Develop your portfolio with class discussion, fieldwork, and lab time.

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)

The key components of any body of work are clear – concise vision supported by digital craft. This advanced course for teens focuses on developing a high-quality, cohesive portfolio of photographs. Designed to help students understand photography and their own creative process, participants create a group of photographs that will impress college admissions boards and the art world alike. The process of creating work is as important as the final product.

Through class discussion, fieldwork, and lab time, participants spend two weeks defining an idea, photographing, editing, printing, and asking questions. From portfolio presentation to letters of recommendation, contemporary trends to possible schools, the instructor assists students creatively and technically. Students develop their printmaking craft in the digital lab, making fine portfolio prints for presentation. Students not only learn how to print a cohesive collection of images but also develop skills to write and speak about their work. Through lectures, slideshows, assignments, and critiques, students take their work to the next level and for pursuing academic applications.

Prerequisite:

This two-week program is designed for high school students between the ages of 16 and 18 who are about to prepare their college portfolio submissions. Students must have completed an Advanced Digital Photography course or equivalent, as students are expected to enter this workshop with a solid foundation in either fine digital or traditional black-and-white printing.

What you will learn:

Students leave this workshop with a portfolio of 10-15 images, and a greater understanding of the academic application process.

What you will need:

Students should bring a body of images (25-50), DSLR / mirrorless camera, lens, memory cards, and a minimum of 120GB Hard Drive. We have cameras and accessories available for loan for the duration of the workshop if needed.

Image Credit: Yasmin Smeets, Young Photographer 2015

Testimonials:

“MMW has taught me so many things not only about media but also about myself as an artist and a person in general.” – Alicia Price, Lebanon, NH

“To any young artist looking for a chance to enrich their passion, Maine Media will provide the perfect environment and allow for great connections and inspirations to be made.” – Justin Schwartz, Nelson, NH

“It was such an enriching experience that really helped me master photographic skills.” – Meghan Prior, Westport, CT

“These workshops are always amazing and I know I’ll be back next summer.” – Thomas Earle, Concord MA

“MMW has been such a life-changing experience for me.” – Lily Plstein, Los Angeles, CA

Examples of Student Work:

Student Image Credit from top left to bottom right: Gus Baganz, Molly D’Arcy, Molly D’Arcy, Yasmin Smeets
Header Image Credit: Molly D’Arcy

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.

Share This

Renee Dennison - headshot

Instructor: Renée Dennison

“Yá’át’ééh shik’éí dóó shidine’é (Hello my relatives and my people). Renée Dennison yinishyé (Iam called Renée Dennison). Lók’aa’ Ta’neeszahnii (I am of the Tangle clan). Áshįįhi Kinyaa’áanii (I am born…

Learn More