Teens go behind the camera

Petaluma Youth Commission's photography exhibition showcases the work of local high school students

June 21, 2006

By KELLY O'GRADY
ARGUS-COURIER INTERN

The hidden talents and enthusiasm of several high school students are showcased in a teen photography exhibition that was unveiled last week at the Petaluma Community Center and is currently on display at the Sonoma-Marin Fair through June 25.

Organized by the Petaluma Youth Commission, the exhibit includes photos whose subject range from still lifes to lightning storms to Every 15 Minutes, a simulation of a fatal accident on the Casa Grande High School campus.

About 15 students were recruited from local high schools and eight students displayed their work. The students came from a variety of backgrounds; some were experienced photographers while others had no background. Krista Crespo, 14, had no experience with photography before the exhibition.

"It's a funny story," said Petaluma Youth Commission chair Whitney Hall. "She had never used a camera before, so I lent her mine. I asked if she wanted me to show her how to do it, but she said she'd figure it out, and she did a great job."

Local photographer Mike Levin, who helped with the process, was impressed by all of the students' abilities, giving credit to Crespo and the others for having an uncanny eye for art.

"I gave them advice on how to shoot pictures, how to compose shots, darkroom techniques and talked to them about dry mounting," said Levin. "I reviewed their prints and talked to them about how to bring out better gradations and things like that."

Students who had access to a darkroom at school shot with film and developed them on their own. The digital photos were developed voluntarily by PixelWorks Digital Color Lab. Todd Cary and Anne Abbott, two other local photographers, helped the students.

"It was really refreshing to work with such an enthusiastic group of people," said Levin. "There was remarkable work from all of the participants. A lot of people think that teenagers don't have an appreciation for the community, but I think that these teens showed a wonderful appreciation for Petaluma and everything that goes on in the city and a neat understanding of people. There were pictures that were philosophical, arty and provoked emotion."

(Kelly O'Grady will be a senior at Casa Grande High School this fall. Contact her at argus@arguscourier.com)