What is Big Picture Art House?
We are a team and summers are about fun, friends and photo.
Big Picture Art House is on a path to create a community where people can connect in an artistic and familial environment. We aim to fill the gap in photo and film programming for middle school age children. We currently serve over 100 students each year with 3 photography teachers and 20 week-long classes. Teachers are professional photographers, DSLR cameras are supplied and workshops take place on-the-go around Boston and surrounding areas. Our home base for editing and lessons is in Dorchester.
We are all about local culture, small business and expression. Each year we add new programming and someday hope to have our own larger facility for events, classes and even more "connecting". Whether we are in Boston, Salem or an overnight class destination (RI, ME, NH, etc), we meet people, hear their stories and document life.
Currently, our emphasis is on photography classes, particularly our full summer program for 11 to 15 year-olds. Over the years we have made 13 short films with our movie-making classes and hope to add film back into the curriculum soon. You can see our movies on Youtube.
Big Picture welcomes all races, classes, genders, religions and political backgrounds. We require participants to enter this program with the same mindset.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT WHAT WE DO EACH DAY!
For lunch we visit foodie destinations a few times each summer without sending student budgets through the roof. Students are also welcome to bring packed lunches. We offer regular options like sub shops, Shake Shack, or our favorite Sullivan’s at Castle Island. But also visit places like Bricco Panetteria in the North End, Boston Public Market stalls from local vendors, Georgetown Cupcakes, Dirty Water Dough, Roy's Cold Cuts, Jaho Cafe in Salem and more. We love to grab some penny candy and a Richie’s slush at the candy store in Nahant on a hot day or get a photo-worthy, designer shake at Munchies and Milkshakes in Nantasket. Your agenda will let you know what days you NEED to bring a lunch and also if we have a special food spot planned. It is always good to have some extra cash for fun snacks.
Traveling around in 8 passenger vans driven by teachers gives us much more freedom to get to and from ideal shooting/fun locations. We love hitting Fascination arcade in Nantasket after shooting at Fort Revere, going to the Lynch Family Skate Park, getting ice cream at Salem Willows when we head North, and passing through the historic library in Nahant on out way 40 Steps.
A TASTE OF WHAT WE DO
Pick Up.
Meet your group at the monument in Jamaica Plain at 9am and get dropped off there at 3pm.
Gear Up.
Cameras are supplied and training is done on day one. Each day has a different core photo lesson. No experience needed!
Load Up.
We spend the day on field trips like Nahant, Chinatown, Castle Island, Skate Park, Eastie Marina and more. Photo lessons & editing at the HOME TEACHING SPACE in Roxbury.
Fuel Up.
Bring lunch or lunch money daily. We try to mix in fun lunch spots during field trips and ice cream stops when possible.
MUST READ BEFORE REGISTERING TO CLASS.
COVID-19 precautions: More time will be spent outside on trips and at the teaching space. We have added a new large deck in 2021 for outdoor activities.
Summer classes are MONDAY-FRIDAY from 9-3pm for ages 11-15 and are good for all levels (unless otherwise noted).
We operate out of a HOME TEACHING SPACE in Roxbury about 2 miles from the Boston pick up in Jamaica Plain. The staff meets the group at 9am and drops them at the end of the day at 3pm at the 20 South St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (parking lot at Curtis Hall). *Please note there is no supervision outside at the pick up and drop off location before 9am and after 3pm.
There is a friendly dog mascot that lives at the home teaching space and loves to join the group. She is not kept separate so email us with questions before signing up.
Agendas go out Thursdays at 3pm to the email you use when you register.
Students bring lunch or lunch money daily. We hit up a mixture of typical sub shops and fun eateries.
Field trips are to places like Eastie Marina, Castle Island, the Skate Park, Harvard Square, the North End, Downtown Crossing, Nahant 40 Steps, Fort Revere, Chinatown, Salem, Rockport and more.
We supply Nikon DSLR cameras. Editing lessons done in Lightroom.
Students bring a flash drive on the last day of class to collect their images (or buy one for $10 at check out).
This is part camp and part school. Some of the time is spent on non-photo activities at the beach, arcade or doing downtime games like basketball, board games, Wii/Switch at the teaching space.
Packing list: swim suit, towel, water bottle, a little spending money, sun screen and a back pack for your things.
There is no cell phone use unless it to call home for pick up arrangements. We encourage group games and interactions. WE ARE A TEAM!
Other Photo Class Options.
Virtual Classes.
We hold virtual classes for students and teachers whether with a group or one on one. Enjoy personalized ONE-ON-ONE lessons and critiques from Jenny on your own timeframe. Lessons on Zoom and photo sharing in Google Drive.
STUDENTS: Classes may run over one hour depending on review time. Students need a device that captures images (phone, camera, iPad) and able to share photos with Big Picture Art House. Students should plan to take photos at least once a week to share with class as part of the assignments given. You will receive the Zoom link and password in your registration confirmation.
TEACHERS: BUY a teaching packet and use it to teach photography to your students or kids.
PHOTO ESSENTIALS: The lesson packet with instructions, review sheets, sample photos, agendas, assignments and more.
Private In-Person.
Great for Covid-19 learning. Grab a group in your bubble and let's get started designing your class whether it is a one day or a series. Here are 3 current private classes, all outside, with direct drop off and no van rides. They hold up to 7, ages 11 plus. Ask about adding pick up and drop off from your home or editing and reviewing time at the teaching space.
Private 2-hour North End Class: Come stroll around the North End and Greenway learning photo essentials and grabbing a quick cannoli.
Private 2-hour Salem Photo Tour Class: Come stroll around the Salem learning photo essentials and the maritime history of this remarkable town.
Private 3-hour Birthday Bash(or for any occasion) with special touches and custom locations: Spend the day in Copley, Back Bay and Newbury Street celebrating a birthday, holidays or just a day with friends. Camera use and technical lessons are followed by a fun day on the town. Let the birthday person pick the destinations! We are happy to add ANY special touches like notes, scavenger hunt, cake, gifts.
