Sylvia Clinton, 18, a rising senior at Upper Darby High School, was one of eight students participating in a July National Geographic  Photo Camp, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

A team of photographers from National Geographic came to town to teach the teens their craft, asking the students to capture unique images of Philadelphia, focusing on the Delaware River and its watershed. What they came back with surprised and impressed the photojournalists.

The week took them to Philly highlights, including Devil’s Pool in Wissahickon Valley Park, the Ben Franklin Bridge at sunrise, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, City Hall and the Port of Philadelphia.

Clinton’s goal was to capture the “day to day life” of people.  The exercise gave her the confidence to approach people to ask if she could take their picture.

The camp was led by award-winning photographer Andrea Bruce, who has worked in Iraq, Afghanistan and numerous war zones.

National Geographic Photo Camps have been held all over the world for years; the Philadelphia stop from July 22 to 26 marked the 100th edition of the program.

Read more about the National Geographic Photo Camps and see the young photographer’s photos here.

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