Explore Our Classes
Creative skills for the next generation.
The Viewfinder helps young people ages 7–18 explore photography, videography, drone work, podcasting, and visual storytelling in a fun, supportive environment. Our free weekly classes help students grow their creativity, build real skills, and discover pathways to internships, jobs, and future careers.
Are you ready to have your child head into this new creative adventure?
Mission
At The Viewfinder, we believe creativity is a gift that should be developed, encouraged, and celebrated. We teach students how to use cameras, drones, lighting, color, composition, design, and imagination to tell stories and see the world differently.
Programs
Photography
Students learn composition, lighting, shadows, color, framing, and how to capture powerful images.
Videography
Students explore storytelling, camera movement, editing, and how to create strong visual content.
Drone Training
Students learn responsible drone use, aerial creativity, and foundational knowledge that can support future drone licensing.
Podcast Creation
Students learn how to build their voice, plan episodes, record audio, and create their own podcast.
Career Exposure
We connect students with real-world opportunities, internships, and guidance that can lead toward creative careers.
Where do we serve?
The Viewfinder is proudly rooted in Back of the Yards in Chicago, but our mission reaches far beyond one neighborhood. We are willing to work with schools and communities across Chicago, bringing creative education, mentorship, and opportunity to young people wherever it is needed most, because these kids are the future and deserve the support to grow into confident, creative, and successful individuals.
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a parent looking to sign your child up for weekly classes, a student interested in photography, videography, drone training, or podcasting, or a community partner interested in supporting our mission, The Viewfinder is here to connect, create, and help young people grow through creativity. Reach out to us and a member of our team will get back to you soon.