Youth Programmes

We make photography accessible to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a camera before. We want to help you experience photography, learn to take amazing photographs and meet new people. And with us, you can do that all at the same time.

There are three ways we work with young people who want to learn and develop skills in photography…

Young Futures

Young Futures is for young people aged 15 to 18 who are interested in careers and education involving photography.

The programme teaches participants photographic skills that apply to a range of careers. We cover the technical aspects of both film and digital photography. Participants get the opportunity to experiment with various styles, including portrait, documentary, street, landscape, and studio photography. On top of this, we also cover research and professional skills that will help those wanting to pursue an artistic career and study photography at a higher level.

Participants benefit from our expert course leaders and facilities. This provides opportunities to learn and experiment with new photographic equipment and ideas. We also provide careers advice and portfolio development.

For more information about the 2022/23 Young Future scheme, click here.

Belfast Exposed Photography Academy

The Belfast Exposed Photography Academy is a unique programme. For both complete beginners and young photographers looking for new skills, the Academy offers creative training for up to 40 participants every year.

Open for young people in Northern Ireland, aged 14 to 19, the Academy offers both skills and qualifications. We pair this with careers advice and support, all delivered in an informal, relaxed environment.

Cllr Michael Long, Lord Mayor of Belfast, attends the opening of the Belfast Exposed Photography Academy Showcase, May 2022.
Cllr Michael Long, Lord Mayor of Belfast, attends the opening of the Belfast Exposed Photography Academy Showcase, May 2022.

Participants learn technical skills and are introduced to different types of photography. These include street, studio & landscape photography, darkroom use, photo editing and much more. With sessions held fortnightly, participant have the chance to meet likeminded young people with an interest in photography, from a whole range of backgrounds.

For more information, visit the Academy page here.

Summer Schemes

Every year, we run two week-long Summer Schemes in July & August. The KIDS Summer Scheme for children aged 5 to 11, and the TEENS Summer Scheme for those aged 12 to 17.

Summer Scheme participants during a day trip to Queen’s University and Botanic Gardens.

Both Summer Schemes provide a week full of fun, creative and educational activities. This includes a series of excursions and daytrips, as well as time spent at our Belfast City Centre hub. For participants, the schemes are a relaxing and rewarding week of activities, where you will learn and develop your photography skills. They are also perfect for parents & guardians wanting to foster creativity and encourage their children to meet new people.

Participants don’t require previous experience of photography and do not need their own digital camera in order to take part. The cost of all activities and excursions are included in the scheme’s overall cost.

During the Summer Schemes, activities include:

  • Art & Photography Workshops
  • Gallery & Exhibition Visits
  • Fun & Creative Workshops
  • Trips to attractions and experiences and much more.

For more information on upcoming summer schemes, get in touch!

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