BIDDEFORD — A photography project has given local teens the opportunity to explore the local landscape and how they fit into the community through the lens of a camera.

The Photovoice Project is a collaboration between the local alternative high school program Alternative Pathways Center and Coastal Healthy Community Coalition, an organization that promotes healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through community education and programs.

Through the project, which is in its second year, students were given a digital camera or asked to use the camera on their phones to take pictures in the community.

“It’s a real expressive tool and a way to process things in their lives,” said Coastal Healthy Community Coalition Coordinator Nina Macgowan.

Students were asked a series of questions to think about including, “What makes up your world as an individual?” “What relationships are important to you?” “What is positive about your community?” “What is negative?”

Students were asked to select a few of their favorite photos and create captions.

About 15 students participated in the project and about half the students involved exhibited their work on Wednesday at Engine, a community arts organization at 128 Main St.

The photographs captured images that included local buildings, flowers and people. Paired with captions, many offered poignant glimpses into the students’ lives.

One caption under a photo of a burning building told the story of a beloved family heirloom that was in the house and is no longer.

Some gave messages of hope, such as a picture of a blue sky with a caption reminding the reader that there is beauty in simple things.

A photo of an ambulance was shown as a reminder that there is much crime in the world, and people should be friendlier to each other.

Student Patricia Johnston exhibited a photo of her young nephew, Ryley, who is her godson.

“He’s the biggest motivation in my life,” said Johnston.

She said her and her brother lost their parents at a young age, and she strives to be a good example for her 3-year-old nephew so he can have someone to look up to.

Johnston also presented an image of a flower, and said she liked how true-to-life the picture was.

Johnston, an avid photographer, said she’s always dreamed of having her photos on exhibit. She admitted it was a bit nerve wracking watching people view her photos and wondering what they thought, but at the same time it was a great experience.

Student Noreen Getman presented two pictures, one of which was an image of power lines. She said when she looked at power lines, she thought of connection.

Her other image was one of a dark hallway with light streaming in the background. She said it reminded her of a light at the end of a tunnel, which reminded her that Alternative Pathways Center has taught her that while there are struggles in life, there are always good things in life as well.

The Alternative Pathways Center has given her the support and flexibility she needed to attend school as she struggles with illness, Getman said.

The project helped students build a stronger relationship with their community and school, said Macgowan. Showing their photographs at a public exhibit was empowering for students, as it was a way for them to have their voices heard.

Insight from the project will be used to inform future substance abuse prevention programming and youth engagement projects at CHCC.

The Photovoice Project will be on display through June 1. The gallery is open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.