Most people see the world through a wide lens. But peek inside the old historic courthouse in downtown McKinney and you will find those who see the details.
A photography exhibit called “Snapshot” is gracing the stone-covered walls inside the courthouse basement this week.
The 30 photos aren’t taken by professionals – they are taken by nine McKinney residents, young and old.
The exhibit was two years in the making, according to Danette Vincent. She is the director of the non-profit Youth Stop.
The idea was to put cameras in the hands of children, give them weekly assignments, and see the world through their eyes.
It began at the Samaritan Inn, Collin County’s only homeless shelter.
But soon, adults there wanted to be a part of the photo club, too.
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“I try to have my camera with me at all times,” said Patty Litteral. She never thought she would pick up a new hobby in her 60s. “But I still am no good at taking selfies. Every kid can take those selfies, I just can’t do it!”
Trisha Rushing was staying at the Samaritan Inn with her four young children, one of the toughest times in her life.
The photo club was meant to be for her kids, but in it, Trisha found her own passion for photography.
“It is very therapeutic for me,” Rushing said.
Three McKinney teens – Khashuana Jones, 17; Kyerra Robinson, 13; and Amyria Clement, 14 – also have their prints up on the gallery walls.
For these budding photographers, the hobby has turned into a confidence boost no one ever expected.
“As much time as I’ve put with these pictures, it’s very cool to see how much hard work pays off. And to see how much people like my work, for once,” Robinson said.
“I learn how to get the right angle, the right lighting, and I actually got to figure out who I really am inside,” Jones added. “It let me express myself.”
The youngest photographer featured in the exhibit took the pictures at just 6 years old.
Children are given Canon Powershot cameras, while adults are given Canon Rebel DSLRs.
If you would like to learn more, email Danette Vincent at dvincent@youthstopinc.org
The "Snapshot" exhibit runs from Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21. It is free and open to the public.
