Summer camp

Calgary Summer Photography Camp August 11 - 14, 2025

9:00 - 4:00 Monday - Thursday
In-person at cSPACE Marda Loop
1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 6T7
For kids 11 & up
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In-person summer photography camps are happening in Calgary!  

#Experiment&Play

#Connect

#Create

#Improve

#Celebrate

All about Exposure

Learn and experiment with Aperture, Shutter speed and ISO to Gain a solid understanding of exposure and creative choices.  This also involves lots of fun talk about light and how to create photos in various lighting scenarios.

Play with Composition

Learn and play with a variety of compositional techniques to improve the look of their photos.  This includes concepts like new perspectives, lines and shapes, textures, creative framing, creating depth and balance.

Storytelling Fun

combine technical and compositional skills into a number of photo genres and storytelling projects.   Kids will get soooooo creative with the fun and innovative challenges and projects they are given at this camp!

Displaying Art

Create a multitude of beautiful art pieces to take home using photos taken at camp.  This includes a 'zine' as well as wooden photo transfers, magnets and matted prints.

Where:  
cSPACE Marda Loop 

Located at 91721 29 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2T 6T7
"in-class" learning will be in the RGO TREEHOUSE SOUTH on the top level.  There are so many great places to discover with our cameras in and around cSPACE.  I love hosting in this venue!!!     we'll also be outdoors exploring the surrounding urban areas and natural areas.
Meet the instructorS

Janet Pliszka

Janet is the creator of Kids Photography Academy.   She's been a professional photographer for over 18 years. She's always loved watching kids get curious about her camera and that motivated her to start teaching photography in camps and schools in her city of Calgary. Now, she's thrilled to also offer online experiences for kids everywhere through KPA.  Her students describe her as super encouraging, fun and knowledgeable.

She is all about sparking passion, confidence, and curiosity in kids by teaching them this craft she loves so much.
Patrick Jones - Course author

Frequently asked questions

What does my child need to bring to photography camp?

- A camera with aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual mode settings.
- A camera bag to protect and carry camera in.
- A memory card and an extra battery.
- A notebook and pen
- A lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
- Appropriate clothing for the day:  hat, jacket, sunscreen, etc.
- Good shoes for walking in.
- Open mind and positive attitude!

How will kids learn at camp?

I bring in lots of different ways to learn:  slideshows, games, examples, challenges, discussions, and critiques.  The best way to learn photography is hands-on, so there will be loads of time to practice the concepts we will learn and discuss together. 

What are the minimum and maximum number of kids attending?

There is a maximum of 12 kids attending the camp.   The minimum number of kids to have the program run is 8.   If we are not able to secure 8 participants, we will notify you at least 48 hours in advance. Your deposit will apply to another session or we’ll refund you in full.  Be sure to tell your friends so we can keep the camp running!!

I have a responsible high school student helping run the camp and so there will be two of us for supervision and guidance.

What is the refund policy?

Full Refund: A full refund will be issued if a cancellation request is made at least three months prior to the start of the class or camp.
50% Refund: If a cancellation request is made within three months but more than one month prior to the start of the class or camp, a 50% refund will be issued.
No Refund: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within one month of the start of the class or camp.

Replacement Option: If your child is unable to attend, their spot can be transferred to a replacement participant you find, with no cancellation fees or additional costs.

Will the group be leaving the cSPACE center?

Yes.   There are many fun areas to explore around the community center that are perfect for picture taking and storytelling so we will leave the center to take full advantage of what's around us.   Myself and my assistant will be supervising so the ratio of kids to teachers will be at maximum 6:1.  

What are drop off and pick up times?

Camp starts at 9:00 and ends at 4:00pm.   I will be there at 8:30 so kids can be dropped early if that is helpful to you.   We ask that kids are dropped off before class starts so they can be settled in by the time class begins.    We also ask kids are picked up between 4 and 4:15pm.

Can we see the photography?

On the afternoon of the last day, kids will be hosting a Photo Gala where we invite family and friends to attend and see the amazing work the kids have done over the week.   More information will be communicated during the week of class, but definitely mark your calendars to come from 3:00 - 4 on the Thursday!