Outside The Lens

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Outside The Lens Photography & Film/ Media Arts Gallery and Center, Photography & Digital Media Education, Classes

Outside The Lens (OTL) is a San Diego-based nonprofit that inspires young people to become storytellers and changemakers through media arts. Since 2001, we have served over 27,000 youth through in-school programs, after-school workshops, and summer camps. Our K-12 and transitional age (18-24) students learn more than technical skills in digital photography, graphic design, filmmaking, and emerging media, they also develop expertise in critical thinking, creative expression, and visual literacy. The mission of OTL is to ignite confidence in young people to pursue creative pathways and drive social change through the transformative power of media arts. Our vision is a world where the perspectives of the next generation are deeply valued, empowering them to pursue their unlimited creative potential for collective social change.

Hey creatives! Ever wanted to try Photoshop, Procreate, or Premiere Pro but got stopped by the price tag? We’ve got you....
09/29/2026

Hey creatives! Ever wanted to try Photoshop, Procreate, or Premiere Pro but got stopped by the price tag? We’ve got you.

Swipe through for free (genuinely good) alternatives to the industry-standard tools. Perfect for if you’re just starting out, working with a tight budget, or want to see what’s out there before committing to a subscription.

From photo editing to vector design to digital painting to video, there’s a free option that can get you making real work today. No credit card, no trial period, no catch.

What tools are you using? Let us know in the comments — we’re always looking for more to add to the list.



Save this for later, and tag a friend who needs to see it !

⚡ NEWSFLASH ⚡It’s official: We’re moving!OTL is trading its East Village warehouse digs for a spacious loft in the heart...
09/15/2026

⚡ NEWSFLASH ⚡

It’s official: We’re moving!

OTL is trading its East Village warehouse digs for a spacious loft in the heart of San Diego’s civic core, opening a new chapter as we celebrate 25 years of youth storytelling.

📍 Beginning in October, you can find us at 925 B Street. We’re busy preparing the new creative studio with key amenities like an open kitchen, an additional media lab, and a new conference room.

👀 The move will be made with minimal interruption to Media Makers, NextGen and Teen Media Arts Studio — watch your inbox for details.

More exciting updates about this space (and what’s next for OTL) are coming soon. 💛

🔗 Read the full story in bio

📸 5 things we wish someone told us before we picked up a camera for the first time.We asked our teaching artists (shouto...
08/24/2026

📸 5 things we wish someone told us before we picked up a camera for the first time.

We asked our teaching artists (shoutout Juan!) and pulled from what our students learn every day, and honestly, none of it is about having the “right” gear. It’s about learning to see, not being afraid to mess up in manual mode, and building real connections before you ever raise the camera.
If you’re just starting out, or even if you’ve been shooting for a while, we think you’ll relate to at least one of these.
Which tip do you wish you’d heard sooner? Tell us in the comments 👇

Save this for your next shoot, and tag a young photographer who needs to see it 🖤

Voice Out 2026 may be over, but the exhibitions are still open! 📸✨There’s still time to experience the incredible photog...
06/08/2026

Voice Out 2026 may be over, but the exhibitions are still open! 📸✨

There’s still time to experience the incredible photography, multimedia artwork, and stories created by talented young artists from across San Diego.

🖼️ Voice Out at MCASD is on view through June 14.

📚 Voice Out at the San Diego Public Library is on display through the first week of July.

If you haven’t visited yet—or want to see it again—make plans to stop by and support the next generation of creators, storytellers, and changemakers.

SanDiegoArts CreativeYouth

✨ TMAS Exhibition Showcase ✨Join us as we celebrate the culmination of another incredible TMAS session and witness the p...
05/26/2026

✨ TMAS Exhibition Showcase ✨

Join us as we celebrate the culmination of another incredible TMAS session and witness the powerful work our students have been creating throughout the program. From photography and storytelling to design and mixed media, exploring self-expression, this exhibition reflects the creativity, growth, and voices of our teen media artists.

This program wrap-up is a chance for our students to share their work with the community that supports them. Families, friends, and community members are all welcome to stop by and experience what’s been happening inside TMAS.

🗓 May 27, 2026
⏰ Public Viewing: 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 The Wonder Lab
125 14th St
San Diego CA 92101

Come celebrate the journey, the process, and get creative with us TMAS Showcase 💙

This Saturday, we are bringing you all 190 art submissions for our third annual Voice Out exhibition! Join us for wonder...
05/14/2026

This Saturday, we are bringing you all 190 art submissions for our third annual Voice Out exhibition! Join us for wonderous youth art, delicious tamales by Issa’s, and fun art making led by the OTL team ✨
RSVP link in bio

Are you ready for our third annual Voice Out show? Join us tomorrow at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and cele...
05/14/2026

Are you ready for our third annual Voice Out show? Join us tomorrow at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and celebrate youth art, vibe to DJ JesLow, and grab some tastiness...all as we party for our 25th Anniversary!
Space is limited, RSVP link in bio

Voice Out is here ✨OTL’s annual juried youth media arts exhibition showcases photography, digital illustration, and mixe...
04/15/2026

Voice Out is here ✨

OTL’s annual juried youth media arts exhibition showcases photography, digital illustration, and mixed media by San Diego artists ages 8–25. This year, through the lens of Wonder, we’re celebrating nearly 200 submissions—and 25 years of amplifying youth voice.

Opening Night Preview
Friday, May 15 | 5–7 PM
MCASD, La Jolla
Join us for an unforgettable evening as 30 jury-selected works debut at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego—alongside *Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys*.
🎧 Live DJ | 📸 Photo booth | 🌮 Food | 🏆 Youth awards
Exhibition on view through June 14

Community Celebration
Saturday, May 16 | 3–5 PM
San Diego Central Library, Downtown
The full exhibition opens the next day—featuring every submission. Every story. Every voice. Come find your artwork—or discover someone else’s.
•Art-making, food, music, and more.
•Free & open to the public
•On view through June 28

Voice Out is here ✨OTL’s annual juried youth media arts exhibition showcases photography, digital illustration, and mixe...
04/15/2026

Voice Out is here ✨

OTL’s annual juried youth media arts exhibition showcases photography, digital illustration, and mixed media by San Diego artists ages 8–25. This year, through the lens of Wonder, we’re celebrating nearly 200 submissions—and 25 years of amplifying youth voice.

Opening Night Preview
Friday, May 15 | 5–7 PM
MCASD, La Jolla
Join us for an unforgettable evening as 30 jury-selected works debut at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego—alongside *Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys*.
🎧 Live DJ | 📸 Photo booth | 🌮 Food | 🏆 Youth awards
Exhibition on view through June 14

Community Celebration
Saturday, May 16 | 3–5 PM
San Diego Central Library, Downtown
The full exhibition opens the next day—featuring every submission. Every story. Every voice. Come find your artwork—or discover someone else’s.
•Art-making, food, music, and more.
•Free & open to the public
•On view through June 28

RSVP via the links in our bio.

Summer is calling 🌞This season, Outside the Lens is teaming up with the City of Poway to bring a lineup of hands-on mult...
04/14/2026

Summer is calling 🌞

This season, Outside the Lens is teaming up with the City of Poway to bring a lineup of hands-on multimedia camps designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and confidence in young storytellers.

From playful introductions to photography and stop-motion for little ones, to advanced techniques like street photography, mixed media, and even retro film processes—there’s something for every age and creative interest. Whether your camper is just getting started or ready to take their skills to the next level, these camps are all about exploring new perspectives and bringing ideas to life.

Poway residents: Registration opens April 14 at 7:30 AM
General registration: Opens April 15 at 7:30 AM
Register through the link in bio

Spots fill quickly—don’t miss out on a summer of creativity, connection, and storytelling.

Address

125 14th Street
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(858) 349-7578

Website

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