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Focus On Neighborhoods

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: February 18, 2009

NORTH TAMPA - Students at Van Buren Middle School got a different look at their neighborhoods - through the lens of a camera.

Twenty-three students participated in the photography project "My Neighborhood," sponsored by the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Their work is on display through Feb. 28 at the museum in downtown Tampa.

Ross Anderson, a Van Buren resource teacher who oversaw the students' participation, said the students "came to view their neighborhoods in a different light" by thinking about the structures, the people and the attitudes.

Their work was also judged, with Natasha Joseph, 14, an eighth-grader, winning first place. Her picture was of a friend jumping on a bed by a garbage bin.

"She told me she wanted to jump on it; I told her to go ahead, and I took her picture," said Natasha, a North Tampa resident.

Natasha said she didn't think much about the shot until it was on display in the museum. She saw it along with her family and the other participants and their families at a reception for them.

"When it was hung in the museum, I got what it was saying," said Natasha, who calls her neighborhood "OK, but it could be better."

For her work, Natasha, who wants to be a pediatrician, received a $1,000 savings bond and a bag of goodies including a digital camera.

Anderson said the students were chosen by student organizations and had training sessions at school. Tampa's 2006 Photographer Laureate, Steven Gregory, showed some of his work to them and talked about photographic techniques. They were given disposable cameras and hit the streets.

"Some of these kids would have never picked up a camera" without the project, Anderson said.

Eddie Lee, 14, an eighth-grader, took pictures at a Blake High football game of the lights, the booths and other amenities. But it was a photo taken across the street from his house that won him third place and a $250 savings bond.

"It was my cousin and sister in front of a white house, trees and grass. They were posing in the street," Eddie said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "My Neighborhood" photography exhibit of Van Buren Middle students

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, through Feb. 28

WHERE: Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 200 N. Tampa St.

ADMISSION: $4 suggested donation

INFORMATION: (813) 221-2222 or www.fmopa.org

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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