The After School Photo Club

The Butterfly House

Vezia, Lugano

Children are invited to explore their imagination through guided activities, crafts, and photography sessions, learning to use their devices with purpose, not distraction. Not just “more screen time”  this is creative device use with intention. Children learn to use their phones or cameras as a tool, not a distraction. Each workshop blends creative art direction with professional guidance, empowering kids to compose, style, and capture their own visual stories. Small group sizes ensure every child is seen, supported, and celebrated. Along the way, they build confidence, express themselves through hands-on projects, and take home something they’ve created with pride.

What Each Child Needs for Class

To help your child get the most out of their photography experience, please make sure they come prepared with the following:

Required Items:

  • A fully charged digital camera
    (Must be able to take photos and be left safely at the studio during the week. Please label it with your child’s name.)

  • A water bottle (refillable and labeled)

  • A daily snack (nut-free preferred)

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes for creative indoor and outdoor activities

  • Sun hat and sunscreen (we will be outdoors some days

The Program

Photo Explorers (Ages 5–7)

A joyful first step into the world of photography

A playful and creative after-school workshop where little ones discover the magic of photography.

Through gentle guidance, nature walks, themed games, and crafts using their own printed images, kids learn to see the world in more detail and use a camera as a tool for creativity and self-expression.

They’ll build visual storytelling skills, gain confidence, and spend more time observing and less time on screens. By semester’s end, your child will have a beautiful collection of photos and memories to share with pride.

September 9th - December 9th

CHF 495/semester

10 participants per group

    • Learn what a camera is and how to use it gently

    • Explore shapes, colors, and textures through fun photo games

    • Practice observation with photo scavenger hunts

    • Take pictures of favorite toys and daily surroundings

    • Begin creating a personal photo journal

    • Go on mini “photo safaris” outdoors to find flowers, bugs, and leaves

    • Learn to notice details in nature like patterns and colors

    • Take close-up photos and explore textures

    • Create nature-inspired collages using printed photos

    • Begin group project: “The Garden Wall” photo mural

    • Practice photographing friends and capturing facial expressions

    • Learn how to show emotions through photos (happy, silly, surprised!)

    • Take simple portraits with props and costumes

    • Play emotion-based games to spark storytelling

    • Decorate picture frames for their favorite portrait

    • Review favorite photos and choose the best ones

    • Make a mini photo book or accordion-fold story

    • Frame photos and help set up the club gallery

    • Practice talking about their work (“This is my photo of...”)

    • Invite parents for a sweet end-of-club gallery share

Young Creators (Ages 8–10)

Creative expression, real photography skills, and a semester to remember

A hands-on photography workshop where kids learn real skills, from framing and lighting to visual storytelling and simple editing all through weekly photo missions, themed projects, and playful challenges.

In a supportive, screen-free environment, they’ll explore the world with fresh eyes, build confidence, and express their unique perspective through the lens. Each child will create a mini portfolio to take home, filled with their own images and visual stories.

Perfect for curious minds who love to create, this class helps kids slow down, observe the details around them, and discover the joy of photography as a powerful creative tool.

September 10th - December 10th

CHF 495/semester

10 participants per group

      • Learn how cameras work and how to hold & focus them

      • Discover composition basics (rule of thirds, angles, perspective)

      • Practice with photo challenges like "Find 5 Lines" or "One Color Day"

      • Introduction to light and how it affects a photo

      • Start personal photo journals

      • Explore outdoor light (sunlight, shade, shadows)

      • Capture nature details: trees, leaves, reflections, clouds

      • Learn to photograph moving subjects (jumping, running, animals)

      • Work on focus and timing for better action shots

      • Create a group collage from nature photography

    • Practice portrait photography with friends and props

    • Learn how facial expressions and body language tell a story

    • Do a "Photo Story in 3 Frames" project

    • Explore documentary-style photography: “a day in the life”

    • Begin selecting photos for the final project

    • Learn simple editing techniques with age-appropriate tools

    • Choose best work and curate a photo series

    • Design title cards, photo descriptions, and mini exhibits

    • Create printed or digital photo books

    • Set up and present in a final gallery showcase for parents

About the Teacher

Lucia Viana is a professional photographer, designer, and creative educator with over 15 years of experience working with global brands, families, and children. Known for her thoughtful, playful approach to storytelling through imagery, Lucia creates inspiring spaces where children can explore, express, and grow.

This semester, Lucia’s own 5-year-old son will be joining the Photo Explorers group, making the camp feel even more like a creative family adventure. With a deep love for both photography and early childhood learning, Lucia’s goal is to help each child see the beauty in everyday life and learn to capture it through their own eyes.