The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is proud to present Through Their Lens: A Journey of Self-Exploration, a compelling exhibition featuring the work of emerging student photographers from across the Tampa Bay area. On view August 4 through September 20, 2026, the exhibition highlights the creativity, perspective, and personal storytelling of young artists exploring identity, environment, and self-expression through photography.

Bird and Wildlife Photography taught by Karen Schuenemann

Digital Photography 101 taught by Jesi Cason

Film 101 taught by Lance Rothstein

Street Photography taught by Lance Rothstein

First Frames follows photographer and Syrian refugee Serbest Salih and his mobile darkroom that brings photography education to overlooked communities across Turkey, where children contend with access to school, memory and displacement from devastating earthquakes.

The documentary unfolds almost completely from the child’s perspective. They speak about their friendships, curiosities and frustrations while engaging with photography for the very first time. The children become collaborators in the documentary, capturing their worlds through their unique filming.