Photography for 15 - 17 Year Olds
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£525
- Start Date(s): 4 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
4- 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Capture the world through a lens on this exciting and immersive photography course.
Unlock your creative potential; from learning camera techniques to editing and printing your final images, you’ll cover everything you need to know to become an accomplished photographer of the future.
You’ll learn the art of DSLR photography for those crisp, high-definition shots, and discover the charm of analogue photography and film.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential Award and is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and memories. It will be fun and gently challenging, allowing you to follow your passion and discover talents you never knew you had.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
You must also attend the social events that are planned on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you must plan and attend your own social activities with other participants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
'I now have the ability to take well thought out and meaningful photos with the correct camera controls. I learnt how to properly use my camera too and used this opportunity towards completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Residential Award.'
'I developed my photography and have a better understanding in constructing photos. Really enjoyed the film photography.'
'Photography has been a hobby of mine for a few years, I wanted to learn more and also work towards my Duke of Edinburgh Residential Gold Award, which I did whilst learning the importance of framing in photos and experimenting.'
'I enjoyed working with film cameras and I got a greater understanding of photography and what makes a good photograph.'
'It was all so good. I met new people and learnt more about photography.'
'It was all great. I have recently taken up photography and wanted to develop my skills and try out different styles. I got a better understanding of my camera settings and compositions of photographs.'
'Brilliant course, our tutor George was very good, would definitely recommend.'
What you’ll study
From framing and composition to experimenting with lighting and colour, this course allows your unique perspective to shine as you explore various photography styles.
In a world dominated by visual storytelling, the ability to capture and convey moments through photography is a valuable skill.
Whether you're considering a career in the arts, media, or just want a chance to explore a form of self-expression, this course will equip you with the tools to make engaging images.
During this course, you will:
- explore the city through photography using digital and analogue cameras
- elevate your images to the next level and learn to tell a story through your photos
- learn how to edit your photographs using Photoshop
- unleash your creativity in a supportive environment
- make a short zine of your work.
So, grab your camera and join us on a journey into the vibrant world of visual storytelling that's all about exploring the exciting possibilities that photography holds.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you’re competent in photography and editing your work.
You’ll also have a set of images and photo zine to enhance your portfolio.
Social events
We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.
- Session one : Explore the City
- Session two: Studio Photography
- Session three: Analogue Adventure
- Session four: Darkroom Delights
- Session five: Zine Making
Hit the streets armed with digital cameras, capturing the heartbeat of the city for the morning.
Back on campus in the afternoon, you’ll delve into Adobe Creative Cloud, transforming your snapshots. Download, edit, and bring your vision to life as you print contact sheets, giving you something tangible form day's visual storytelling journey.
Spend the day immersed in our full-size photography studios and unleash your creativity in a professional setting.
Learn the art of studio lighting techniques, capturing subjects in a whole new dimension.
After the shoot you’ll download, edit, and print your studio masterpieces.
Embark on a digital detox and discover the allure of analogue photography.
Armed with classic black and white film, you’ll hit the city streets to capture the raw essence of moments. Experience the tactile joy of film photography as you frame, shoot, and savour the anticipation of what each exposure holds. This day is all about embracing the timeless charm of analogue creativity.
Venture into the world of the black and white darkroom as we process and print your captured negatives.
Immerse yourself in traditional and experimental printing techniques, creating your very own black and white prints. Feel the excitement as your images emerge in the developer, giving life to the moments you've frozen in time. This is a day of hands-on magic as you craft tangible memories.
Finish off the week by editing, selecting, and sequencing your best shots to create a personalized zine using InDesign.
Your zine isn't just a compilation of images; it's a storytelling masterpiece.
This final project can be a standout piece in your portfolio, showcasing your unique perspective and newfound skills. Share your visual narrative with the world and take the first step towards your future photography career.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.
Discover the potential career paths within the photography industry. From freelance gigs to social media influencers and professional photographers, we'll explore how your passion for photography can shape your future. Get insights from professionals, learn about educational paths, and gain valuable tips for building your portfolio.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You’ll find full-size photography studios and comprehensive Mac editing suites with software for photography editing, including Adobe Creative Cloud.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Open to all.
Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for photography and the arts, and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills. Analogue (film) photography experience is not necessary and an understanding of Photoshop or editing skills is useful but not essential.
You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £525.
Payment is due at the time of booking.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you on the first day:
- a digital camera (that has manual settings) or a Digital SLR camera, with its cables (if you don’t have a camera try to borrow one to begin with rather than buying expensive kit that’s not quite right. There will be plenty of advice during the course about what to buy and where to buy it)
- a notepad and pen
- a 5 GB memory stick.
Read our booking terms and conditions.
Need accommodation?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation.
If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian (to support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence and there is a dedicated Warden available).
If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian (you must book two separate rooms and let us know so we can place you in rooms next to each other).
This option is particularly popular with students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
Looking to turn your one-week course into a two-week experience?
If you can match this with any second course, you’ll receive a 10% refund on your course fees (email the short course team with your order number to claim the refund).
How to apply
You can book this course for the following dates via the NTU online store:
4- 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all our summer courses for 15 – 17 year olds.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813