2026
Teenager Summer
Photography Camp
San Francisco | Palo Alto
Equipment provided during class
Ages 12-19 | Small Group Format
Teen Summer Photography Camp in San Francisco & Palo Alto
A hands-on, in-person photography experience for creative teens aged 12+
Looking for meaningful, in-person summer activities for teens that are both fun and enriching?
Photosprouts’ Teen Summer Photography Camp is a top-rated choice for families seeking a creative, educational experience. We offer a 5-Day Teen Photography Camp in San Francisco and a 4-Day Photography Exploration in Palo Alto, designed especially for curious and creative teens aged 12+
Throughout the program, campers learn how to photograph animals, urban landscapes, portraits, documentary scenes, and nature & flowers using real cameras—not just phones.
To make learning easy and accessible, all photography equipment is fully provided—so there’s no need to purchase a camera beforehand. Each camper receives a modern, beginner-friendly yet powerful mirrorless camera (Canon R50), two lenses, memory cards, and a camera bag.
Our small-group summer camps (maximum 10 campers per session) allow for personalized guidance and a supportive learning environment. Beyond technical photography skills, the camp nurtures patience, self-reflection, confidence, and discipline. Through photography, teens learn to express themselves creatively, form genuine friendships, and see the world from a fresh perspective.
Parents consistently leave us 5-star reviews on Google and Yelp, sharing how amazed they are by the beautiful photos their teens create—while genuinely having fun. We emphasize meaningful social connection and real-world engagement, using photography as a shared experience that brings teens together.
For parents’ peace of mind, our program is thoughtfully structured with a fixed classroom location, offering a consistent and reliable drop-off and pick-up point. All entrance fees are included, including admission to the San Francisco Zoo, allowing families to enjoy a seamless, worry-free experience.
Sessions in San Francisco
and Palo Alto
Quick Facts
The San Francisco Camp
For Teens Aged 12+
Drop-off & Pick-up location:
535 Mission Street, San Francisco CA 94105
Monday - Friday
Start Time: 10am
End time: 4:30pm
Textbook included
Print and frame
Campers get to print 5 photos and frame the best one
Editing
Adobe Lightroom Classic
(campers need to use their own laptops)
Pricing
$1395
(no price up since 2020, camp fee will increase in 2027)
Fares included
round trips from classroom sessions to field trip locations
Creative Skills
Different types of photography
Life skills
social skills, public speaking, and persistency
Entrance fees Included
Types of photography
Animal, Portrait, Nature, Documentary, Urban Landscape, Macro (PA only)
Points to Note
- Sprouts need to bring their own laptop computers on Days 1-5. The computers need to have Adobe LIGHTROOM CLASSIC installed.
- Camp fees include the transportation and entrance fees to field trip locations and cost of prints.
- Sprouts' safety is our top priority. There are activities that we would prohibit them from doing (for example, climbing the rocks on the beach). A list of safety guidelines will be emailed to parents prior to the camp, we need parents' cooperation to remind the Sprouts the activities that are prohibited.
- Lunch is not included. Sprouts will have lunch together in local restaurants (e.g Chipotle, Super Duper, Cafe in Zoo), average meal cost is $18-$25 per day. Parents can also pack lunch for the Sprouts. Please advise us of any food allergies.
- Transitions between classroom sessions and field trips will be via Uber/ Lyft. This arrangement is to save time finding a park spot in the city.
- Drop-off and pick-up location: 535 Mission Street, San Francisco CA 94105 (SF class)
- Max. class size in each session: 10 (SF)
- There will be no price increase in 2026. Starting in Summer 2026, we will be providing upgraded equipment at no additional cost. However, please note that the camp fee will increase in 2027.
Cancelation policy
- Customers will get full refund if the cancelation is made more than 2 months prior to the start date of the session, less $60 processing fee.
- Customers will get 50% refund if the cancelation is made within 2 months prior to the start date of the session, less $60 processing fee. The credits can be applied to Photosprouts' classes (must be the same attendee).
- No refund if the cancelation is made within 14 calendar days prior to the start date of the session. The credits can be applied towards Photosprouts' classes.
How do we teach photography?
We believe learning photography should be hands-on—more doing, less jargons—because photography is not just a skill, but a powerful tool for teens to see the world and express themselves.
In the summer camps, each day begins with a short but engaging classroom session at the Photosprouts office in downtown San Francisco (535 Mission Street). This structured morning lesson sets the stage for the day by covering the key photography concepts like the exposure triangle, lighting, composition, and the must-get shots tailored to that day’s destination.
Campers then head out on the outdoor field trips to San Francisco’s most photogenic spots, where they will apply what they’ve just learned in real-world settings. We wrap up each day with 30 minutes to an hour of photo editing in Adobe Lightroom, where campers build their editing skills and bring their images to life.
We Take Photography Education Seriously
At Photosprouts’ Teen Summer Photography Camp, we take photography education seriously.
It is not a camp that simply take kids out to snap photos. Instead, our program is thoughtfully structured to ensure students truly absorb and apply what they learn.
Structured & Purposeful Learning
This isn’t just a “walk around and take pictures” camp. Our curriculum is carefully designed to combine theory with hands-on practice, helping teens consolidate their knowledge and build real photography skills. For example, we introduce a specific genre of photography to arouse their interest, the goal is to understand a certain photography theory through photographing a particular type of subject, which they can apply in the subsequent photoshoots and field trip experience.
Effective Classroom Sessions
Teens need structure to learn well. Photosprouts' short but powerful classroom sessions give them the essential foundation they can apply during outdoor shoots. Fully outdoor learning may sound fun, but it’s not effective.
Fixed Classroom Location
We meet at the same place every day—a beautiful, high-floor classroom in San Francisco’s Financial District with panoramic city views. This ensures consistent drop-off and pick-up for parents.
Detailed Parent Information Pack
After registration, parents will receive a complete schedule outlining where we go, what we learn, where we eat, and even bathroom locations. You'll always know what your child is doing—and feel confident they’re in good hands.
An Environment That Inspires Excellence
Our classroom is located in a professional, inspiring building where many of San Francisco’s elites gather—a setting that reflects the high standards and intention behind our program. Teens don’t just learn photography here—they gain exposure to how a well-designed, thoughtfully run program operates, helping them grow both creatively and intellectually.
Purposeful Field Trips (No Cutting Corners)
We don’t go to free spots just to save money. Since animal photography is a powerful way to reinforce the concepts taught on Day 1, we choose to take students to the San Francisco Zoo (rather than taking photos of random pets on the street)—even if it comes at a higher cost—because meaningful learning always comes first.
The Artistic Perspective
We are experienced photographers ourselves, and one of the most valuable things we pass on to our students is the artistic perspective of photography—a skill that often takes years to develop. Beyond just teaching how to use a camera, we guide teens in understanding what makes an image truly compelling: from mastering composition and creative angles to seeing through the eyes of a viewer or client. This deeper visual awareness helps them create photos that are not only technically sound but also emotionally resonant and aesthetically powerful.
Campers' Work
San Francisco
Palo Alto
Campers' Presentations
What Will The Campers Learn?
The San Francisco Camp (5-Day)
Palo Alto
Exploration (3-Day)
Why Do Parents Love Us?
Read More Reviews
GalleryEquipment | Classroom | Behind the scenes
2026 Sessions
Registration Now Opens