Teen Academy - Developing Your Portfolio [Online]

How do you break into the professional world of photography? In this intermediate digital photography course, students will explore topics from photography fundamentals and post-processing to ethical imagemaking and business basics, empowering them with skills and confidence to turn their passion into a rewarding profession. This course offers a unique blend of creative exploration and skill development, providing a solid foundation for aspiring young photographers. Students will learn lighting techniques for people and products, understand the process of being hired for a job from contracts to invoices, and participate in a professional photo shoot. They will learn about various professional roles including: art directors, digital techs, photo editors, and photo assistants, and how these roles work with photographers to make compelling images and campaigns. The curriculum includes: visual presentations, photographic and writing assignments, discussions, critiques, a guest artist visit, and a virtual field trip. By the end of the class, students will have created a body of work as well as gained the knowledge and assets necessary to begin thinking about a professional photographic career. The course will culminate in a final presentation for family and friends to celebrate students’ achievements.

Note: This class will be held on Zoom. Students must have access to a computer with a webcam and stable internet connection in order to participate. Students must have access to a smartphone, DSLR or mirrorless camera, or digital point and shoot camera to complete assignments. A link to join the class and additional course preparation information will be shared closer to the start of the class.

Need-based scholarships are available for all Teen Academy classes. To apply, please visit: https://www.icp.org/school/teen-academy.

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