Photo by Leila

Photography Class Descriptions

We offer our classes to youth ages 13-19. All students admitted receive a full scholarship valued at $1000. The scholarship covers all costs for class, including instruction, equipment rental, film, photographic supplies, and mentoring.

Each class meets twice a week for nine weeks. The program's total time commitment is five to eight hours per week. We expect all students to meet this requirement with dedication.

Carefully fill out both sides of the application and return it to Youth in Focus by the deadline. Upon review of your application, you will be contacted to set up a 1-on-1 interview.

Due to limited space and large number of applicants, completing an application and interview does not guarantee admission into our program. You will be notified of class placement two weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

If you submitted an application and have not heard back from us, please send an email to yif@youthinfocus.org or call 206.407.2121.

2009 Fall quarter begins September 25 and ends December 3. Turn in applications by August 1, 2009.

Beginning Digital Photography
M/W 3:30-6:30 pm
Students learn the basic principles of composition and photography, as well as how to use a digital camera for their weekly photo assignments. Classes meet twice a week in our Computer Lab, where participants manipulate images and learn ‘digital darkroom’ skills in Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom 2. Students produce two final prints, a self-portrait, and an artist statement to exhibit in the Youth in Focus end of quarter show.

Beginning Black & White Photography
M/W or T/TH 3:30-6:30 pm
Students learn the basics of Black and White photography as they explore their world with a camera. Classes meet twice a week, and students work one-on-one with experienced photography mentors on their photo assignments. Participants spend a significant amount of time in the darkroom developing and enhancing their printing skills. Each student produces a museum quality print, a self-portrait and an artist statement to exhibit in the Youth in Focus end of quarter show.

Intermediate B&W Techniques
Friday 3:30-7:30 pm
This intermediate class offers students the opportunity to continue improving their photography skills while gaining work experience. As Darkroom Assistants, students learn manual SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera skills, work with other students as peer-mentors and develop darkroom maintenance skills. Students create a personal series of images, a self-portrait, and an artist statement to exhibit in the Youth in Focus end of quarter show.
Pre-requisite: Beginning Black & White or equivalent experience.

Advanced B&W Training
M/W 3:30-6:30 pm
Youth in Focus students can continue to improve their photography skills by enrolling in the Freelance Advanced class. Participants in the class will work on a theme-based portfolio while being introduced to advanced techniques used by professional photographers. At the end of the quarter, students will collectively exhibit their work at a community gallery.  Once students complete this course, they are eligible to work for our Freelance Project.
Prerequisite: Intermediate B&W Techniques.

Advanced Digital Photography
T/Th 3:30-6:30 pm
This class will give Youth in Focus students the opportunity to take their basic digital skills to the next level. Students learn digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) and Photoshop skills that build on what they've learned in our Basic Digital class. Students have the opportunity to create a theme-based portfolio that focuses on issues that affect them and their communities. At the end of the quarter, students will collectively exhibit their work at a community venue.
Pre-requisite: Beginning Digital Photography.

Click here for Photography Scholarship Application form

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Please complete the form and mail to:

Youth in Focus
2100 24th Ave. S. Suite 310
Seattle, Washington 98144