During a period of confinement and isolation, creativity sparks the minds of those who challenge the every day, finding inspiration at every corner. From beyond the computer screen to behind the lens, explore the stories of young photographers who pushed their creative limits to “see” the world in a new way at Photography Camp last summer.
In collaboration with L.A.-based Designer Camp & Leica Akademie USA, Photography Camp offers a hands-on experience, designed to broaden the minds of young creatives, artists, and photographers ages 11-17. Although held virtually last year, Photography Camp is proud to open its doors once again for in-person learning at Leica Gallery Los Angeles this summer. Learn more about it here.
“Despite being on the east coast, I thoroughly enjoyed our collaborative conversations over Zoom. Our assignments were fun, creative and challenging and made me find different perspectives of the same subject. The celebrity photographer guests added to the fun and exemplified the ability for photography to be utilized amongst many platforms.” – Emma Moss
1. What was one lesson that you learned about photography that you hadn’t known before your camp experience?
I learned the simplicity of a photo can speak volumes. Sometimes the most basic shot could speak 1000 words without much editing or add-ons through photoshop.
2. What was your favorite activity or day from the camp and why?
My favorite activity was our daily prompts which enabled me to find a new perspective in the ordinary
3. What did you do with your prints? How did your parents react when they saw them?
The people I featured in my photos were lucky enough to get my prints. I was then motivated to shoot more and improve with my friends being the subject; I had a fresh mindset to develop more ideas. My parents were impressed but they had to be because they are my parents. Lol. Otherwise, I felt a sense of accomplishment when showing my work to my AP photography teacher and through an art show consisting of some of my work from the summer.
4. Share one piece of advice you’d like to give to our future students.
Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Bring your camera EVERYWHERE because you never know when you’ll find something that can inspire you! You can never be wrong with photography, but imaginative and have the chance to emphasize something considered non-important to the most striking subjects. If it’s something out of the ordinary to you, it can have the same effect on an audience.
“The Digital Leica Photography Camp was a really great program that uplifted my summer a lot. Being creative during the pandemic was a true challenge. To have a week of shooting different prompts and talking to so many smart and interesting people about photography was so inspiring to me.” – Sophie Shyer
1. What was one lesson that you learned about photography that you hadn’t known before your camp experience?
For instance, I learned about how the way things are placed for the frame can completely change the photo. I learned about lighting and how to get the perfect lighting in a home setting. I was encouraged to go outside and photograph the beauty of everything around me. To open my eyes to things I wouldn’t have normally noticed.
2. What was your favorite activity or day from the camp?
I really liked shooting macro photography because it’s so interesting to look at the small details of everyday objects.
3. What did you do with your prints? How did your parents react when they saw them?
One of my prints is hung up in my room! The others are in storage and will be hung in my parent’s house as soon as their remodel is finished. My parents were amazed at the quality of the prints and how creative I was able to be in a pandemic!! In fact, I have been taking photography in school because the Leica Program inspired me so much.
4. Share one piece of advice you’d like to give to our future students.
A piece of advice I would give future students is to ask questions and participate in discussions that interest you! You can learn a lot from this camp! But you should speak up because everyone is so nice – and every question is answered with respect, kindness, and intelligence.
Photography Camp by Designer Camp & Leica Akademie USA
July 26-30, 2021 at Leica Store Los Angeles
Learn, inspire & create with Designer Camp and Leica Akademie USA this summer. An in-person experience for children ages 11-17, students will engage in activations utilizing the fundamentals of photography and industry knowledge they learn each day. Q&A sessions, mentorship opportunities, portfolio critiques, and career guidance will also be available throughout the workshop. Students will have the opportunity to use Leica cameras and lenses to photograph their projects.
