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
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!