Teen Academy: Photography I and II in Black-and-White: Photography as a Tool for Social Change

As imagemakers and grounded in ICP’s mission, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on and respond to what’s happening around us visually. Taught by Abigail Montes, ICP alum and community-committed photographer born and based in the Bronx, students will explore historical and current approaches to creating stories as critical responses to the world around them. Students will learn to make exposures with a manual 35mm film camera, process film, and create prints in ICP’s darkrooms focused on their interpretation of change. Students will learn to think critically about agency, representation, and accessibility in their photographic practice. In this course for teen imagemakers of all levels, students will create their own body of work exploring the ways photography can be a tool for social change and community advocacy. The curriculum includes: darkroom time, visual presentations, photographic and writing assignments, discussions, critiques, a guest artist visit, and a field trip. The course will culminate in a final presentation for family and friends to celebrate students’ achievements.

Need-based scholarships are available for all Teen Academy classes. To apply, please complete this form .

ICP’s Teen Academy program welcomes teenagers ages 14–19 from across the country and around the world to develop their skills as leaders and visual storytellers in a range of in-person and online classes. All curricula are youth-centered and include: photographic and writing assignments, open lab time, visual presentations, discussions, critiques, a guest artist visit, a field trip, and a culminating presentation for family and friends celebrating the students’ achievements.

Fee Breakdown