Photography Institute
July 5–11, 2026
Photography Institute
Interested in expanding your skills in digital photography? Join us this summer for a fun and immersive week-long program that will explore a range of exciting photography techniques designed to challenge and inspire.
Each day, you will have an opportunity to put into practice the college level foundational skills discussed through hands-on workshops and field trips. With an emphasis on “learning to see,” you will experiment with historical and modern photo methods. And in addition to considering how basic composition can improve your images, you will also learn how to use Adobe Lightroom to enhance the results.
Hands-on workshops include painting with light, photographing landscapes and photographing animals during our wildlife safari. You will even learn how to use photography lighting to create a portrait in our classroom studio!
During this residential experience, you will participate in group critiques designed to improve your understanding of photography and inspire your creativity. The course will include daily assignments that will culminate with a group exhibition in the Lore Degenstein Gallery.
Course Requirements
- Must have a smartphone with a working camera and Adobe Lightroom mobile app (free version).
- A digital camera (Mirrorless, DSLR or point and shoot) is preferred but not required.
- Students entering grades 9–12 are invited to register.
Highlights
- Explore historical photography methods
- Experiment with long exposure
- Develop a basic understanding of aesthetic principles of landscape photography
- Develop focused observational skills by “learning to see”
- Practice creating a portrait using studio lighting
- Acquire a foundational knowledge of visual storytelling
- A photo safari to a wildlife zoo
Information to Know
- Toiletry Items
- Pillow
- Blanket (if desired)
Linens, including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket, and towels will be provided. - Snacks, drinks (if desired)
There is access to a small kitchenette with mini fridge, sink and microwave. - Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
- Casual clothing for classes and social activities
- Sneakers
- Swimwear
- Tennis rackets, frisbees, etc. (if you enjoy playing)
- Writing folder/tablet, pens, pencils
- Spending money (for bookstore, evening snacks, if desired)
520 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download aprintable campus mapor click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
Check-In
Sunday, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Mellon Lounge
Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.
Final Day Protocol
Final Showing and Check-Out
Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate check-out and collect keys, meal fobs, etc.
Program participants will present their final show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Presentation Location: Art Studio
Lunch, hosted by the faculty of the sponsoring academic department, will be 12–1:30 p.m. for participants and their family members.
Parents/family members are encouraged to participate in both events on Saturday and should make reservations for lunch by indicating how many guests will attend on the registration form.
Directions to the exhibition area will be available at check-in on Sunday afternoon.
Students will check out of their rooms immediately after lunch on Saturday and must return rooms keys and building fobs at that time.
While there aren’t any campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.
Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals, and Urgent Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.
The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.
Cars on Campus
If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Event Management Office will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning.
Leaving Campus
- Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule, and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.
- Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.
Cell Phones
Students may have access to their cell phones except for the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Event Management Office at 570-372-4354.
To reach students on campus, please call:
- Event Management Office
570-372-4354
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1–5 p.m. - University’s Main Switchboard
570-374-0101 (ask for the Event Management Office)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. - 体育买球官网 University Campus Safety
570-372-4444 or 4428 (anytime)
Families can send mail to participants at the following address:
Event Management Office
Photography Institute
体育买球官网 University
1858 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
*Participant safety is our highest priority. 体育买球官网 University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, in order to comply with local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.
Required Forms
Medical and Conduct Forms(PDF, Full Packet)
The $1,075 comprehensive fee includes room, meals and all program materials.
- Must be registered by June 19.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available based on financial need and academic performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.
A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is required for scholarship consideration.
Deadlines
All registrations must be submitted no later than June 19.
All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.
Summer Pre-College Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.
体育买球官网 University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If 体育买球官网 University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.
Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program.
Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for refund.
Gordon Wenzelis an award-winning Master Photographer specializing in commercial, advertising and portrait photography. He has photographed numerous celebrities, and his work has been appeared in books such asPhotos that InspireandProfessional Photographers of America Loan Collectionas well as publications such asDirect Art Magazine,American Photographer,The Washington Postand theNew York Post. His fine art photography has been exhibited throughout the US and Canada.
Since 2011, he has taught the photography program at 体育买球官网 University. More information can be found at his websites: impressionsphotographicstudio.com / gordonwenzel.com
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact Us
Summer Pre-College Programs
514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870
Location
Degenstein Campus Center
Phone & Email
570-372-4451