Discover your creative eye at Appel Farm’s photography program in New Jersey!
Build a photography portfolio this summer!
At Appel Farm, cameras are tools for curiosity and growth. In our photography classes, campers learn how to frame a moment and tell a story artistically. Some arrive having never touched a manual camera. Others already love taking photos and want to sharpen their skills. All of them leave seeing the world differently!
Capture the summer with photography classes at Appel Farm
Appel Farm Arts Camp is a gender-inclusive overnight arts camp in Elmer, New Jersey, serving campers ages 8 to 16. Here, photography holds a special place.
We invite campers to pay attention, look closer, and see beauty in ordinary details like shadows on a cabin wall or reflections in the pond after rain. In our photography classes, we guide campers and help them build technical skills while also encouraging personal expression.
We’re an inclusive photography community
Every camper deserves to feel welcome. Our photography camp is inclusive and community-oriented by design. Campers embrace themselves in the studio, and that sense of belonging gives them the confidence to take creative risks and share their ideas.
Who are these photography classes for?
Our camp’s photography program is for curious kiddos and teens who love noticing details and trying new creative challenges. It’s for the camper who is always snapping photos on their phone and wants to understand how a real camera works.
This program is also for campers who want the rare opportunity to learn analog photography and darkroom techniques. In fact, we’re the only residential summer camp in New Jersey offering this kind of darkroom photography experience!
Most of all, it is for kids who want to grow in an inclusive community where creativity is celebrated, and every voice matters.
Curious what camp looks like in person? Book a tour with us and walk through our studios, darkrooms, and beautiful South Jersey campus. Seeing campers in action makes it all “click!”
Photography Majors, Minors, and Exhibitions
At Appel Farm, we support the growth of each camper. If your kiddo is interested in photography, they could take photography as a Major or Minor.
Photography Majors
Photography is offered as a Major at camp, which means campers spend a focused, extended period each day fully immersed in their craft. Throughout the session, campers receive direct feedback on their shots, experiment with new ideas, and refine their technique over time.
When they take a Major in photography, campers will:
- Master the foundations and core elements of photography
- Learn traditional black and white film photography
- Gain skills in composition, lighting, and visual storytelling
- Share their work with pride at exhibitions & final showcases
Photography Minors
Campers can also choose photography Minors and enjoy Free Choice activities. Our Minors regularly rotate, but to give you an idea, these are some of our past photography Minors:
- Experimental photography
- Rocktography, where campers learn concert photography.
- Music videos
What equipment do you need for a photography camp or program?
At Appel Farm, cameras and film are provided – or you can bring your own!
We want families to feel comfortable signing up without worrying about equipment. Appel Farm provides cameras, film, and all necessary materials for photography classes.
If your child already owns a camera and prefers to use it, they are welcome to bring it along! Rest assured that our instructors will help them use whatever equipment they have.
Check out our camp dates, rates, and scholarship program (2026)
Thinking about sending your kid to camp to learn about photography? Below you’ll find session dates, tuition options, and details about financial aid for Summer 2026 at Appel Farm Arts Camp.
Appel Farm summer 2026 camp dates
Appel Farm Arts Camp offers both two-week and four-week sessions, giving families flexibility based on their child’s interests, schedule, and readiness for time away from home.
Many families choose a two-week session as an introduction to camp, while others opt for the four-week experience to allow campers more time to grow creatively, build friendships, and fully immerse themselves in the arts-focused camp community.
Two-week sessions
July 5 – July 18, 2026
July 19 – August 1, 2026
Four-week session
July 5 – August 1, 2026
Appel Farm summer 2026 tuition rates
| Session Length | Supported Rate | True Cost Rate | Sustaining Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $3,750 | $4,000 | $4,250 |
| 4 Weeks | $6,500 | $6,750 | $7,000 |
- Supported rate: A partially subsidized option for families who need additional flexibility. This rate does not reflect the full cost of operating our summer camp programs.
- True cost rate: Reflects the actual cost of camp, including facilities, program materials, and equitable pay for staff.
- Sustaining rate: Includes a tax-deductible donation that helps support scholarships for families who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Testimonials
Teens and kids who join our photography classes often arrive curious and maybe a little unsure. They leave proud of the images they created, the film they developed themselves, and the friendships they built along the way. Here is what past campers and their families have shared about their experience at Appel Farm:
What can campers look forward to at Appel Farm’s photography program?
At camp, every day brings something new. Campers work with cameras, film, and real creative challenges that build confidence. Along the way, they gain technical skills, discover their artistic eye, and experience the joy of making something tangible with their own hands.
Here’s what makes our photography classes such an exciting part of the summer:
Mastering the foundations and core elements of photography
To master photography, you have to understand how the camera works first. In our classes, campers learn how aperture controls depth of field, how shutter speed captures motion, how ISO affects light sensitivity, and so much more!
As they experiment, they begin to see how small technical choices create big visual impact. By the end of the session, campers feel confident handling a camera and making thoughtful decisions behind the lens.
Learning traditional black and white film photography
One of the most memorable parts of our photography camp is working with 35mm black and white film. Campers load analog cameras, carefully consider each shot, and then head into one of our fully equipped darkrooms to develop their film.
Watching an image slowly appear on photographic paper is a moment they never forget. It can be a little messy, but it’s deeply rewarding!
Gaining skills in composition, lighting, and visual storytelling
Beyond technical settings, campers learn how to make photographs that communicate feeling and meaning. They study composition tools like framing, balance, and perspective, and experiment with natural light outdoors and dramatic lighting in our studio to create mood and dimension.
Through guided projects, campers practice telling stories with a single image or a series of photos. Over time, they begin to see the world with sharper focus and a stronger artistic point of view!
Sharing their work with pride at student exhibitions & final showcases
At the end of a four-week session, campers celebrate their growth by participating in a photography showcase. They select their favorite prints, mount them thoughtfully, and share their creative process with peers and families.
This exhibition is a proud moment of personal growth and community celebration. Campers see how far they have come and feel supported by the friends and instructors who cheered them on every step of the way.
Gallery of photography projects
Throughout the session, campers create a wide range of projects. We’ve made a few pieces available for your viewing, too! Check them out below, and feel free to visit our Facebook page for more photos from our photography classes.
Learn more about the photography community at Appel Farm!
If you’re looking for a photography camp that balances technical learning with community building and personal growth, we’d love to meet you! Get a closer look at daily life, class options, and what makes our New Jersey campus so special, or connect directly with someone from our team who can answer your questions and guide you through the enrollment process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What ages can join Appel Farm’s photography program?
Our photography Major and Minors are available to campers ages 8 to 16 during summer sessions!
Do campers need prior photography experience to join the program?
Not at all. Beginners learn the basics step by step. More experienced photographers receive guidance to deepen their skills and expand their creative range.
Is photography offered year-round at Appel Farm?
The photography program described here is part of our summer arts camp. Appel Farm also offers year-round arts programming through Arts Lab sessions.
What equipment is provided at Appel Farm’s photography program?
We provide cameras, 35mm film, darkroom access, lighting equipment, and printing materials. Campers may bring their own camera if they prefer!
Can campers exhibit their work at the photography program?
Yes! Four-week campers participate in a photography showcase where they display and discuss their finished prints.