Hosting a Kid’s Photography Camp: What You Need to Know

Are you passionate about photography and love to inspire kid creatives? Starting a kids’ photography camp can be both a rewarding and a financially friendly venture. In this post, we’ll explore some key considerations—from licensing and training to liability and starting small—so you can confidently step into the world of teaching photography to kids. 

Navigating Licensing, CPR Training, and Local Regulations

When planning your photography camp, remember that the rules around licensing requirements, CPR training, and other local regulations can vary largely based on your location and venue.

• Licensing Requirements: Check with your local agencies to see if there are any permits or licenses you might need to legally run a camp in your area.
• CPR Training: Whether or not you’re regularly working with children, having CPR training can provide peace of mind so that you’re prepared for any situation.

Managing Liability and Insurance

Liability is a significant aspect of running any event, especially one involving kids. Here are a few tips to help you manage risks:

• Small Business Insurance: If you're a photography business owner, It’s a good idea to have a small business insurance policy in place. If you already have one, speak with your insurance agent to verify what your specific policy covers. Sometimes, you may even be able to purchase insurance just for the camp instead of a full policy.  The Hartford is one company that a lot of photographers use. 
• Waivers: Although I'm not a lawyer and this isn’t legal advice, many find it helpful to have the parents sign a simple liability waiver. For example, the registration form template in the Kids Photography Camp curriculum bundle includes a small liability waiver paragraph, so that everyone is on the same page from the beginning.

Starting Small: Workshops Over Camps

If you're wondering if you're “allowed” to simply start a camp? Generally speaking, there aren’t any strict rules against launching your own photography camp. Instead of the traditional meaning of "camp" think of your camp as a special kind of workshop. 

You can use the word "camp" as a way to market the workshop because the word "camp" can often carry a playful, experimental connotation. It sends a message that the workshop will be less formal and more about exploration, creativity, and active participation, which is ideal for a kids photography workshop. 

• Begin with a Day or Half-Day Camp: Consider hosting a shorter session initially. Reach out to local schools, recreation centers, or YMCA facilities to discuss hosting your camp. These venues often have their own insurance policies and may outline additional requirements for external instructors.
• Flexibility and Growth: Starting small not only reduces risk, but also allows you to fine-tune your program before scaling up to longer sessions or a full camp experience.

The Rewards: Creativity, Joy, and Profit

If you love working with kids and have a passion for photography, launching a camp is definitely worth considering.

• Inspiring Young Minds: There’s nothing quite like seeing the spark in a child’s eye when they grasp a new photography concept or capture their first favorite image.
• Financial Benefits: Kid’s photography camps can be financially rewarding. With parents typically paying between $99 and $350 per session, even a small group of 8-10 children can generate between $800 and $1,000 for a half-day camp. And that’s without the added expense or time of post-production editing of photos!

Below are a couple reviews from photographers who have done taught with this kids photography camp curriculum. 

Final Thoughts

Starting a kid’s photography camp is more than just an entrepreneurial venture—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives. By paying close attention to local regulations, ensuring you’re properly insured, and starting small, you can launch a camp that is both safe and inspiring. If you’re passionate about photography and enjoy working with kids, taking the plunge could lead to a fulfilling and lucrative experience.

Click here for the Kids Photography Camp curriculum and get started today!