What is First Exposures?

First Exposures is an arts mentoring program, which offers free photography classes to young people in our community. Our mentees come to us through local schools, after-school programs and agencies working with youth from all areas in the city and Bay Area, including South of Market, Bayview, Tenderloin, Fillmore, and others.

Our goal is to provide art education to underserved youth from a variety of backgrounds including those who come from families who could not otherwise afford photography classes, are in the foster care system, and/or who are underserved by the larger community in some way. Students are 11 - 18 years old and want to learn how to do photography with the help of a mentor. While learning how to make art, the students in First Exposures also develop academic and life skills.

In the First Exposures Virtual Summer for New Mentees, mentees will bring their own smart camera and are provided with photo editing apps and all other needed materials. With just a smartphone, First Exposures is able to teach new mentees make powerful images, compose and light their work, exhibit their artwork at the end of the semester, and spend time with creative, fun, and supportive people of all ages.
What is a mentor?

Each mentee in the summer program is matched with a group of mentees and mentors in a 3:2 ratio for the entire time that they participate in the program. A mentor is like a Big Brother or Big Sister. They are photographers and educators who volunteer their time to work with young people who want to learn photography.

How can I be a First Exposures mentee?

If you want to learn how to make your own photographs with the help of a mentor, you can be a part of First Exposures. You have to be ready to make a commitment to this fun, exciting art program and come to every single class for 4 weeks. You may remain in the program longer if you decide that you like it. For First Exposures Virtual Summer for New Mentees, incoming mentees must have their own smartphone to participate.
First Exposures Virtual Summer Program details:
  • When: June 30th - July 30th, 2020
  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3 - 4 pm
  • Where: In the virtual world

What you get in First Exposures:

  • Mentors to help you learn
  • Photography lessons and photo editing apps
  • The opportunity to exhibit your art
  • Exciting virtual field trips and workshops
  • Longlasting friendships

What you give in First Exposures:
  • Your smartphone for you to use during the program
  • Your time, focus, and excitement to learn
  • Commitment to learning and working as a group
  • Help with respecting the First Exposures Virtual space
First Exposures is an excellent opportunity for you to
learn photography, build friendships, and have fun!
Here is what former First Exposures Students said about the program:

First Exposures: a family of friends, no judgment, no right or wrong -- just photos.
     - Second-year mentee, age 16


First Exposures means a break in my hectic life. To feel proud of all the shots I’ve taken. It’s an amazing feeling. Editing a picture is like magic. Seeing it so plain and then so awesome just makes me smile.
     - Third-year mentee, age 16


First Exposures has given me the chance to capture what is going on in my life. I’ll only be 18 once, so I’m lucky to have a camera to capture that.
     - Second-year mentee, age 18


To me First Exposures means being able to express myself through an art. It means being around people who will help and support me to become a better photographer and a better person overall. My mentor is supportive and open minded. She is not only my mentor, but a friend who I can share my stories with and I know she’ll listen.
     - First-year mentee, age 13


First Exposures to me means a second family. It means acceptance and freely being able to express yourself. Our prints show what we see, and we feel comfortable enough to show each other how we interact with the world. To me my mentor means a sister. She is someone that encourages me to do my best and to test my limits.
     - Sixth-year mentee, age 18
This application could be the beginning of a great experience. First Exposures is a FREE mentoring program in photography. All accepted students will learn how to take photographs and exhibit them at the end of the year. Students are assigned experienced photography mentors who work with them at each session.

The First Exposures Virtual Summer Program for New Mentees has an afternoon class that meets Tuesday and Thursday from 3 PM – 4 PM. The program runs from June 30th - July 30th. The program’s total time commitment is 2 hours every week. We expect all students to meet this time requirement with dedication.

Please carefully fill out all information on this application. There is only space for 10-15 new students each year so complete the application ASAP.

The application should take about 30 minutes to complete. We recommend finishing it in one sitting. If you need to return to it:
- Finish the page you're on and click Next. This will save your changes.
- When you're ready to come back, use the same computer and browser. 

QUESTIONS? Please call 415.716.8651 or email us at info@firstexposures.org

Visit our website at www.firstexposures.org to learn more!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, June 15th, 2020

T