Creativity + Confidence = Our 2025 Teen Photography Camp
One of the most meaningful parts of my career has been passing photography along to teens. I found my own love for photography as a young teen using a film camera and developing in a darkroom. Mr. Lambert, my high school photography teacher, did not hand out the compliments very readily. In fact, when viewing our work if he said nothing at all, that was good news. If he told you it wasn’t awful, that was high praise. 🙂 But he knew his stuff, and we worked hard to learn not only all the settings of our cameras, but all the foundations of art itself. I try to follow in his footsteps to inspire students –while being a bit more liberal with the encouragement!
I absolutely love working with high school students – they are artistically brave, have beautiful perspectives, and learn so quickly. One of my favorite quotes is by depression era photographer Dorothea Lange: “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” When I teach students to look through the frame, I’m teaching them to slow down, to search for beauty, to see light. We push back against the modern age of social media that tempts students to believe that image is greater than substance. I love seeing young adults connect with not only an art form, but with each other, and most of all, themselves.
I had one student that came to each class and chose to sit outside the group, away from the other students. He was quiet, new that year, and didn’t know where he fit into things. As part of class each week I would turn the lights down and the class would sit together in the glow of the projector, and take time to review all the student images, larger than life on the wall of our classroom. I taught the art of “kind critique” and after weeks of observing me model it, the students became experts at highlighting each other’s strengths. My student who was on the fringe of the group had a perspective unlike anyone else in the class. The class started commenting on how much they loved his work. As the weeks went by I saw him move from outside the circle to the inside, and not just in the photography class seating arrangement. Photography gives voice, identity, confidence.
Held on our beautiful 70-acre farm just outside of Ann Arbor, MI, this two-day camp is more than just a summer diversion—it’s an immersive, hands-on experience that combines the technical aspects of photography with the beauty of the natural world. Whether your teen is just starting out or already passionate about taking photos, this camp will equip them with skills that last a lifetime.
Camp Details
- Dates: July 15 and July 16
- Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day
- Location: Photography studio and surrounding farm in Ann Arbor, MI
- Ages: 14-18
- Cost: $350 (scholarships available for families who need assistance)
- Class Size: Limited to 15 students for personalized instruction
- What to Bring: A digital camera and a packed lunch
- What We Provide: Snacks, beverages, professional instruction, and a creative and supportive environment
Over the course of two engaging days, students will:
- Learn to shoot in manual mode, understanding exposure, lenses, and focus modes.
- Explore the elements of design – the very foundations of all art.
- Master the basics of composition and lighting
- Discover techniques for photo editing using Adobe Lightroom
- Examine the work of influential historical and contemporary photographers
- Spend ample time shooting outdoors in a variety of natural settings
Many of my past students have gone on to own photography businesses or gain international recognition and awards for their work. When you enroll your teen in our camp, you’re investing in a transformative experience that could ignite a lifelong passion or even launch a future career.
The Ann Arbor Farm – A mix of indoor & outdoor learning
I know that students can’t sit all day – I can’t either. We learn in small blocks of time always switching between indoor and outdoor settings. One of the highlights of our teen photography camp is the setting itself. We make great use of our 1500 square foot studio space for some non-distracted teaching time, but we are outside as much as possible. Our 70-acre farm offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. From golden hour lighting over rolling fields to macro shots of flowers, insects, and textures, students will learn to adapt to different lighting conditions and subjects in real-time.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
With a class size capped at 15 students, we prioritize personalized instruction and a safe, inclusive space where teens feel comfortable asking questions and taking creative risks. Our camp is designed to foster a sense of community, and many students leave with new friendships as well as new skills.
Scholarships Available
We believe that every teen should have the opportunity to explore photography, regardless of financial background. That’s why we offer partial scholarships for families who may need assistance with the $350 tuition. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to work with you to make this camp accessible to all.
How to Register
Ready to give your teen a summer to remember? Spots are limited and filling quickly, so early registration is recommended.
Questions? Reach out! We’ll get back to you right away.
{Past Student Work}
