Teaching photography to kids can be an incredibly rewarding experience. When you hand a camera to a child, you'll quickly see that they view the world with fresh eyes—spotting details that many adults may overlook. A kids photography camp is a great way to encourage creativity, build confidence, and introduce budding young photographers to the fun of capturing moments.
If you’re planning to host a kids photography camp, here are eight essential tips for success.
(Photo below courtesy Blencoe and Co. Photographic)
Selecting an ideal setting is key. Consider renting space in a community or recreation center near a park. A park gives the perfect backdrop for children to photograph a variety of subjects like plants, animals, and landscapes. The recreation center can serve as your classroom for discussions and image reviews. This makes it an ideal location for hosting a kids photography camp.
(Photo below courtesy Blencoe & Co. Photographic)
Click here to view Pre-written Basic Digital Photography for Kids Curriculum
Kids learn best by doing! Limit instructional time to no more than 20-30 minutes, and then let them spend the rest of the time exploring and taking photos.
To maintain their short attention spans, keep each camp session to around two hours. This allows time for class introduction, hands-on photography, and a group review of their photos.
(Photo below courtesy Blencoe and Co. Photographic)
Pricing should be accessible, but at the same time reflect the value of the camp. Here’s a general guideline:
At the end of the camp, celebrate their progress with a slideshow or printed display of their best photos. Parents love seeing what their kids have created, and this can serve as a great marketing tool for future camps.
One of the most important things to remember is to keep things simple. As soon as you get too complicated or technical, children are going to start getting bored. Focus on simple photography techniques such as filling the frame or shooting at a “birds-eye” or “worms-eye” You can also teach about lighting, since the weather will likely change from day to day (shooting in cloudy vs sunny conditions).
(Photo below courtesy Blencoe & Co. Photographic)
Click here to view the Photographer Badge Template
A kids photography camp should be fun! Instead of criticism, highlight what each child is doing well and encourage them to explore their creativity.
Let kids photograph whatever interests them, but also encourage storytelling through photography. A picture of a treehouse could inspire a story about an adventurous child. A close-up of an insect might inspire a story about its tiny world.
This not only enhances their creativity but also gives them a sense of accomplishment.
(Photo below courtesy Blencoe and Co. Photographic)
Teaching a children’s photography summer camp can be a delight if you go into the project with all the knowledge you need to succeed. You may just find that the children will teach you a thing or two about finding the perfect subject.
Don't limit yourself to summer—consider offering spring break and winter break photography camps as well! Parents are always looking for fun and educational activities during school breaks.
Want to run a kids photography camp without the stress of planning? Our Kids Photography Camp Bundle includes everything you need to get started:
✅ Pre-made lesson plans – No need to create your own curriculum!
✅ Engaging photography activities – Fun assignments that keep kids excited.
✅ Pricing and marketing strategies – Attract more students with ease.
✅ Printable worksheets and materials – Save time with ready-to-use resources.
Q: What age group is best for a kids' photography camp?
A: Photography camps work best for children ages 7–14. Younger kids may need simpler activities, while pre-teens can handle more advanced techniques.
Q: What kind of camera should kids use?
A: A simple point-and-shoot digital camera, a smartphone, or even an entry-level DSLR can work. The key is to let them focus on creativity rather than camera settings.
Q: How do I get more kids to sign up for my camp?
A: Promote your camp by:
Are you interested in teaching a kids photography class? Click here to get all the tools you need: http://www.magazinemama.com/collections/templates-for-teaching/products/basic-digital-photography-for-kids-course-curriculum-bundle
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