The art of transformation and growth is shown through The American University of Florence (AUF) and Florence University of the Arts’ (FUA) final student photography exhibit sharing their lived experiences through a different lens. Studying abroad in Italy is a dream that many are jealous of, but it can be challenging at times with a different language, space and culture at every turn. The Palazzi Community Center’s Corridoio Fiorentino has always been dedicated to connecting locals and students with new exhibitions for viewing several times a semester.

Collections away from home, this semester's theme, leads the viewer through students' life of exploration through the streets of Europe. Observation is one of the greatest assets to photography, creating a new perspective and views for the audience. Growth of the students throughout the semester can be seen with their overall collections and work from their time living abroad.

Amanda Wagner, an FUA student studying from Arizona State University enrolled in the photojournalism class, and had two pieces featured in the showcase. “It [the class] got me out of my comfort zone, and taught me how to take pictures of indoors, of taking pictures of a place. Something that I don't usually appreciate,” Wagner said.

Photos shown in the exhibition displayed a range of topics and skills including unique framing, dogs, eye-catching crowds, black and white perspectives, martial arts and more. All of these photos tell a story, even the ones that are of major hotspots such as the Fountain of Neptune and the close up shot of the Duomo, adding different perspectives to common tourist attractions.

Classes involved in the showcase are Exploratory Digital Photography, Introduction to Digital Photography, Photojournalism, Iphoneography, and SPEL Digital photography. 41 pieces were carefully selected by each of the instructors to showcase only a few of their favorites per class.

Iphoneography, a course taught by Professor Mike McLaughlin received its first pieces in the exhibition this semester. Liam Connaughton, an FUA student from St. Joseph's University was enrolled in the course this semester. “In the course, it's just a regular camera, and through apps and the tools we used, we were able to get the same digital camera effects as an iPhone camera,” Connaughton said. “So we learned aperture and all the different components of a photo and also the composition, and so we've learned the basics of photography, and now we can translate that over to a digital camera.”

Showcasing new exhibits each semester allows students the ability to showcase their growth and adaptability to living in a new environment, away from anything they are used to. The university’s DIVA (Digital Imaging and Visual Arts) program trains students from all levels to display this growth and reveal their surroundings, training them to capture new perspectives.

Jack O'Donnell, also a FUA student at St. Joseph's University gave his insights into taking a class in the DIVA school. “Taking this class with Professor Mike kind of opened up my eyes to what I could really do and look for in my photos,” O’Donnell said. “So I think I'm still a rookie, but I would say that it really has helped me develop my photos and I do think I take some good photos now.”

To see the collection of this semester's student photos, visit the Corridiorio Fiorentino exhibition gallery located at Via Ricasoli, 21 or online at Corridoio Fiorentino's virtual gallery!