Summer Camp for Teens: Composition 101: A Course in Photographic Design for Teens (ages 12-14) with Andrea Passarella (In-Person Learning – One Week)
- Monday
July 20, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Tuesday
July 21, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Wednesday
July 22, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Thursday
July 23, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Friday
July 24, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Have you ever noticed how two photographers can stand in the same place, photograph the same subject, and create completely different images? That difference comes down to choice. Making a strong photograph means intentionally deciding what to include, what to leave out, and how to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.
One Week (Five Sessions)
Tuition: $475 (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)
Sugarshack fund: To eliminate barriers for entry for students from all backgrounds, LACP is pleased to offer The Sugarshack for students in need. To apply for tuition scholarships, click here.
© Photo by Andrea Passarella
About
In-Person Learning
Have you ever noticed how two photographers can stand in the same place, photograph the same subject, and create completely different images? That difference comes down to choice. Making a strong photograph means intentionally deciding what to include, what to leave out, and how to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.
This course focuses entirely on composition and photographic design, helping students strengthen how they see, plan, and build images before pressing the shutter. Through hands-on exercises and visual examples, students will explore the elements of design and learn how to arrange subjects within the frame, both horizontally and vertically. Topics include balance, movement, contrast, rhythm, pattern, proportion, light, and color, as well as using black and white versus color to shape mood and meaning. Students will also examine composition across different photographic styles, from documentary and street photography to portraiture, landscape, and still life.
By the end of the course, students will understand how thoughtful composition transforms a snapshot into a purposeful, compelling photograph. All camera types – except analog or film – are welcome, including smartphones.
Andrea Passarella is a passionate educator and photographer who captures the complexities of life through visual storytelling. With a keen eye for detail, her work captures the subtleties of human experience and is centered around themes highlighting the interconnectedness of our shared humanity.
Andrea advocates for engaged pedagogy and experiential learning, weaving social and cultural narratives into her photography and teaching practice. Through her creative approach, she developed an integrated curriculum centered around “place-keeping,” where participants learn the craft of photography by exploring the diversity of their cities and neighborhoods. This method encourages reflection, fosters dialogue, and promotes an autoethnographic approach to storytelling, allowing individuals to share their perspectives and experiences.
In her photography projects, workshops, and exhibitions, Andrea aims to bridge the worlds of contemplative arts, education, and social dialogue, empowering students to engage with the world through a compassionate and creative lens. Committed to fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal growth, she integrates mindfulness and photography into her programs, supporting students’ development both creatively and personally.
Details
- One Week (Five Sessions)
- Dates: Monday-Friday, July 20-24, 10 am – 1 pm PST
- Enrollment limit: 15 students
- Skill/Experience level: Beginning. Ages 12-14 only.
- Tuition: $475 (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles (LACP Headquarters), 252 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Sugarshack fund: To eliminate barriers for entry for students from all backgrounds, LACP is pleased to offer The Sugarshack for students in need. To apply for tuition scholarships, click here.