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What Is Shutterbug Academy?
A Creative Journey of
Learning, Confidence & Fun
Shutterbug Academy is a photography education experience for kids, homeschool families, and moms who want to understand their cameras, grow creatively, and learn how to see the world with intention.
Through hands-on classes, guided projects, and encouraging instruction, students build real camera skills while developing confidence, creativity, and a stronger eye for storytelling.
It's more than a photography class.
It's a new way of seeing the world.
The Shutterbug Academy Pathway
Students can begin with a simple introduction and continue growing through structured programs designed to build confidence one step at a time.
What Students Learn
Each class is designed to help students build confidence behind the camera while learning skills they can use long after class ends.
Camera Basics
Students learn how their camera works and how to feel more comfortable using it.
Light & Exposure
Students begin to understand how light affects a photo and how to make better creative choices.
Composition & Perspective
Students learn how to see angles, backgrounds, framing, and interesting points of view.
Creative Storytelling
Students discover how photos can tell stories, capture emotion, and show the world in a new way.
Editing & Style
Students are introduced to simple editing choices and how to begin developing their own creative style.
Confidence & Self-Expression
Students are encouraged to create with confidence and feel proud of what they see and make.
Who is this for?
Two Ways to Join
Kids 8 -12 yrs old
For curious, creative students who want to learn photography in a fun, encouraging environment.
Homeschool Families
For families looking for meaningful, hands-on creative learning that supports homeschool enrichment, life skills, and visual storytelling.
Moms
For moms who want to better understand their cameras, take stronger everyday photos, and feel more confident capturing their families.
Host a Class
for Your Group
Perfect for homeschool groups, co-ops, schools, churches, youth groups, and creative communities.
I bring the instruction, structure, and creative learning experience to you.
Join a Class
Don’t have a group? No problem. Join one of our upcoming classes, workshops, or Shutterbug Academy events.
Dates and locations will be announced as new programs open.
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We Lift As We Climb
At Shutterbug Academy, students are encouraged to learn, create, and grow together. As they gain confidence, they also learn the value of helping others, sharing ideas, and building a creative community.
The goal is not just better photos. It’s confidence, collaboration, creativity, and a new way of seeing the world.
Encouraging environment
Kind, creative community
Growth through hands-on learning
Shutterbug
Foundations
From guessing to understanding, students begin learning camera basics, light, exposure, composition, creative storytelling, and how to make stronger photo choices.
Great for:
Kids ready for more structure, hands-on practice, and creative growth.
The Seeing Experience
A fun first step into photography for beginners who are curious, creative, and ready to start seeing differently.
Great for:
Beginners, curious kids, and families exploring Shutterbug for the first time.
Current & Upcoming Programs
Whether your child is brand new to photography or ready for a more structured creative experience, Shutterbug Academy offers a pathway to help them begin, grow, and continue learning.
Shutterbug
Academy
For students ready to continue growing in photography, confidence, and community,
Shutterbug Academy help them to build on the skills that they learned through
Foundations.
Great for:
Students who want to keep creating, growing, and learning with others.
What Parents are Saying...
This was a positive experience for my 10-year-old daughter. She came home understanding new terminology, different types of photography, and how to operate her camera. She radiated excitement and was proud to show off her new skills. I'd recommend this photography camp to anyone who has a child interested in photography.
~ Brittany, mom of Foundations student
My 10-year-old enjoyed this camp very much! He was excited to go every day. Ms. Kristen is very friendly and good with the kids. My son felt that the "class time" was interesting and helped him understand how to complete the tasks when it was time to take pictures using the skill(s) covered in the lesson. We are hoping for a level 2 sometime in the future! I am thankful that Ms. Kristen has offered this unique camp and is willing to share her knowledge with youth. I certainly recommend the Shutterbug Photography Camp for Kids (Now Shutterbug Foundations) by Kristen Rachel Photography if your child has any interest in photography.
~ Jennifer, Mom of Shutterbug Foundations student
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Drawn with Gratitude