Junior Academy of Photography
Inspiring the Next Generation of Visual Storytellers
Private Photography Courses for individuals, Schools, Local Authorities and Community Organisations.
for young people aged 11 -18 years.
Empower Young Minds Through Photography
Designed for young people aged 11–18, the Junior Academy of Photography offers immersive, hands-on photography courses tailored to ignite creativity, boost self-esteem, and build technical skills that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a school, youth organisation, or community hub, our programmes are flexible, engaging, and proven to make an immediate impact.
More Than Just a Photography Course
Photography is more than taking pictures — it’s a tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and creative exploration. With years of experience teaching photography to young people — including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) — I’ve developed a unique method that guarantees:
An immediate improvement in photography skills
Increased self-confidence and motivation
Enhanced technical understanding of cameras and composition
A creative outlet for emotional expression
Practical life skills through visual storytelling
Junior photography course
Perfect for Schools, Community Projects & Funded Programmes
If you're part of a school, youth organisation, local authority, or community hub, this course can be tailored to your learners’ needs. I offer:
Fully resourced group photography workshops
One-off sessions or multi-week courses
Customisable content to suit your curriculum or project goals
Certificates of participation for every learner
Optional digital portfolios for learners to showcase their work
These sessions are also ideal for funded creative education programmes or enrichment activities that support emotional wellbeing and artistic development.
SEND photography sessions
1:1 private photography tuition for teenagers and class based courses in schools.
DBS checked with certificate available for viewing upon request.
The kind of things will learn is:
How to handle, set up and use a modern DSLR
Photographing safely in public
Seeing, reading and measuring the light
Designing professional compositions
How to read and understand a photograph with contextual referencing
Historical photography research
Post production using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Documenting their progress visually in Sketch Books
The production of physical prints including framing
Outdoor excursions for photography
Genres’s covered include; Landscape, Street, Portraiture, Studio, Astro, Sunrise and Sunset and more
Exhibition visits
Future advice and guidance on career paths.
The skills available to learn on these 1:1 workshops will be transferrable into adult life and will give the gift of nurturing creativity, design and critical thinking skills.
Photography workshop for teenagers
Why Work With Me?
I’m not just a photographer — I’m an educator, a mentor, and someone deeply passionate about helping young people thrive. I’ve successfully delivered workshops for:
SEND schools
Alternative provision centres
Youth centres
Charity-run initiatives
Mainstream schools looking for exciting creative experiences.
Each course is built around your group’s specific needs and abilities.
Please get in touch for a tailored creative course for classes and to get a quote - Email: paul@paulhands.co.uk
Creative courses for young people
Parents Reviews:
“My daughter enjoyed an amazing workshop with Paul this weekend, in the workshop she enjoyed learning how to use her camera, composition techniques and even some post production.
Paul has a great way of explaining the complex and daunting subject of photography to kids in a way that makes it easy to digest and apply whilst not losing any of the real substance of the subject.
Thank you Paul for igniting a spark that I am sure will be burning for many years to come!!”
“I booked my boys with Paul for full day photography workshop using DSL cameras. By the end of day, boys are impressed with their skills to be able to use the camera in manual mode. They particularly appreciated the tips when taking photos. They loved the walk and freedom to take pictures of birds, squirrels and landscapes. They valued last but not the least how to use lightroom to make their photos look good.
Overall they had great day and learnt what they wanted and I am impressed how Paul kept both boys engaged though out. I am grateful for Paul to be able to accommodate my boys in short notice and also providing me with advice about how to choose camera when buying one.”
“My son attended an all day workshop with Paul, and not only learned the mechanics of his camera, but how to take shots that will go on the wall!
Can’t recommend Paul enough. His manner is professional yet calm and his own passion for photography is expressed through his own amazing work.”
“Marky, my 12 year old son, has been working with Paul in his Junior Academy for about a year now. He really enjoys the sessions & I can see big improvements in his work note and more each time. Hes learnt a lot of different styles, as well as post production & editing techniques. We would recommend to anybody looking to learn photography.”
Confidence through photography
The Paul Hands Junior Academy of Photography Students Gallery
All photographs below have been made by kids attending my private photography classes.
1:1 individual Photography Workshop Pricing:
Half a day - £200
Full day - £300
Camera hire = £25
Tripod hire = £15
Contact me directly to discuss your child’s private photography tuition, hit the button below, call me on 07854 956 970 or email: paul@paulhands.co.uk
Group class prices will differ from individual 1:1 courses.
Let’s Inspire the Next Generation — Together
If you're a teacher, programme coordinator or parent looking to give young people something truly empowering, let’s talk.
📩 Get in touch today to check availability and discuss a tailored photography course that works for your organisation.