The lens of a camera is the passageway to a visual world experience as seen through the eyes of a photographer.

Ashlyn Goodwin, first-place winner of the ArtsRevive Photography Contest 2010, has had a passion for photography since the sixth grade and wants others to get involved in it as well.

“At the School of Discovery, I went all over school taking pictures of my friends,” Goodwin said. “My teacher challenged all of us to use photography. I want to encourage young people to get into photography, even if their friends aren’t.”

Last year’s ArtsRevive contest theme was “Through my eyes…the faces of Selma and Dallas County.” Goodwin chose Joe Chapman, owner of Joe’s Bicycle Shop for her subject.

Ann Thomas, photography contest chairman, said Goodwin “captures” a story through her pictures.

“Her eye for composition is really good,” Thomas said. “What she sees through the camera’s eye is remarkable.”

Goodwin, who also won first place in 2009 for her photo of Cleckler’s produce stand, is a 2010 Selma High School graduate. She likes to use black and white photography to tell her stories.

“I find enjoyment in it, it’s my hobby,” Goodwin said. “I wish there was more emphasis placed on the arts in our community.”

The public can view last year’s entries the entire month of February at the Selma-Dallas County Library. For more information about the ArtsRevive 2011 contest, visit www.artsrevive.com.

Goodwin is freshman at Tuskegee University, majoring in biology and pre-dentistry.