Local Photographer Helps Kids Capture Pandemic In Virtual Camp

ORLAND PARK, IL – An Orland Park photographer is getting creative during the coronavirus pandemic by offering local students an opportunity to participate in a summer camp from home – and capture what the world around them looks like right now.

Facing uncertainty about the future of her photography business during the shutdown, Alison McCarthy-Weglewski started brainstorming about ways she could get creative and provide an enriching experience for children who were stuck at home. With three small children, Therese was hoping to find a way to keep her small business afloat without the option of childcare.

"Early on in the pandemic, my father and I were talking about how the small businesses that are going to make it through would need to pivot and change their business model," she said. "I was inspired by how many businesses were doing that but was unsure what it would look like for me."

McCarthy-Weglewski shared her concerns with her friends, who were also concerned that their children would not have the opportunity to experience organized activities this summer, due to social distancing practices and safety guidelines that are in place due to the pandemic.

"I thought about how much my son loved his art and science camp the previous year and how he would not be able to attend this summer," she said.

It occurred to her that photography is both an art and a science, and there might be an opportunity to offer a virtual camp that could incorporate cameras and photography for children.

What emerged from her brainstorming efforts was ATP Kids Camera Camp, a five-week virtual camp for students ages 9-18 who have an interest in photography. The first session, which is currently underway, has nine students from both the north and south suburbs of Chicago. A second session of the virtual camp will begin in July.

The camp meets via Zoom meetings, where the students watch a 12-20 minute video of class content that Therese has created. Students have a reading material for the week that covers the video content and assignment. The next day, students gather via Zoom meetings and go over the previous week's assignment and showcase their projects.

"I enjoy seeing their faces light up when one of their own images is showcased on the screen for the rest of the class," McCarthy-Weglewski said.

For the first week's project, students were tasked with going on a scavenger hunt to find shadow, reflection, balance, texture and color. She taught them about cameras, but didn't get too technical with the details of composition, because she said was curious to see what they would come up with.

"I was blown away," she said. "I can't wait to watch them grow."

McCarthy-Weglewski, who was a photography and art teacher for 12 years before starting her own photography business, said she was nervous before starting the camp, because it has been about four years since she was last in the classroom. But so far, so good.

"In the beginning of quarantine, I did what most moms were doing, which was to throw myself into my family and make the experience as painless for them as possible," she said. "I lost some of my identity in the process. The kids camera camp has helped me to do something that is just for me. I really hope the young photographers are getting as much out of the class as I am."

McCarthy-Weglewski said she plans to continue the camp after the pandemic and is already working on ideas for an advanced camera camp for the students who are currently enrolled.

"I am so impressed with young people," she said. "They are so resilient."