Photography and Film Classes for Kids in Montreal

Every Kid Sees the World Differently

In an age where every child has access to a camera (even if it's just a parent's phone), teaching them the principles of visual storytelling transforms casual snapshots into a creative practice. Montreal's thriving film and arts community offers excellent programs for young visual artists.

Photography Programs

Entrequatreyeux (literally "between four eyes") is a Montreal-based photography education organization that runs workshops specifically for youth. Their programs teach composition, lighting, storytelling, and editing using both digital cameras and smartphones. Workshops run during school breaks and on weekends.

Their flagship "Young Photographers" program takes kids aged 10-17 on guided photo walks through Montreal neighbourhoods, teaching them to see their city through an artistic lens. Each session culminates in a group exhibition where families can see the work. Costs run about $150-200 for a week-long workshop.

What makes Entrequatreyeux special is their documentary approach — kids learn to tell real stories through images, not just take pretty pictures. Past projects have documented local communities, urban nature, and cultural festivals.

Film and Video Programs

PHI Centre in Old Montreal is a world-class contemporary art and media centre that runs youth workshops in filmmaking, VR creation, and digital art. Their "Phi Junior" programs introduce kids aged 8-17 to the basics of cinematography, sound design, and editing using professional equipment.

Weekend workshops cost $75-120 per session and include all equipment. Their summer film camp is a full week of hands-on production where kids work in teams to create a short film from concept to screening. It's an immersive experience that gives kids a real taste of the filmmaking process.

The PHI Centre also hosts free exhibitions and immersive art installations that are appropriate for older children and teens — a great complement to any film studies program.

Smartphone Photography for Kids

You don't need expensive equipment to learn photography. Here's a quick at-home program:

Week 1: Composition — Teach the rule of thirds. Have kids place the grid overlay on their phone camera and practice placing subjects off-centre.

Week 2: Light — Explore how different lighting changes the mood of a photo. Shoot the same subject in morning light, shade, and golden hour.

Week 3: Perspective — Get low, get high, zoom in on details. Challenge kids to photograph a familiar object from 5 different angles.

Week 4: Storytelling — Create a "photo essay" about their daily life — 10 images that tell a story without words.

Why Visual Arts Matter for Kids

Photography and filmmaking develop:

• Observation skills — noticing details others miss
• Technical problem-solving — understanding light, angles, and equipment
• Creative expression — communicating ideas visually
• Patience — waiting for the right moment or the right light
• Collaboration — filmmaking is inherently a team effort

Getting Started on a Budget

• Most local libraries offer free access to photography books and magazines
• YouTube channels like Peter McKinnon and Tony Northrup offer free tutorials suitable for teens
• Smartphone photography apps like Snapseed and VSCO are free and teach editing basics
• Community centres occasionally run free photography workshops — check your arrondissement website

Explore arts programs in Montreal on FamiliQC.