Photography Summer Camp - Boulder, Colorado

Summer Camps

2023 Camp Photo

Learn photography in the Boulder area in the fifth season of our all-level photography summer camp!

When: June 5-8, 2023 from 3:30-7:30pm each day (later time in 2023 for better light and hopefully lower temps).

Back for 2023: A highly-recommended Advanced Workshop will be offered on Friday, June 9th from 6-10pm.

Where: Four different locations around Boulder, Colorado (itinerary in progress).

Who: Anyone 10-17 years old.

Tuition: $180

COVID-19 Note: We will adhere to CDC guidelines regarding masks and other COVID-related precautions at the time of camp. Participants are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Camp Photo Advanced Workshop Information

To attend photography camps and classes, participants should be willing to:

1. Carry a backpack with camera gear, water, and weather protection.

2. Walk/hike moderate trails while taking photos and having fun.

3. Learn how to use their camera, whatever kind it is, to their best ability.

4. Interact, make new friends, and enjoy the Colorado outdoors!

5. Be respectful, kind, and considerate to everyone at all times.

2023 Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1 - Monday: Pearl Street, Boulder Public Library, & Downtown Boulder

- 3:30pm start @ Boulder Public Library (classroom instruction to begin)

- 5:30pm snack/water break

- 6:00pm photography in Downtown Boulder area (urban, people, nature, etiquette, etc.)

- 7:30pm end (pickup at same spot as drop off)

Day 2 - Tuesday: Valmont Bike Park & Boulder Airport

- 3:30pm start @ Valmont Bike Park west entrance off of Airport Road

- Focus on sports and action photography

- 5:30pm snack/water break

- Walk over near the airport and discuss aviation photography, similarities/differences to other action/sports photography

- 7:30pm end

Day 3 - Wednesday: The Peoples’ Crossing Trailhead (Boulder’s Red Rocks)

- 3:30pm start @ trailhead

- Short hike, photography game(s), focus on portrait photography

- 5:30pm snack/water break

- 7:30pm end

Day 4 - Thursday: Chautauqua Park

- 3:30pm start @ Chautauqua main trailhead

- Moderate hike (longer than the previous day)

- 5:30pm snack/water break

- Wrap up w/ discussions about how to take photography further, as a business, etc.

- Share photography

- End of camp celebration

- 7:30pm end

Friday: Camp Photo Advanced Workshop (Separate Registration & Payment - Highly Recommended With Camp)

- 6pm start @ Shanahan Ridge Trailhead

- Golden hour photography -- portraits, landscape, etc.

- Night photography -- long exposure, stars, light painting, etc.

- 10pm end

Meet The Instructors

Justin Hein

My name is Justin Hein and I am a second-year student at the University of Colorado Boulder. I am president of the Photography Club at CU and I have been taking photos since I was five years old. Recently, I was selected as one of 30 finalists from over 5,000 entries in a National Geographic Expeditions contest, and I have won various awards in other contests around Colorado. Aside from photography, I love to travel with my family, I enjoy playing music (mandolin and upright/electric bass), tend to my beehives, and go outside. I love Colorado's outdoors and I have lived in Boulder for all of my life. At the moment, my favorite thing to photograph is the stars and nighttime landscapes. If you're interested in checking out some of my photography, visit dividevisuals.com/best-of!

Lauren Walters

My name is Lauren and I am an Environmental Design student at CU. I was born and raised in Colorado and love to ski, bike, and rock climb. I started gaining an interest in photography in high school and have enjoyed learning more about it and shooting professionally over the last few years. I currently work in the outdoor film industry as an assistant producer for Sender Films. When I’m not spending time outside or shooting photos, I enjoy traveling, painting, and hanging out with family and friends (and my dog of course).

Camp FAQ

Does my child need to have experience with photography to take this camp?: Absolutely not! We are here to teach you. All levels are welcome and we are excited to work with the different levels of knowledge that different people have.
What kind of camera should my child bring?: Any digital camera, as long as it takes photos! We apologize, but this camp is geared towards digital photography and although we may talk about film, we won't be teaching film photography. Besides that, any digital camera from an iPod to a DSLR will work great. In order to get the most out of this class, a DSLR would help, but even cameras on phones will work just fine.
I see that there is a snack time, should I send my child with a snack?: We will likely not be providing any food or drink during the camp, with the exception of a popsicle-type treat (which will be pre-approved). Please send your child with enough snacks and water to fuel them for a few hours of being outdoors. When filling out the registration form, please add any allergies in the "allergies" box so that we can take necessary precautions and alert other families to steer clear of those foods. Both of our camp instructors have food allergies and both know how to administer an EpiPen.
What should my child bring to camp?: A camera, sturdy shoes for walking, sunscreen, sunglasses, a tripod (if you have one), lenses (if you have them), snacks, and a large bottle of water. Bug spray is optional, but not a bad idea. Oh, and excitement to learn about photography on a beautiful day!
What happens if it starts to rain during camp?: We have chosen locations that will be suitable for weather and have at least a structure to go under in case of rain. If you have further concerns about this please contact us.
Is this a good camp for someone who is learning how to use their camera?: YES! We will teach any level of photography and we love it when kids are looking to learn how to use such a powerful tool. This camp is the perfect way for any kid to learn photography from other young adults in their area.
How many participants will there be?: We tend to have around eight participants, give or take a few.
What COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place?: Vaccines are required starting in 2022. Instructors will carry hand sanitizer and wipes, and we will limit our time indoors. CDC guidelines regarding masks and other precautions will be determined around the time of camp.
What's the difference between the Camp and the Workshop?: Camp Photo will be held Monday through Thursday of the week. The Advanced Workshop will be held on Friday night. The Workshop has a separate registration (and payment), and covers topics such as night photography, golden hour photography, long exposure, and more. Please contact us if you have any further questions.