Look at five photographs, either in a book, a magazine, or online, and for each one try to figure out where the photographer was standing, how close they were to their subject, and whether they were above, below, or at the same level as what they were shooting. Think about how the picture would look different if the photographer had moved to a different position. Camera operators ask these same questions every time they set up a shot.

Pick a favorite scene from a movie or television show and try to recreate it using a phone, positioning yourself and any willing family members to match the framing and camera angles as closely as you can. Notice what is harder than you expected and what surprises you when you watch your version back. Recreating shots you admire is one of the oldest and most effective ways that camera operators learn their craft.

Find out if your local library, community center, or park district offers a filmmaking or photography workshop for kids, and sign up to attend and work alongside other young people who are curious about how images are made. Many of these programs give participants access to cameras and basic equipment in a structured setting where you can experiment and get feedback from instructors.