The Edmundite Missions hosted an Exhibition of Youth Photography on Sunday afternoon at the Selma Art Guild.

The featured photographers were sixth to eighth-grade students who participated in the Edmundite Missions’ New Possibilities Youth Program, in which they were afforded the opportunity to take part in a distance-learning session with published nature photographer Bob Dimmitt before they set out on a week-long effort to shoot their own photographs.

Once the photos were in, Dimmitt and the Selma Art Guild Board Members selected 20 of the camper’s photographs to be featured in the exhibit.

“I was amazed at how well they did,” said Sandy Greene, one of the judges who chose which photos would be selected. “I do photography myself and I was really blown away by their points of view. They really got creative.”

According to Edmundite Missions Vice President of Program Integration Susan Raymond, there was much excitement in the air Sunday evening as the young photographers stood by their works, eager to share their processes.

Each of the works on display were available for purchase, and all of the proceeds went to the photographer who produced the photo.

“They knew that if they worked hard, there was a chance that they could sell their photo,” said Raymond. “They’re very excited.”

Raymond loved the chance to see the youngsters experience something different and new.

“It’s been very exciting to watch their excitement,” she said.

One of the photographers, Jayla Franklin, said she enjoyed the opportunity to learn about photography through the New Possibilities Youth Program and said she has discovered a new hobby in photography.

Franklin, who sold a photo she took of the sky earlier in the evening, was thrilled to be rewarded for her creative output.

“It was really exciting,” she said.

Edmundite Missions C.E.O.  Chad McEachern was thrilled with the turnout Sunday as he watched the community come in to admire the photography of the summer campers.

“I’m overwhelmed, really,” he said. “I think it’s a real testament to the community’s support for our kids.”