Empowering Youth Through Creativity and Learning
Learning Through A Lens is a free, cross-disciplinary program that combines photography and creative writing to help young people explore how they see the world—and themselves. Designed for students aged 10–18, the program nurtures emotional insight, critical thinking, and personal voice through hands-on, project-based learning.
Rather than focus on technical mastery or traditional art training, Learning Through A Lens uses creative expression as a tool for self-discovery. Students work on visual and written projects that explore essential human themes—communication, emotional reflection, relationship-building, and self-awareness. Along the way, they develop important academic and life skills such as writing, analysis, observation, and thoughtful communication.
By blending storytelling with visual thinking, the program empowers students to build confidence, recognize their own perspectives, and better understand others. It’s a space for learning that is both expressive and reflective—helping young people grow into more empathetic, self-aware, and engaged thinkers.
Current Online Classes: Photography & Creative Exploration for Ages 10–18
This hands-on class introduces students to the foundational principles of photography through the lens of artistic expression. While learning about composition, lighting, and visual storytelling, students are also encouraged to slow down and truly observe the world around them. In doing so, they begin to recognize different perspectives and build early empathy. Every project is designed to spark curiosity and develop objectivity—learning not just to capture what they see, but to reflect on why it matters and how it can be interpreted. Students leave with both stronger creative skills and a deeper sense of awareness.
What Makes This Course Different?
More Than Just Camera Skills: Instead of simply teaching students how to use a camera, this course introduces them to the core artistic elements of visual design, helping them think like artists and storytellers.
Thematic Image Creation: Students will engage in hands-on projects, learning to develop themes and craft images that have meaning and emotional depth.
Personalized Feedback: Each student receives valuable one-on-one guidance to help them refine their creative voice.
Most beginner photography classes focus on technical mechanics—this one focuses on creative expression. If you want your child to learn how to communicate visually, think artistically, and create photography that resonates, this is the class for them.
AVAILABILITY
Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Sep 13, Sep 20, Sep 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, Oct 18, Oct 25
LOCATION
Instruction will be provided through the Zoom platform. Students should have a webcam and the ability to download zoom on their computer, phone, or tablet. Once you register for the class, you will be sent an e-mail with the Zoom URL to log in to the class.
CUSTOM SCHEDULING
If your homeschool group or school would like to schedule a custom session at a different time, I’d be happy to work with you to make that happen. Please feel free to contact me to discuss options and details.
This course teaches students to understand and deconstruct visual messages—both the ones they consume and the ones they create. With an emphasis on interpretation and context, students explore how images convey meaning and shape perception. They learn to ask deeper questions: What is the story behind the photo? Whose voice is missing? How might this image be seen differently by someone else? In the process, they sharpen their critical thinking, practice empathy through storytelling, and develop the ability to examine things more objectively—all through the powerful tool of photography.
Why This Course Stands Out
Photography as a Language: Teens will learn how images tell stories, evoke emotions, and shape perception, making them more visually literate and critical thinkers.
Beyond Technical Photography: Unlike standard classes that focus on settings and equipment, this course helps students explore how images communicate ideas, shape opinions, and reflect culture.
Hands-On Projects & Discussions: Students will not only create their own compelling images but also analyze and deconstruct the visual narratives around them—from photography to social media and advertising.
This is not just a class on how to take a photo—it’s about understanding the power of photography as a visual language. If your teen is interested in the deeper meaning behind images and how to use photography for storytelling and impact, this course is the perfect fit.
AVAILABILITY
Saturdays, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Sep 13, Sep 20, Sep 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, Oct 18, Oct 25
LOCATION
Instruction will be provided through the Zoom platform. Students should have a webcam and the ability to download zoom on their computer, phone, or tablet. Once you register for the class, you will be sent an e-mail with the Zoom URL to log in to the class.
CUSTOM SCHEDULING
If your homeschool group or school would like to schedule a custom session at a different time, I’d be happy to work with you to make that happen. Please feel free to contact me to discuss options and details.
This introspective course blends photography with writing and visual art to help teens explore identity, emotion, and personal narrative. By examining their own experiences and expressing them through imagery and words, students learn to process their thoughts with honesty and intentionality. They also engage in exercises that require stepping into other people’s perspectives—fostering a deep sense of empathy. Through group discussion and critique, they learn to see beyond first impressions and analyze their creative choices. This class challenges them to think critically about themselves and others while embracing creative risk as a path toward growth and understanding.
What Makes This Course Unique?
Photography as Self-Exploration: Instead of focusing purely on technique, students will use the camera as a mirror to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Creative Writing as a Companion to Photography: Students will craft stories, poems, and reflections inspired by their own photographs, helping them discover new dimensions of self-expression.
A Safe Space for Creative Growth: This course is designed to nurture confidence and introspection, giving students the tools to express themselves in ways they may have never explored before.
This is not a traditional photography or writing class. It’s an artistic and emotional exploration through two powerful mediums, offering students a rare opportunity to connect with their inner world in a profound way.
AVAILABILITY
Saturdays, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Sep 13, Sep 20, Sep 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, Oct 18, Oct 25
LOCATION
Instruction will be provided through the Zoom platform. Students should have a webcam and the ability to download zoom on their computer, phone, or tablet. Once you register for the class, you will be sent an e-mail with the Zoom URL to log in to the class.
CUSTOM SCHEDULING
If your homeschool group or school would like to schedule a custom session at a different time, I’d be happy to work with you to make that happen. Please feel free to contact me to discuss options and details.
Why Learning Through A Lens Stands Out From Other Photography Classes
Most photography classes for young people teach the basics—how to operate a camera, frame a shot, and follow compositional rules. Learning Through A Lens does something deeper. Our free, live online program combines photography and creative writing to help students aged 10–18 use art as a tool for self-discovery, critical thinking, and emotional growth.
A Focus on the Whole Person
We don’t just teach how to take better photos—we guide students to better understand themselves. Each lesson weaves in themes like identity, empathy, communication, and reflection. The goal isn’t technical perfection—it’s personal insight.
The Power of Story
Students explore personal themes through both visual and written storytelling. This dual approach encourages them to express complex emotions and perspectives—connecting what they see with how they feel. It’s not about learning to bea photographer. It’s about learning to see.
Creative Writing + Photography
Very few programs integrate photography with writing in a meaningful, structured way. Ours does. Through journaling, storytelling, and writing prompts, students deepen their connection to the images they create and build skills in observation, articulation, and self-expression.
Interactive, Live, and Personal
Unlike pre-recorded courses, Learning Through A Lens is taught live in small groups. This creates a dynamic, engaging environment where students get real-time feedback, connect with peers, and build trust. Each session is as much about dialogue and discussion as it is about technique.
At its core, Learning Through A Lens is more than an art class. It’s a space where students learn to reflect, express, and grow. While many programs focus on either skill-building or self-expression, we bridge both—offering a unique, holistic experience that empowers students to develop confidence, empathy, and a creative voice that’s truly their own.
Why Your Donation Matters
When you give, you're doing more than supporting a program—you’re giving a young person the tools to see the world, and themselves, more clearly. Your donation helps provide free access to Learning Through A Lens for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in this kind of creative, reflective learning. It ensures they have the materials, mentorship, and space to grow not just as artists, but as thoughtful, expressive individuals.
If you believe in the power of art to inspire, to teach, and to transform—please consider donating. Every contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of a much larger picture: one that empowers the next generation to create with meaning, to reflect with clarity, and to move through the world with empathy.
Your Donation Is Tax-Deductible
Fractured Atlas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the purposes of Stephan Twist are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.