Engage your creativity with this intense two-week immersion in the world of digital photography.

There are no available registration dates at this time.

This workshop is a part of the 2023 Summer Academy program

Filmmaking

Film School (Jun 26 - Jul 7, 2023)

Photography

Digital Photography (June 26 - July 7, 2023)

Image Credit: Kara Burnbaum

This workshop is for teenage photographers wanting to explore and excel in digital photography. In the quest for creative vision students study the technical capabilities of digital camera functions, file management, Adobe Lightroom, printing, and image editing. Students will learn the tricks of the trade such as how to use color to create dynamic compositions and how to handle the elements of time, motion, image content, and intent. Through hands-on instruction, assignments, and critique, learn to photograph people, landscapes, architecture, interiors, and conceptual subject matter all in the absolutely stunning backdrop of Maine summer.

Prerequisite:

This two-week program is designed for high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. This is an entry-level workshop and no prior experience is necessary.

What you will learn:

Students leave this workshop with a solid understanding of the core foundation of photography, digital capture, and image printing which enables students to further their digital photography skills in Advanced Digital Photography.

What you will need:

Students should bring a DSLR camera, lens, memory card, and a minimum of 120GB Hard Drive. We have cameras and accessories available for loan for the duration of the workshop if needed.

©Max Soley, Digital Photography

Testimonials:

“Maine Media Workshops was a great experience, a place to meet fellow teen artists and learn from experienced staff”
– Aaron Mason, Noblebaro, ME

“I learned that there are so many tricks to photography.”
– Kyra Hahn, Nazareth, PA

“I think every kid should experience MMW because it is truly a gift and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.”
– Julia Plummer, Falmouth, ME

“Going to Maine Media Workshops was a great experience for me because it gave me more confidence about my photos.”
– Kelly Zimmerhanzel, Schertz, TX

“I learned a lot, met new friends, ate new food, and photographed it up!”
– Liv, New York, NY

“I think the training and programs we got to use were amazing”
– Hannah Bolduc-Jackson, Raymond, ME

“Maine Media is the perfect place to meet people who share your same interest and work together as a creative group of young artists.”
– Giacomo Cabrini, Milan, Italy

Past student work

Past student work (left to right): Maggie Hough, Lily Steck, Abby Coston, May Winter

About the Maine Media Summer Academy

The Summer Academy at Maine Media cultivates the next generation of photographers, filmmakers, and book artists through expert learning opportunities. Students will be surrounded by peers who share their passions and are guided by working artists who encourage creativity as they instruct them in the latest skills and techniques and help create portfolio-level work.

Brief Academy Overview:

  • All Academy students must be fully vaccinated for COVID at least 14 days prior to arrival. A copy of the vaccine card must be submitted to [email protected].
  • Student days are comprised of both classroom and field/location work: lectures and critiques, demonstrations, shooting, editing, writing, computer workflow and/or digital lab work, depending on the workshop. All instructors are talented industry professionals as well as experienced educators, and each works with a teaching assistant, providing additional support for their class. The students are busy all day and into the mid-evening hours.
  • All students reside in our campus residence, occupying the lower floor. Rooms are all private baths with a maximum of three students per room (most will be doubles). Resident Advisors (RAs) also reside on the same floor to monitor and supervise.   The upper floor is occupied by non-Academy adult workshop attendees who will have little exposure or direct interaction with the Academy students.
  • During the week, all meals are taken together in the dining facilities directly across the street. Weekend meals are taken in the local economy and transported by the RA’s – or sometimes do cookouts. This cost is included in the tuition package. Parents may indicate any special dietary needs upon registration.
  • RAs supervise the students when not in class and help make group decisions about weekend activities which may include swimming, bowling, movies, and hiking. Coin laundry facilities are available on campus.
  • A lobster dinner is served (there are other choices) on the last Friday night of each workshop, and all Maine Media students gather for an evening presentation of highlights from the week’s work. Parents are welcome to attend, and meal tickets may be purchased in the Registration Office.
  • We recommend students have access to $150 over the two-week period for incidentals, snacks, movies, field trips, etc.
  • Check-in is on Sunday, between 3 and 6 and departure is on Saturday morning.
  • Tuition includes accommodation, access to campus amenities, transportation once the workshop has begun, meals (including a lobster dinner!), Resident Advisors, and Teacher’s Assistants.
  • Students may request a transcript be sent to their high school for possible credit.

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Instructor: Terri Lea Smith

Terri Lea Smith is a freelance photographer and videographer from the Phoenix area. She has produced documentary and commercial work for companies such as International Rescue Committee, USA Today, Flavorpill.com, Arizona State University, PHOENIX magazine and Global Family Philanthropy. In 2012 she earned a B.A. in Journalism with a concentration in Digital Media from the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Originally born and raised in Alabama, she has a love of documentary work inspired by the people and landscape of the Southeastern U.S. that call attention to the color and richness of life.

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