EP 38: summer camp 2024: a recap
Hi, everyone! This is your host, Summer Grace, and welcome to Summer School. As you may have noticed, we didn't have an episode last week, and that's because we were at Summer Camp with two of the guests who are going to be speaking on this episode. We will be talking about all things Summer Camp today. And while you're listening to this, I'm actually at another camp—Nikon's Creator Camp.
Introductions: Meet Our Guests
Let’s kick things off by introducing our guests, Riley and Brooklyn, who were both at Summer Camp with me. Riley, also known as Garner Photography from Dayton, Ohio, is a huge fan of the Summer School podcast. She found the camp to be a surreal experience and a dream come true, learning directly from me and other top photography minds. Brooklyn, on the other hand, first connected with me through a mentorship session months ago, which she found incredibly informative. She later joined the three-month Summer School program, where we met bi-weekly and built an amazing community. When Summer Camp was announced, Brooklyn didn’t hesitate to join, eager to continue learning and connecting.
One of the most impactful parts of Summer Camp was learning hands-on techniques we don't usually get to see in online classes.
Developing Film
One of the coolest activities was developing our own film. We had a film lab come in, and after a Q&A session, we all went out with a model and shot a roll of color and a roll of black and white film. Seeing the entire process from shooting to developing was eye-opening for many of our amazing Summer Camp guests.
Emulsion Lifts
Another highlight was the emulsion lifts we did with Polaroids. For those of you who might not be familiar, emulsion lifts involve cutting the sides of a Polaroid, peeling it apart, and adding boiling water to lift the image off the glue. It was a creative and relaxing exercise, and everyone really got into it.
The Alfresco Dinner
We also had this amazing alfresco dinner set up right in the pool area. Imagine dining with your feet in the water under the stars. Despite some last-minute logistics, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience that everyone loved. The ambiance was perfect, with fairy lights twinkling and everyone enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by our incredible chef. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and connection, and I think we all felt a bit like we were in a dreamy movie scene.
Learning Opportunities
Throughout the camp, we focused on learning and growing together. We had in-depth discussions on storytelling in photography, shared technical tips, and explored best practices. The interactive nature of the camp allowed for spontaneous learning and creativity, making it a rich educational experience. We had sessions where we could ask questions, share our challenges, and get real-time advice from each other. It was incredibly valuable to see how different photographers approach their craft and to be able to take away practical tips that we could immediately apply to our work.
Building Community
The sense of community was incredible at Summer Camp. Being around fellow photographers provided so much support, inspiration, and new opportunities for collaboration. Riley and Brooklyn both mentioned how much they learned from their peers, which just reinforced the value of these connections. We formed a tight-knit group, and I know these friendships and professional relationships will continue long after the camp.
Final Thoughts
Hosting Summer Camp was an experience unlike anything I can really explain. It was designed to be interactive and enriching, and it definitely hit those marks. If you’re interested in joining future events or participating in the summer school coaching program, stay tuned for updates. We might have another round of Summer Camp in the fall, so keep an eye out for announcements.
About Brooklyn Hoose
Brooklyn is a Phoenix based Wedding Photographer. In 2021, she graduated with her bachelors in Biomedical sciences and immediately went to work at a fire department running 911 calls. After deciding photography was her true passion, she moved to Phoenix to make it happen. She is passionate about building community within the photo world and loves to connect with fellow photographers.
Connect with Brooklyn online
Instagram: Brooklynhoosephoto
Website: www.Brooklynhoosephoto.com
About Riley Douglass
Instagram: @_garner_photography_
Website: www.garnerphotography.net
Connect with me online
Show Notes: summergracephoto.com
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
