FAQ

  • Your child will learn how to create intentional, well-composed photographs from start to finish. We’ll cover camera basics, lighting (both natural and studio), posing and directing subjects, styling, and editing. More importantly, they’ll learn how to see light, make creative decisions, and confidently bring their ideas to life. By the end of the week, they’ll understand the full process behind creating images they’re proud of.

  • Absolutely. This camp is designed to meet students where they are. Whether your teen is brand new to photography or already experimenting on their own, they’ll feel supported and challenged in a positive way. We spend plenty of time on demonstrations and hands-on practice before jumping into shoots.

  • Each day is intentionally balanced. We start with guided instruction and demonstrations, then quickly move into hands-on shooting. Most of the day is spent creating — photographing, experimenting with lighting, and editing — with instruction woven in throughout. This keeps students engaged and learning by doing, which is where real confidence is built.

  • Both. Students will collaborate during shoots, taking turns photographing, modeling, and assisting with lighting and styling. They’ll also have opportunities to work independently, especially as the week progresses and they develop their own creative vision. This mix helps build teamwork while also encouraging personal growth.

  • Yes. Portfolio development is a core part of this camp. Each student will leave with a collection of finished images that represent their best work from the week. These images can be used for school projects, college portfolios, social media, or even the start of a photography business.

  • Yes — and this is one of my favorite parts of the camp. Students receive daily, supportive feedback in a group setting where we talk through what’s working and how to make images even stronger. The goal is always encouragement and growth, never criticism. Learning how to talk about their work is just as important as creating it.

Learning Experience

  • YES! This is one of the things I’m most excited about.  Every evening your child will email me their favorite image(s) from the day.  I will print them out and we will discuss all of them the next day.  On the last day of camp (Friday), your child will present their best images to friends and family. This “Exhibit” will go home with them.

  • It depends on how much time they spend styling shoots.  Some students will spend the majority of their shoot time perfecting one shot.  Other students will fly through wardrobe and lighting changes and leave with more photos.  My goal is for them to leave each day with three photos they’re proud of and one they’re in love with.

  • YES!

  • Absolutely. They will learn the basics - skills they’ll need on all photoshoots. Whether they’re taking photos with friends from high school or staging a shoot for their photography business, the skills learned in this class will be frequently used.

  • YES! This is where I started and I’ve had a wonderfully, fulfilling career shooting many styles of photography.

Outcomes & Results

Scheduling & Logistics

  • Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This schedule gives students a full, creative day — and don’t be surprised if they want to keep fine-tuning their photographs even after they get home. 😉

  • Camps are designed for teens who have an interest in photography and creative work. The curriculum and pace are thoughtfully planned to meet teens where they are, both developmentally and creatively.

  • Each camp is intentionally kept small to ensure individual attention. Camps are capped at 16 students, with instruction and supervision provided by both myself and a camp counselor.

  • Four days are at James Island Christian Church. One day (Wednesday) is at Noble Studio near the Navy Yard of N. Charleston. Both locations are convenient.

    JICC is just over the bridge when you get onto James Island. Noble Studio is 5 minutes from the Cosgrove exit on I26.

  • Both. Weather permitting, we’ll work indoors and outdoors to give students experience with a variety of lighting environments and creative settings. That said, most of the day will be spent indoors, as our goal is to truly master the movement and control of light.

  • In the event of an act of God that prevents travel (such as a hurricane or tornado), tuition will be prorated or returned in full.

  • Yes! The more they practice, the better they become. Working with different subjects and creative styles stretches their skills and helps them grow faster and more confidently.

  • This year, we’re offering one camp focused on simple lighting and creative portraiture. Students may choose to shoot using either a smartphone or a digital camera.

    • Smartphone users: should bring their phone. Editing can be done directly on the phone.

    • Digital camera users: should bring their camera and a laptop for photo editing.

    All lighting equipment, backdrops, props, and additional studio gear will be provided.

  • No. Students may participate using either a smartphone or a digital camera. Both options are fully supported in this camp, and students will receive instruction tailored to the equipment they’re using.

  • No prior experience is required. This camp is designed to welcome beginners while still challenging students who have some experience. Instruction is hands-on and paced to help every student grow confidently throughout the week.

  • No. Social media is never required. While we may talk about sharing work and building a portfolio, students do not need to have — or create — any social media accounts to participate fully in the camp.

Equipment & Technology