Beginner Photography Camp Application

Coaching Detroit Forward is offering an opportunity for 14 Detroit high school students to attend a free two-week summer photography camp at Bamboo Detroit. The camp will be led by photography coach Sacred-Overstreet Amos and feature guest speakers, including:

  • University of Michigan staff photographer Erin Kirkland

  • Vanity Fair visuals editor Natalie Gialluca

  • 2U Media Founder Derrick Martinez

  • Portrait photographer Marcel Brown

  • Real estate photographer Brett Mountain

  • Documentary photographer Val Waller

  • Freelance sports photographer Carl Jones II

  • Architectural and city scape photographer Tyrell Boydston

Students will learn about photography basics and techniques from coach Sacred Overstreet-Amos, who will cover the history of photography, photography equipment, camera settings, lighting, career opportunities and more. 

Each student will be given a laptop and a camera to use during the camp to experiment with shutter speed, lighting and other other techniques. Students will be given assignments to take photos at home and in their community.

Photo by Photography Coach Erin Kirkland

Photo by Photography Coach Erin Kirkland

A large part of this camp is practice, and we’ll be taking students on photo walks in downtown Detroit. Locations include Campus Martius, the Detroit RiverWalk, Capitol Park, art alleyways like The Belt, and David Whitney Building. We’ll also visit Wayne State University’s campus, the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Historical Museum. Sacred will provide one-on-one photography instruction and guide the students while they practice taking photos of architecture, artwork, nature, people and food. Guest photography coaches will also be invited to join the photo walks.

Students will pick their favorite photos they captured, and they will be printed in the fifth edition of Perspectives Magazine. The publication also features the stories by students in our journalism camp. See photos captured by students in our previous camps: 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Photography Exhibition:

In November 2024, Coaching Detroit Forward will host a Perspectives Magazine Launch Party and Photography Exhibition celebrating the photos captured by students. The students’ photos will be exhibited at the House of Hip-Hop, ran by the nonprofit Class Act Detroit. Students, families and the community will be invited to attend the exhibition. Perspectives Magazine will also be distributed at this time.

Schedule:

July 15 - 26, 2024

Monday through Friday

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST

Students must have their own transportation to and from Bamboo Detroit located at 1420 Washington Blvd.

Included in the camp:

  • Canon camera and laptop

  • Daily lunch from La Pecora Nera

  • Parking pass for students who drive themselves or a rideshare stipend

  • Notebooks, pens and other materials

  • Copies of Perspectives Magazine

  • Coaching Detroit Forward T-shirt and water bottle

Requirements:

Students will be expected to actively participate and engage in discussions, lessons and activities. No photography experience is necessary to apply.

To Apply:

To attend the free photography camp, students must be currently enrolled in a Detroit high school or reside in the city of Detroit.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 3, 2024. Students will be notified of acceptance by mid May. Students who apply to the Beginner Camp are also eligible to apply to the Advanced Camp and attend both programs in 2024.


Optional:

Applicants are welcome to submit 4-5 samples of their photography work. Please include your name and write “Beginner Camp Photo Samples” in the email subject.


This Camp Is Made Possible Thanks to: