My name is Manaya, I am 13 years old, I’m an 8th grader at M.M. School, and this is my first time being in Youth In Focus. When I first joined the darkroom class, I was confused because I didn’t know anything about photography. I came here with an open mind, and now I understand how to shoot in different camera modes, develop film, use the tools in the darkroom, and make creative prints. My final print is this flower being focused on, and it reminds me of my favorite season, summer. My self portrait is a photo of a leaf also being focused on. This was the first photo I’ve ever shot in manual and it reminds me of halloween and fall. These photos have become my favorite prints and they represent me by showing my love for nature, plants, and all the different seasons of the year. Youth In Focus has been a great and fun experience for me. I’ve made great friends, learned new things, and I’m looking forward to continuing photography.

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