Shutter Bugs is an independently owned photography and art studio in downtown Albuquerque that runs summer camps for kids. Campers learn to use a camera, build backdrops, direct a subject, and experiment with Polaroids, portraits, still life, and lighting, alongside painting and collage. Half-day camps run 9:30am–1:00pm in June, July, and August as 5-day or 10-day sessions (plus month-long options), with small groups limited to about five students.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Shutter Bugs directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Kristen BackorThis is a fantastic camp - Jon is a very thoughtful instructor, plans everything out, takes the kids on field trips, and teaches them photography and editing. Camp concludes with a photography exhibition, and I'm always impressed by what everyone has produced. I've sent both my kids two years in a row.
★★★★★Jessica AttieShutter Bugs was hands down the coolest camp my 8 year old attended all summer! Jon taught them so many amazing photography techniques while helping them achieve their creative ideas. He sets the stage for allowing complete freedom to be as creative and weird as they want to without judgment and that's exactly what kids need!! We will definitely be back again next summer!
★★★★★Jessica RiderMy daughter has gone to a Summer Camp for several years in a row, and it has been such a great experience. She really loves the teacher, the projects, and the techniques she learns. There's a great mix of field trips and studio work, and the gallery show at the end is such an awesome end to the week - something for the kids to work towards and for the families to see what they worked on all week. I highly recommend Shutter Bugs!
★★★★★mitra campbellShutterbugs has been one of my kids favorite camps every summer. There is something really special and unique about what Jon has created and its completely unlike anything else we've found in Austin. My kids have not only learned so much, Jon understands how to connect with kids creatively and find projects that are catered to my kids interests. They have never had the same experience twice, be it field trips or photo projects. And the best part is the photography show at the end of the camp where friends and family are invited and my kids can present their projects and they are really proud. This is also the best environment for a kid to be themselves and feel supported. I think that's a really hard thing to find sometimes. Do yourself a favor and get your kid enrolled in a class or a camp. Shutterbugs class sizes are small on purpose and they really fill up quickly.
★★★★★Angelrae ThompsonMy son went to a week of summer camp here for his first time this year. We were a little hesitant to sign him up because it’s an hour away from our house which means either my husband or myself will be spending four hours in the car each day. It was well worth it though as my son said this was his most favorite summer camp out of all 10 of his camps. He was really bummed that it was ending. He asked me if I can sign him up for all the weeks it’s available next year. He took 1 million pictures and went on a couple of awesome field trips. The field trips for perfect for picture taking. They also went on nature walks every day and got to take pictures of flowers and bugs and peoples dogs. It was awesome. John is very creative and has really cool assignments that he has the kids do every day.