As part of its activities to contribute to the community, Canon participated in the Summer Challenge program at Yaguchi-nishi Elementary School in Ota Ward on July 27, 2006. This course was intended for school children to learn the process from the basic operation of a digital camera to taking photographs in macro mode.

Summer schools were conducted by elementary schools in Ota Ward during the summer vacation to provide school children with original learning programs prepared by teachers, parent-teacher associations, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Canon has participated in the program since 2005, and this is its second time.

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Challenge macro photography with a digital camera

When examples of macro photographs such as pictures of a stick of chalk and a thumbtack were projected onto a screen and an explanation was given, the children watched intently with great interest. A compact digital camera was handed to each child, and the program staff gave them basic information on how to operate the digital camera and how to take pictures. Teachers also supported the children to practice taking photos of each other before going out for the session.

The weather was fine that day, and the children went out into the schoolyard cheerfully. Many of them went around the flowerbeds and vegetable gardens to look at butterflies on flowers, as well as eggplants and cucumbers, or to run after ants moving around on the ground. Each child was enthusiastic about taking the photos they liked.

After the session, each child chose his or her favorite from among about twenty photos. Then they connected their cameras to a printer to have their photos printed. They showed their photos to each other, and exchanged impressions.