Camden Area High School Students Get Free Photography Program With Pro Mentors

Starting Nov. 3, the Erik James Montgomery Foundation will run a seven-month photography course for Camden high school students. Ten to 13 teens will master camera skills while learning business basics, all at no cost.

"I want to offer marginalized individuals the opportunity to learn photography without any hindrance to price points of, 'Oh, I don't have a camera' or 'I don't have a good computer,'" said Erik James Montgomery, according to NJ Advance Media.

Students will meet at the JPEG Photo Gallery on Market Street each Wednesday. The nonprofit supplies pro-grade cameras and MacBooks for editing work. No personal equipment needed.

Rutgers-Camden University students step in as mentors. Twice a week from 3 to 5 p.m., they'll guide photo techniques and pitch in with schoolwork questions.

Since 2010, the Montgomery Foundation has brought photo skills to Camden neighborhoods. When spring comes, the young photographers will display their best shots at JPEG Gallery's May 2026 showcase.

School staff spread news about the opportunity straight to students. Any teen enrolled in a Camden high school can join.

Applications stay open through Oct. 31. Signing up takes just minutes: scan the flyer's QR code, send an email, or fill out the web form on the foundation's site.