“You are the Artist of Your Life: Exploring Life Direction Through Photography” – Teen is specifically designed for teens 13-17,  to give them a unique way to envision their futures, and start taking the steps to create them.

Recognizing that sitting at a desk and planning a career is not the most attractive way to spend teen time, “You are the Artist of Your Life” is an experience of creative exercises, action, reflection & writing – looking at photography, shooting, editing, sharing – understanding resonance, values, heroes and challenges – interviewing skills, portraitures, outside speakers  – and finally outlining ideas for what can be done to start creating that life now.

Students enjoy their cameras as a fun companion, as well as an inspiring and serious tool for creating their future.

*A workbook accompanies this class; content is customized for the intended group and goals.
*A career interest inventory is also available for integration into class.

Suggested formats:

*6 – 2 hour classes, one per week
*Saturday workshop
*Weekend retreat, or two Saturdays workshop
*4 – half–days “summer camp”

Designed as a summer program for a historically underserved community, "You are the Artist of Your Life: Exploring Life Direction Through Photography" was sponsored by Houston Housing Resources, Inc. through a grant from the Simmons Foundation and by contributions from Taos Mountain Radiology - Paul Johnson, M.D. and Christina M. Gucwa, Attorney at Law.

Students learned how to access inspiration and creativity, practiced the art of resonance and how to notice what you're drawn to, freed themselves for true self-expression through the camera, and learned techniques of interviewing and photographing people they admired. Photography, computer, and writing skills were major components of the program. 

While experiencing the joy of expressing their view of the world through images, students also were guided to reflect on visions and dreams for their own lives, and took steps to apply the art of photography to the creation of their futures.

All images are by the program participants, who ranged from 11 - 17 years old. 

Many thanks for the opportunity to inspire and support these creative, passionate teens!