Teen Academy - Photography I in Black-and-White: Camera and Darkroom

Teenagers are invited to learn the basics of black-and-white photography. Students learn to make exposures with a manual 35mm film camera, process film, and create prints in ICP’s darkrooms. During field trips and shooting assignments, students expand their understanding of the technical and aesthetic possibilities of photography. Students also discuss the work of historical and contemporary photographers. The curriculum includes: darkroom time, visual presentations, photographic and writing assignments, discussions, critiques, a guest artist visit, and a virtual field trip. By the end of the course, students develop a body of work and an accompanying artist’s statement. 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 visit: https://www.icp.org/school/teen-academy.

Course Level/Prerequisite: Open to all skill levels. No prior photography experience is needed for these foundation courses.

Note: This class will be held in-person. Students will need access to a manual focus SLR film camera in order to complete assignments. If they do not have their own device, a camera can be signed out from ICP. Please reach out to Teen Academy staff at teen_academy@icp.edu after registering if you would like to sign out a camera for the duration of the course.

Program Description: ICP’s Teen Academy welcomes teenagers ages 14–19 from across the country and around the world to develop their skills as visual storytellers in a range of online and in-person courses. The program is designed to cultivate visual literacy, personal vision, and leadership skills through classes focused on the techniques and history of photography and visual culture. All curricula include: photographic and writing assignments, open lab time, visual presentations, discussions, critiques, field trips, guest artist visits, and a culminating presentation for family and friends celebrating the students’ achievements.

Fee Breakdown