Focus Frame Workshop: A Teen Photo Lab for Creative Teens in Bergen & Rockland County

Focus Frame Workshop: A Teen Photo Lab for Creative Teens in Bergen & Rockland County

More than just a camp. A creative experience they’ll remember.

What if your teen could spend a week this summer learning how to express their voice—without needing a single social media app?

That’s the question that launched Focus Frame: A Teen Photo Lab—a one-week, hands-on photography workshop for teens entering grades 7–12 in Bergen County, Rockland County, and Pascack Valley.

As a professional photographer and former art educator based in Bergen County, I’ve spent the last 13 years working with kids and teens. I’ve taught art classes, documented families in everyday and extraordinary moments, and heard from countless parents looking for something more for their teen during the summer—especially as they age out of traditional camps.

I built Focus Frame Workshop for the creative teen who is looking for more than the status quo.

Where it all began

The idea came after watching Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things—not for the monsters or the throwback vibes, but for the kids. The AV Club types. The D&D types. The ones who bonded over walkie-talkies, science experiments, and shared curiosity. I kept thinking: These are the kinds of kids I want to teach!

Teens like that—quiet, curious, creative—often fall through the cracks. They're not loud joiners or social climbers. Instead they are deeply observant and full of stories they just haven’t found a way to tell.

Photography gives them that way.

Focus Frame Workshop is where those teens can show up exactly as they are, and learn how to make work that reflects how they see the world.

Why a teen photo workshop?

Because something is missing in the suburbs.

Parents across Bergen County, Pascack Valley, and Rockland County tell me the same thing: their teens are stuck in a summer rut. They’ve outgrown day camps. Jobs are hard to come by. Friends are flaky. And too many hours are lost scrolling.

What they need is something to DO.

Not something rigid like school. Not something mundane.

Something real. Something creative. Something theirs.

That’s exactly what Focus Frame Workshop offers—a hands-on week of exploration, learning, and expression through photography. It is structured, yes. But it’s also playful, flexible, and driven by each student’s point of view.

What makes Focus Frame Workshop different?

There are plenty of summer camps and art programs out there—but few, if any, visual arts programs in the area that strike the right balance of structure and creative freedom. Focus Frame is different. It is student-driven, with just enough guidance to give teens a framework—but plenty of space to explore their own ideas and voice. This is a program that meets teens where they are, and challenges them to create something entirely their own, with:

• Beginner-friendly instruction—no experience required

• Small group size—for real connection and feedback

• Daily creative challenges—that teach both technique and perspective

• Emphasis on storytelling and self-expression

• A real audience—with a published digital zine and final-day showcase

It’s not about creating “perfect” photos. It’s about helping teens use a camera to discover their voice.

Workshop at a glance

August 18–23, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Closter, NJ (serving Bergen, Pascack Valley & Rockland teens)
For teens entering grades 7–12

Throughout the week, students will:

• Learn how to use DSLR cameras (gear rental available if needed)

• Explore techniques like light, composition, exposure, and movement

• Study famous photographers for inspiration

• Complete mini challenges and personal assignments

• Design and contribute to a final digital zine publication

• Present their work in a student gallery showcase

Each day starts with a creative theme—like light, emotion, or pattern—then moves into guided technical practice and individual photo work. Students will get hands-on with gear, make creative decisions, and leave with a visual story that is entirely their own.

The role of Founding Members

This summer marks the beta launch of Focus Frame—which means the first round of students will become Founding Members.

What does that mean?

• Founding Members will help shape the program with direct feedback

• They’ll influence what future workshops look like

• Their work will be the first-ever featured in the Focus Frame zine

• They’ll receive exclusive perks and early access to future offerings

I am intentionally keeping this round small, so we can learn what works best—directly from the students. Founding Members will get the benefits of a full creative experience plus the opportunity to help build something meaningful for other teens like them.

What parents are saying

When I asked, “What do creative teens struggle with most right now?” parents shared this:

“Giving themselves permission to express themselves authentically without worrying about what their peers think.”
“Sometimes they just don’t know where to start.”
“They’re looking for a place to hang out and be themselves, especially in the summer.”

Driven by the sentiments from these parents, I decided to offer a series of free mini-classes at local libraries. Here is the feedback I heard from the mini-classes:

“My daughter really enjoyed your class and showed me all her pictures when she got home!”
“Thanks for offering my son the chance to be part of something creative. He really enjoyed your class!”
“We appreciate your generous time and effort guiding these future photographers.”

Here is some of the student work that came out of my 1 hour mini class. With smartphones.

If this is what they came up with after 1 hour, imagine what they could accomplish after 6 days!

Is this right for your teen?

This workshop IS for your teen if they:

• Are entering grades 7–12

• Have a creative streak (even if they don’t consider themselves “artistic”)

• Are curious about photography or storytelling

• Want to do something meaningful this summer

• Crave a low-pressure, high-encouragement space to explore and connect

It may not be a fit if they:

• Need intensive portfolio-building and private professional feedback (let’s schedule a 1-on-1 session!)

• Are over scheduled and can’t commit to the full week

• Aren’t interested in group discussion or feedback

No experience necessary

Some students will bring their own DSLR cameras, others will rent their gear. Either way, no prior knowledge is needed. This class starts from the very beginning—but doesn’t stay there.

By the end of the week, your teen will not only understand how to use a camera—they’ll have a personal photo story to share, and a digital zine to show for it.

Why August is the perfect time

August is the home stretch of summer. The novelty of break has worn off. Many camps have ended. Teens are bored—but not yet back in school.

Instead of wasting those last weeks on TikTok or YouTube, your teen could:

• Learn a new creative skill

• Spend time around other curious teens

• See their work in a digital zine

• Build a project they’re proud to show off

Let’s make some moves

I’m opening just 10 spots for this inaugural round of Focus Frame Workshop—and they’ll go fast.

It’s creative
It’s community-driven
It’s built for Bergen and Rockland County teens
It’s ready for your teen to join

Click here to register now

Have questions? Email me at julia@juliachangphoto.com or follow along on Instagram @juliachangphoto.

This isn’t just something to do this summer. It’s something to be proud of.

Let’s make it count!

Photographing Adolescence: A Conversation About Meeting Teens (and Ourselves) Where We Are

I recently did something very outside my comfort zone: I was a guest on a podcast.

Heather Whitten from the Documentary Family Photographers podcast invited me to talk about photographing adolescents—and I almost said no. Speaking publicly, especially about personal experiences, is not my default mode. But Heather made the entire experience super easy. While I vlogged in with my sweatpants and fuzzy socks from Bergen County, she in Maryland, it truly feel like an honest, open conversation with an old friend. She met me where I was—with warmth, patience, and such a grounded presence that I felt safe to show up fully.

Meeting someone where they are. When preparing for the podcast, I realized that is also the foundation of how I photograph teens.

In the episode, Photographing Adolescence, we talk about how homeschooling for the past 4 years has shifted the way I parent and photograph. It taught me to slow down, let go of rigid expectations, and tune into the person in front of me—especially when that person is an adolescent navigating a time of transformation.

We also explored how my approach has been shaped by conversations with my friend and Nyack based therapist, Maskit Ronen, who specializes in working with teens in the Rockland and Bergen County area. We also talked about clinical psychologist Lisa Damour and the seven stage of adolescence and walked through the how I use those adolescent stages to approach photography. Both have helped me better understand how to be present, not prescriptive—how to witness teens in all their complexity, without needing to fix or frame them.

Photographing teens isn’t about forced compliance, posing or perfect smiles. We all know they can smell the inauthenticity from a mile away. It is about trust. It is about seeing them—truly—and meeting them exactly where they are.

DFP Community Podcast: Photographing Adolescence. You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. I hope it meets you where you are, too.

All She Wants Is Just One Decent Photo: New York Hudson Valley Mother's Day Apple Blossom Photography

Let’s be honest: when you ask most moms what they want for Mother’s Day, you get a lot of polite answers.

"Maybe just a quiet morning." "Coffee I didn’t have to make." "A nap? That would be nice."

But buried under all those soft-spoken wishes is one recurring, persistent hope:

"I just want one decent photo of all of us."

Not a blurry phone snap. Not a selfie where she’s half-hidden behind a toddler or holding the dog back. Not one of the 47 attempts taken by a stranger at the park where someone’s always blinking.

Just one real, beautiful, frame-worthy photo where she’s not only in the frame, but looks like herself. One where she’s not the one holding the camera or orchestrating the moment. One where she’s being held, loved, seen.

That shouldn’t be too much to ask, right?

And yet, somehow, it always is.

Motherhood is full of moments spent capturing everyone else. But ask a mom when the last time she was photographed with her kids—and actually loved the result—and you’ll usually get silence, maybe a sigh.

This year, that changes.

Introducing: Just One Photo – Mother’s Day Mini Sessions

I designed these sessions with one very specific goal: to finally give moms what they’ve quietly wanted all along.

Just one photo. One real, beautiful photo of her with the people she loves most.

These aren’t stiff, posed portraits or chaotic, overbooked photo marathons. They’re 15-minute mini sessions held in the most magical spring setting—with a few very intentional details to make it feel like a true gift, not another task on her to-do list.

Here’s why this session is different (and perfect):

1. Private Access to Masker Orchards During Apple Blossom Season

No crowds. No waiting your turn on a crowded trail. No accidental photobombers in the background.

You’ll have exclusive access to a quiet section of Masker Orchards, just as the apple trees hit peak bloom. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Everything will be in full flower—delicate petals drifting in the breeze, soft natural light filtering through the branches. It’s like stepping into a storybook.

And it’s all yours for a little while. Just your family, the blossoms, and me.

2. One-Stop (Thoughtful) Gifting

No need to stress about printing photos or figuring out what to do with digital files. Each session includes a high-quality, matted fine art print of your favorite image, delivered straight to your home.

Yes, straight to your doorstep. Beautifully printed. Ready to frame. No clicking through galleries late at night. No making decisions while trying to remember your Walgreens password. It just arrives, like the most thoughtful gift.

And if you love more than one photo? You’ll have the option to order additional prints or digitals after your session.

3. It’s for Her, But It’s Also for You

These sessions aren’t only about moms being photographed. They’re about slowing down for a moment to see what this season of life actually looks like.

Whether your kids are in the clingy stage, the silly stage, or the rolling-their-eyes stage, this is a moment worth pausing for.

The smiles, the in-between glances, the way everyone fits together. It changes faster than we think. This is one of those gifts that you both enjoy now and treasure later.

4. Short, Sweet, and Actually Enjoyable

Let’s face it, not every family member is excited about a full-on photo shoot. That’s why these are quick, relaxed, and designed to feel like a short walk through the orchard—not a formal appointment.

I’ll gently guide you so you’re never wondering what to do, but there’s no pressure to pose perfectly. Come as you are. Laugh. Snuggle. Let the kids be kids.

I’ll take care of capturing the beauty that’s already there.

The Details:

• What: Just One Photo - Mother’s Day Mini Sessions

• Where: Masker Orchards, 45 Ball Road Warwick, NY 10990

• When: 5/3 during peak apple blossom bloom

• Session Length: 15 minutes

• Includes:

  • Private orchard access

  • A curated gallery of images to choose from

  • One professionally printed, matted fine art photo shipped to your home

  • Option to purchase additional images or prints

This Is More Than Just a Photo Session

It’s a gesture that says:

• "I see you."

• "You deserve to be in the picture."

• "This season of life matters."

Whether you're a partner looking for a meaningful gift, a grown child wanting to surprise your mom, or a mother who knows she deserves to be seen, this is your moment.

Let this be the year the most wished-for Mother’s Day gift actually happens.

That one photo. The one that gets printed. The one that gets framed. The one that becomes a forever favorite.

Spots are very limited.

Once the blossoms are gone, they’re gone until next year.

Book your session now and finally give her the photo she’s always wanted.

I can’t wait to create something beautiful for you.

Why Your Family Photos Deserve More Than the Cloud

A hassle-free way to preserve your family’s story in a tangible, beautiful way

If you’re a parent, your smartphone camera is likely one of the most-used tools in your daily life. It’s with you for every milestone, big or small—first days of school, family vacations, Saturday soccer games, and those little moments in between. You’ve captured your kids’ lives in thousands (maybe even tens of thousands) of photos.

But here’s the thing: when was the last time you looked through those photos? Scrolling through your phone’s camera roll can feel overwhelming. And when you do look, how often do you find photos with you in them—not just snapping the moment but actually being part of it?

The truth is, despite our best intentions, most of the photos we take end up stuck in the digital void. They rarely make it off our devices, and they’re often forgotten altogether. And while those countless images tell a story, it’s not the complete story of your family. This is why so many families are turning to professional photographers—not just for staged portraits but as personal archivists who can preserve their memories in a meaningful, tangible way.

Turn your camera roll chaos into memories you can actually hold

The Problem with Smartphone Photos

1. You’re Missing from the Memories
   Let’s be honest—parents are rarely in the photos they take. You’re behind the lens, capturing every grin, giggle, and milestone, but you’re not actually in those moments. While this might not seem like a big deal now, think ahead 10, 20, or 30 years. When your kids look back at their childhood, they’ll want to see you there with them—laughing at their jokes, holding their hands, and just being present.

A professional photographer makes sure you’re part of the narrative, capturing those genuine interactions and moments that showcase the love and connection in your family.

1. The Digital Overload
   The average smartphone user takes hundreds—if not thousands—of photos each year. While the convenience is undeniable, this sheer volume of images can quickly become overwhelming. When everything is saved to the cloud or scattered across devices, it’s easy for your most meaningful moments to get lost in the shuffle.

Do you ever find yourself saying, “I know I have that photo somewhere”? Or maybe you’ve tried to organize your digital photos, only to give up halfway through because the task felt insurmountable.

A professional photographer takes the chaos out of this process. By curating and organizing the best images, they create a streamlined, stress-free solution for preserving your memories.

1. Your Photos Deserve More Than a Screen
   Scrolling through your camera roll can’t compare to the joy of flipping through a physical photo album. There’s something timeless and tangible about holding a book of memories in your hands—something a smartphone simply can’t replicate. Yet, most of the photos we take remain stuck on a screen, never printed or displayed.

Hiring a photographer as your personal archiver ensures that your family’s story is told in a way that you can hold, share, and treasure forever. This is where a Year in the Life Documembership comes in.  

What Is Year in the Life Documembership?

The Year in the Life Documembership isn’t just another photography session. It’s a completely unique experience designed to take the stress out of documenting your family’s story.

Over the course of the year, I’ll photograph your family multiple times, capturing both the big milestones and the small, everyday moments that truly define your lives. At the end of the year, I’ll curate the best images into a professionally designed photo album—a stunning, tangible heirloom that tells your family’s story in a way that a smartphone never could.

Imagine this: Sitting down with your kids years from now, flipping through a beautifully crafted book filled with candid, heartfelt images of your family just being your family. These albums become treasures—precious keepsakes that your children (and their children) will cherish for generations.

Why Families Love Documembership

The Year in the Life Documembership solves the problems that so many parents face when it comes to documenting their family’s story. Here’s why it might just be the solution you didn’t know you needed:

1. You Deserve to Be in the Picture

It’s so easy to get caught up in capturing your kids’ lives that you forget to include yourself. But the truth is, your children will want to see you in those photos one day. They’ll want to see your hugs, your laughter, and the love you shared as a family.

A professional photographer ensures that you are part of the narrative. By stepping out from behind the camera, you get to fully experience the moment while I capture it for you.

2. Professional Quality, Real-Life Feel

Family photography doesn’t have to mean stiff, posed portraits. Documentary-style photography captures your family as you truly are—playing, laughing, connecting.

Whether it’s a pancake breakfast, a backyard game of tag, or bedtime snuggles, these everyday moments are often the most meaningful. A professional photographer has the expertise to preserve them in a way that feels authentic and beautiful.

3. Stress-Free Organization

If the thought of sorting through thousands of digital photos feels exhausting, you’re not alone. Most parents simply don’t have the time to organize their photos—let alone print them, frame them, or turn them into albums.

That’s where I come in. As part of the Year in the Life Documembership, I handle everything—from curating and editing the best images to designing a photo album that beautifully tells your family’s story. You get to skip the overwhelm and enjoy the finished product.

4. Heirlooms That Last Forever

A photo album is so much more than a collection of images—it’s a piece of your family’s history. Unlike digital files that can get lost in the chaos of the cloud, a professionally designed album is something you can hold, share, and pass down through generations.

When your kids grow up, they won’t remember the exact details of every pancake breakfast or bedtime story. But they’ll have the photos to remind them—and they’ll be able to share those memories with their own families one day.

5. You Get to Be Present

One of the best parts of hiring a professional photographer is that it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the moment. No more worrying about getting the perfect shot or fumbling with your phone’s camera settings.

When someone else is behind the lens, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with your family.

Why Your Memories Deserve More Than the Cloud

The photos on your smartphone are a part of your family’s story—but they’re not the whole story. Here’s why it’s worth going beyond the camera roll and investing in a professional experience:

1. Smartphones Capture Moments, Not Memories.
   Yes, your phone is great for snapping quick pics, but the images don’t always convey the emotion, connection, and context of a moment. A professional photographer has the skill to capture the subtleties that make your family unique.

2. Digital Photos Are Fragile.
   Cloud storage is convenient, but it’s not foolproof. Files can get corrupted, accounts can get hacked, and technology changes over time. Printed photo albums, on the other hand, are timeless and tangible.

3. Your Family’s Story Is Worth Celebrating.
   The everyday moments that feel mundane now will one day be the memories you cherish most. A personal archiver helps you preserve those moments in a way that feels intentional and meaningful.

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What to Expect with Year in the Life Documembership

Here’s how the process works:

1. Multiple Documentary Sessions
   Throughout the year, I’ll photograph your family during different seasons, events, and everyday routines. This allows me to capture the full range of your family’s life—from special milestones to quiet, candid moments—all over the course of the year.

2. Curated, Professional Editing
   After each session, I’ll carefully select and edit the best images, ensuring that every photo reflects your family’s unique story.

3. A Stunning, Custom Photo Album
   At the end of the year, I’ll compile the most meaningful images into a professionally designed photo album. This isn’t just a collection of photos—it’s a tangible, cohesive story that you can hold and treasure forever.

Why Families Are Saying “Yes” to Documembership

"I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I saw myself in these photos. Having someone else capture these moments has been such a gift."

"Becoming a Year in the Life Documember made documenting our family’s story effortless. We finally have an album we can share with our kids, and it’s something we’ll treasure forever."

"This experience was worth every penny. I never have to worry about missing a moment because I know it’s being captured beautifully."

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Ready to Preserve Your Family’s Story?

Your family’s story deserves to be told—and preserved—in a way that’s as special as the moments themselves. If you’re ready to step out from behind the lens and into the picture, let’s create something beautiful together.

Don’t let another year’s worth of memories sit forgotten on the cloud. Let’s turn them into something your family will cherish for generations.