Teen Camp 1 | Chicago Summer Camps
AGE: 13 – 17 Years Old
TIME: 9am – 3pm (Mon Fri) *Before & After Care Available (8:30am-5:30pm)
PREREQUISITES: None; Great for beginners
REQUIRED: Any camera with manual mode (*rentals available)
LOCATION: 25 E. Pearson St. (Loyola University)
Overview
Learn The Fundamentals & Master Manual Mode
Campers learn to shoot in in full manual mode so that they can artistically and confidently capture the world around them. Daily field trips to many great Chicago locations encourage campers to practice the skills and techniques they learn! Creative photo activities allow campers to have fun expanding their imaginations and a hands-on studio session gives them a taste of what a professional photo shoot looks like.
“The camps are amazing. My son has learned so much at camp and had a wonderful time!!”
– Melissa McCrae | GTA Photography Camps Parent
Camp Outline
Camp Summary
- Basics concepts and rules of photography
- Learn all the controls to be able to shoot in manual mode
- Composition guidelines and techniques
- Creative techniques such as freezing motion, panning, zooming and more
- Hands on practice during our shooting field trips
- How to maintain your camera
Manual Mode
Learning to shoot in full manual mode is so important to becoming a great photographer. Gaining full control over the camera means teens can create images exactly how they see them. In this camp, we teach campers everything they need to know about aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Teens will say goodbye to auto mode forever by learning how to become a master of their cameras and light meters.
Composition
The visual and creative side to photography is just as important as the technical. In this section of camp, teens will be introduced to some key rules of composition so they can create visually stunning images that have that “wow” factor!
Critique
Receiving feedback on your work is always a great way to grow as an artist. Teens will have the opportunity to participate in a critique by sharing their top images from the week with their fellow peers and knowledgeable instructor. They’ll also get to practice giving feedback to others using the technical and compositional terminology they’ve used learned all week.
Amazing Demos
We understand that new concepts don’t really stick unless you use them so that’s why we’ve integrated lots of great hands-on photography activities into this program. Everyday campers will have the chance to shoot and practice by doing things like freezing water balloons or visiting iconic landmarks around the city on our daily field trips!
Sample Day @ GTA Photography Summer Camps
| 9:00 am | Drop-Off Before care starts at 8:30am |
| 9:00 am | Warm up game |
| 9:15 am | Photography Lesson Learn & Practice |
| 10:30 am | Demos & Hands on Practice Apply what you’ve learned |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch Break Bring your own or buy lunch at a local spot |
| 1:00 pm | Field Trip Visit exciting local spots and take incredible photos and videos |
| 2:45 pm | Arrive back at camp |
| 2:45 pm | Cool Down Game |
| 3:00 pm | Student Pick-up After care until 5:30pm* |
FAQ's
How many campers are in your sessions?
We limit all kids programs to 12 campers and teen programs from 10 to 20 campers (depending on the program). Based on our experience, we have found that campers are able to grasp the concepts better in small class sizes. This allows them to ask questions as we go and get personal attention.
How do you address safety at your camp?
We take safety very seriously at GTA Photography. You can be sure that your child is in good hands. Here are just some of the measures we have taken to ensure the safety of your child:
- Staff Qualified in First Aid / CPR: All of our instructors and counsellors are trained in First Aid and CPR and are able to treat minor injuries on site. Parents will be immediately notified in case of injury or illness.
- High Instructor to Camper Ratio: Our Kids Camp has a ratio of 2 staff to 12 campers. Our Teen Camps have a ratio of 2 staff to 15 campers.
- Strict Pick up / Drop Off Policy: We have a strict pick up / drop off policy; whereby, you provide us with the proper information on who is allowed to pick up your child and we ensure that they are released only to that individual.
- Background Checks: It is our policy that we conduct background and criminal checks on all staff members.
- Risk Management Training: All of our instructors and counsellors undergo thorough training in risk management and emergency procedures. All of our instructors and counsellors have cell phones and can be reached at any time.
How old does my child have to be to attend?
Kids Camp (8 – 12) and Teen Camp (13 – 17). If you have any questions regarding the age group, please feel free to contact us.
How does pick up / drop off work?
We know that pick up and drop off times are busy for families. We do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible for you.
At each location, we have designated pick up / drop off areas to allow for quick transitions. Please consult your Parent Handbook for details.
All of our camps begin at 9:00 AM. Students should be dropped off 10 minutes prior to their start time. All of our camps end at 3:00 PM. Students should be picked up by 3:10pm. We provide Before / After care for our Kids & Teen Camps (8:30am to 5:30pm).
Is there Before & After Care Provided?
Before and after care for kids and teen camps is available from 8:30am – 5:30pm for an additional fee of $50. *
Please note that camp programming ends at 3:00pm. Simple activities and entertainment are provided during after care.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes! We believe that every child should have access to camp and financial limitations should not be a factor when making the decision to go to camp. Every summer, we have a select number of spots that are open to students in need.
Deadline to apply for financial aid is Monday, March 19, 2018. Campers will be notified if they were granted a spot by end of April. Please fill out the application below and email it back to us (info@gtaphotographyclasses.com) by the deadline.
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION** Please note that this application is currently only offered to Canadian Residents.
How early should we register?
Registration is open until the Friday before the session begins. Please note that in prior years most of our camps have sold out months in advance. In order to guarantee enrolment, we recommend registering as soon as you know your schedule and at least a month in advance. Avoid the rush – register early and secure a spot!
What are your registration policies?
Policies:
- Prepayment is required to confirm your registration and spot in the class / camp / workshop.
- All sessions begin promptly at the stated time. Any missed material is forgone by the student.
Cancellation by Campers:
- Cancellations are non-refundable whether the camper cancels or fails to show up for camp; however, if cancellation is received within 14 days prior to the scheduled session, we will reschedule you to another session but a $100 administration fee will apply.
Cancellation by GTAPC:
- GTA Photography Classes reserves the right to cancel or postpone any camp if there is inadequate enrolment. In the event that a camp must be cancelled, you will be notified by email with adequate notice (please be sure to register using the email address where you can best be reached). You may then either reschedule for another session or receive reimbursement of camp fees.
What is the format of the day?
Weekly Camps (Summer, March Break, Winter)
Monday to Friday from 9 am – 3 pm.
Before & After Care is available for an extra $50/ week. Hours are 8:30am – 5:30 pm.
Typical Day at Summer Camp
9 – 9:30 am : Ice breakers / team building exercises
9:30 – 12 pm : Lessons / Workshops / Assignment
12 – 1 pm : Lunch
1 – 3 pm : Outdoor field trip and shooting assignments
Fall & Winter Programs
We cover the same material as our summer camp program. We alternate one week is indoor lecture / assignments and the following week is outdoor shooting field trip. 10-week and 12-week programs are available and will contain 1.5 – 2.5 hours of instructions depending on the program
Field Trips
Field Trips are a huge part of our program! We visit various sites around our facilities. All sites are within walking distance.
Toronto Location: Sites may include; ROM, Casa Loma, Queen St. W, Galleries, Kensington Market, Yorkville, Nathan Phillips Square, etc.
Chicago Location: Oak Street Beach, Michigan Ave, Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, etc.
Ottawa Location: University of Ottawa, National Arts Centre, City Hall, Parliament Hill, Rideau river, etc.
How does lunch work?
Lunch at camp is similar to lunch at school! Campers can either bring their lunch or money to buy a lunch at one of the nearby vendors. All of our locations have food options within a 2 minute walking distance. Whether they are bringing or buying, we always eat together as a group!
Do you accept international students?
Yes! A tourist visa is all that is required to attend our camp. Student visa’s are not required for summer camps.
Our programs are taught in English and do require a good understanding of the language in order to participate and follow the program. Students should be able to converse at an Intermediate to Advanced level in order to participate in our summer camp programs. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact us for more information.
Reviews
Thank you @GTAphotoclasses for making last week a week to remember. pic.twitter.com/a4vhjSQ3mJ
— ♡♥︎ (@sprkly_eyez) July 6, 2017
Check Out Our Campers’ Experience
Sarah K.
Ajia R.
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* We have limited spots in our summer camps. Register Early to secure your desired session *
*There will be no camp sessions running on Statutory Holidays (Independence Day – July 4)
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