“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow,” said Imogen Cunningham, an American photographer.
Teens curious about photography who want to improve their skills — and who might be thinking about a career in fine art or commercial photography (or dreaming of a Pulitzer for photography) — should consider a photography summer program. These programs provide a comprehensive foundation for translating your vision into stunning photographs.
Led by industry professionals and instructors, these programs teach you the fundamentals of light exposure, composition, shutter speed, aperture, and more, to give you a solid grasp on the technical aspects of digital photography. Some programs also explore the medium’s rich history, inviting you to appreciate the artistic heritage informing contemporary practices.
Thinking about majoring in photography? Your instructors may also guide you in developing your photography portfolio, a requirement for college applications (and future careers). Summer photography programs can open doors to a variety of careers as an:
- Aerial photographer
- Portrait photographer
- Forensic photographer
- Commercial photographer
- Photojournalist
- Photo editor
- Wedding photographer
- Event photographer
- Fine arts photographer
- Product photographer
- Pet or wildlife photographer
- Sports photographer
- Documentary photographer
- Stock photographer
- Fashion photographer
- And so much more
You may opt to stay in the U.S. for your program or travel abroad. Whatever you choose, a summer photography program will help you see the world a whole new way through your camera lens.
Still looking? Check out our other curated programs below and our latest Guide to Summer Programs and Your Future in the Arts publication, too.