need to buy anything to start.

A family phone or old phone

Honestly the best first camera. Turn on grid lines together.

Kid-proof phone case

Grippy and drop-ready so little hands can roam.

Clip-on phone lens kitAges 8+

Macro + wide-angle lenses turn bugs and leaves into giants.

Kids' digital cameraAges 6–9

Chunky, durable and simple — great for ages 6–9.

Instant print cameraAges 7+

Magic of a photo popping out. Perfect for the club wall.

Compact point-and-shootAges 10–13

A real step up for older kids ready for zoom.

Instant film refills

Stock up — they'll want more.

Mini phone tripod

Bendy legs for steady shots and self-portraits.

Clip-on ring light

Soft light for toy portraits and rainy days.

Colored backdrop paper

Instant studio wall for tabletop photos.

Foldable light boxAges 8+

Make objects look museum-ready.

Photo printer

Small, wireless prints straight from the phone.

Painter's tape + clips

Hang prints without marking walls.

String photo display

A gallery line across the bedroom.

Scrapbook / photo album

Where favorite prints get a home.

Canon EOS R5Ages grown-ups

Kathy's main camera — this is what shoots the photos you see on this site.

50mm lens

Her go-to for everyday moments — sees a lot like the human eye.

85mm lens

The portrait lens — dreamy, soft backgrounds for faces and flowers.

Zoom lens option

One lens that covers wide to close — great for trips when you can't swap lenses.