NYFA
Youth Program Finder
3-Week Photography Summer Camp for Teens I

3-Week Photography Summer Camp for Teens I

Learn Photography at NYFA

In the 3-Week Photography Summer Camp, students are immersed in the art of digital photography. During the program, students aged 14-17 will learn professional techniques from working photographers, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques necessary to research, compose, capture, and refine compelling photos.

Program DescriptionProgram Name: 3-Week Photography Camp for Teens

The 3-Week Photography Program is an intensive, hands-on course designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Over three weeks, students will take a deeper dive into the craft, mastering camera techniques, lighting, composition, and digital post-production. This program offers an extended opportunity to refine skills, develop a unique photographic style, and produce a well-rounded body of work.

Through a combination of shooting labs, studio sessions, image editing workshops, and critiques, students will explore various genres of photography. Field trips throughout New York City or Los Angeles will provide real-world shooting experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in dynamic urban settings. By the end of the program, students will have developed a polished portfolio that reflects their personal vision and technical expertise.

To learn more about NYFA’s teen workshops and summer camps, visit the NYFA Camp Brochure.

Core Subjects

Students will engage in the following core subjects throughout the program, with more in-depth instruction, expanded assignments, and additional post-production work in this version of the program.

Shooting Lab – Students will take part in an extended series of shooting labs, working both on-location around New York City or Los Angeles and in the NYFA photo studios. With more time for practical application, students will tackle advanced photographic challenges, learning to adapt to different lighting conditions, compositions, and subject matter. Through guided assignments and personal projects, students will refine their ability to capture compelling images across multiple genres.
Digital Imaging & Post-Production – This course provides an in-depth exploration of digital editing and post-production techniques using industry standard softwares. Students will learn professional-grade image processing skills, including advanced retouching, color grading, composite photography, and high-end printing techniques. The extended timeline allows for deeper experimentation and refinement of images, ensuring students leave with a polished, high-quality portfolio.
Vision and Style – With more time for exploration, this course encourages students to develop their own artistic identity by studying historical and contemporary photography. Through discussions, critiques, and guided projects, students will engage in visual storytelling and conceptual photography, pushing their creative boundaries. Assignments will challenge students to apply their technical skills in ways that reflect their personal interests and artistic voice.
Photo I & Advanced Camera Techniques –Building upon the foundations of Photo I, students will gain more hands-on experience with advanced camera techniques, including studio lighting, off-camera flash, long exposure, and experimental photography. The additional time in the program allows for deeper engagement with both natural and artificial lighting, helping students master the use of light as a creative tool.
Portfolio Development & Critiques – An essential part of the 3-week program is portfolio development, where students will receive regular feedback and critique sessions with instructors and peers. These sessions will help students refine their work, improve their editing choices, and understand how to sequence images for impact. By the end of the course, students will have created a cohesive portfolio that demonstrates their growth as photographers.

Final Project

By the end of the program, each student will complete a curated portfolio of finished photographs, copied onto a USB drive and available to download from Google Drive after the program ends, and prepared for both digital and print presentation. This portfolio will include a series of images across multiple genres, demonstrating the student’s ability to conceptualize, shoot, edit, and present high-quality photographic work.

The 3-Week Photography Program offers an immersive experience, allowing students to go beyond the basics and truly hone their craft. With extended instruction, more time for shooting and editing, and deeper engagement with artistic and technical concepts, this program prepares students to take their photography to the next level—whether they are aspiring professionals or passionate image-makers.