Well I was at a local show over the weekend - it featured lots of vintage cars and aircraft plus some live music from the era (mainly 40's and 50's). Once baby naps had been done and dusted my wife, mother-in-law and children joined me. Oliver, my eldest, really wanted to take some photos so with a very short neck strap fitted I let him loose with my camera. At nearly 2 1/2 he was clearly having a great time though not fully up to speed with fill flash for back lit subjects as he kept overriding daddy's choice of camera flash for a few portraits! He created his own attraction though, shooting an air display on continual high with a gripped full frame camera while screaming with delight (Nikon shutters do sound great, but don't drown it out with your own screams, Oliver!)
It's very interesting reviewing his images - even though he only had a 35mm prime lens on board (which isn't exactly ideal for aerial photography!) he got some great shots of a display team and it's very interesting to see the world from his perspective down low with people and family shots! Even little old Nanny looks tall from down there with a moderate wide angle!
So my question to all you photographer parents - when did you start off with your children if they showed an interest in photography and with what equipment? I'm thinking of getting something toddler proof for Christmas now and there are a few cameras on the market. I think in the long run Oliver with his very own camera will be good for him AND my equipment!!!