Why This Camp Exists
In 2018, Greg Cohen needed a creative summer program for his own child — and couldn’t find one that felt right. So he partnered with Alyson Aliano and they built one.
The mission was clear from the beginning:
Our mission
Atwater Photo Camp’s mission is to empower kids through photography, liberate their creative vision and inspire them to view the world through their own unique lens.
Greg Cohen is an editorial photographer focused on portrait and documentary projects. His stories include orphans in Cambodia, gun violence in the US and the universal magic of ice cream. His work has been seen in the New York Times, LA Times and multiple international publications. Exhibitions include galleries throughout the US, most recently at Sotheby’s New York. His clients include Amazon, TIME/Fortune, Autism Speaks, ABC, NBC, Hulu, Lifetime, Fatburger, Motorola. gregcohenphotography.com
Alyson Aliano is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Los Angeles. Originally from New York City, she graduated from The School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Photography. She has lectured and taught at The School of Visual Arts, Columbia University, NYU and UCLA. Her clients include Rolling Stone, Wired, Los Angeles Magazine, Airbnb, New York Magazine, London Times Magazine and New York Times Magazine. alysonaliano.com
That experience shapes how we teach today.
GUIDED BY WORKING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Our team is made up of active professionals who bring real-world experience into every session. Combining decades of practice, we guide students while helping them develop their own voice.
A team of working photographers guiding every session.
Our Approach
We believe people learn best when they’re having fun — trusted, challenged and given space to explore.
Our role is not just to instruct, but to guide — creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and taking ownership of their learning.
We emphasize curiosity, observation and self-expression, helping each student engage more deeply with the world around them.
When kids are given that kind of space, something shifts.
They begin to see with more intention, think more independently and recognize their own unique perspective.
The result isn’t just better photos — it’s greater confidence, stronger communication and a deeper sense of who they are.
We cultivate confidence through connection and creativity.
Want to see how it all works?