Nearly 500 photographs taken by Gwinnett County Public Schools middle and high school students will be on display at the Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford through the end of February.

Called Shutter Sense, the event is a teacher- and student-initiated, countywide photography exhibit showcasing talent from approximately 20 schools. The 500 photographs are grouped into 15 different categories of photography approaches. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category.

Shutter Sense was created to provide students with a professional space to present their work, a quiet location that isn’t chaotic and encourages close inspection of the displays.

The school district had included photography in its annual visual arts showcase called Tapestry, but in recent years photography was given its own event, said Becky Raffalovich, a co-director of the event.

One of last year’s judges Georgia Zumwalt was impressed by the level of talent and creativity.

“Some of this work is right up there competing with professionals,” she said.

The photographs will be judged Saturday, Jan. 19, with a reception taking place on 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.

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