
2nd Annual Student Photography Contest
In Memory of Jacob Ari Kamis
THROUGH THEIR LENS:
A JOURNEY OF SELF-EXPLORATION

OPEN TO TAMPA BAY AREA 6TH - 12TH GRADERS
Jacob Ari Kamis developed his love and passion for photography in middle school. He continued to expand his skills and eye for photography in high school as he documented his travels and love of cars. Jacob’s many interests included dancing, volleyball, baking, traveling, and flying planes. Jacob was a fashionista with a wonderful personality and sense of humor; his smile lit up the room. We honor his memory with this photography contest by engaging the community while uniting to recognize and celebrate Jacob’s passion for photography.

2024 High School 3rd place winning photograph of Jacob Ari Kamis by Viannee Rosa-Arroyo, 12th grade“Everyone Has a Story”
How to Participate:
Submit 1-3 (no more than 3) high-resolution photos of 300 dpi with a title and a 300 maximum word description for each piece reflecting on one or more of these concepts:
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Photographic Art and Well Being
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Capture moments of Discovery, Growth and Self Reflection
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My Story: Document your personal journey
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How travel and exploration impacts mental well being
Deadline: January 10, 2025
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2024 High School 1st place winning photograph by
Aditya Nair, 11th grade “Midnight Leap”
More details:
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Winners will be announced in early March
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More than $3,000 in prizes will be awarded!
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One photograph per submission
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All photographs must be appropriate for both Middle School and High School viewers
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Open to Tampa Bay Area 6th - 12th Graders
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Submit by January 10, 2025
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2024 Winners with Katherine Alano & Jeffrey Kamis (Jacob’s Parents)
Photo Credit:
Dave Decker & The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Instructions for Photographs and Criteria for Judging
This is a contest for Middle and High School students and is open to all levels of photography skills.
The judging will NOT depend upon the type of equipment used or formal training. Photos may be in black and white OR color.
Click the button below for details & tips for taking high resolution photos

2024 Middle School 2nd Placeby Shani Milsten, 7th grade
“Heaven’s Doorposts”
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Winner's Showcase
March 25, 2025
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) www.fmopa.org
Winner's Exhibit
FMoPA 1630 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605
March 25, 2025 - April 27, 2025
PRESENTING SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
Friends of Jacob
Allison and Travis Gorrell Family Fund
CMO on the Go
Dichter FamilyIchilov Family
MIX 100.7
Jeff Leonardo
Tampa Bay Lightning
With/Agency
93.3 FLZ
Supporters
Bare Naked Kitchen
Bloomin’ Brands
Brian Ford
Capital Sign Solutions
Handman Family
Florida Arts & Culture Hillsborough County
MP Media & Promotions
National Endowment for the Arts
PDQ Chicken
Allison and Travis Gorrell Family Fund
CMO on the Go
Dichter FamilyIchilov Family
Jeff Leonardo
Tampa Bay Lightning
With/Agency
Contest Judges
Robin O'Dell
Robin is the Executive Curator at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, where she acts as both chief curator and co-leader. She is also a contributing writer for The Artisan Magazine, as well as Creative Pinellas’ Arts Coast Magazine. She has an MA in Photographic Preservation and Collections Management through a joint program between Ryerson University in Toronto and the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York. She was formerly the Curator of Photography at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida and has also worked with the Keith Haring Archive in NY, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the George Eastman Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art.


Photographer: Jacob Carlson
“The Old Memories We Cherish”
Place: Best in Show
2024 High School Winners
Best in Show
Jacob Carlson, 9th grade, “The Old Memories We Cherish”
1st Place
Aditya Nair, 11th grade, “Midnight Leap”
2nd Place
Mylin Campbell, 12th grade, “Battle Buddy”
Percy Maikowski, 12th grade, “Reaching Out”
3rd Place
David Caine, 12th grade, “Rewriting Our Perspective”
Viannee Rosa-Arroyo, 12th grade, “Everyone Has a Story”
Honorable Mention
Avery Burns, 11th grade, “Ripples of Tranquility”
Maxwell Pollack, 12th grade, “Pathways”
Sydney Reeves, 11th grade, “Vibrant Tinges”
Caitlin Rust, 11th grade, “Be YOU”
Ashlin Sullivan, 9th grade, “Torn Pages”
2024 Middle School Winners
1st Place
Lily Sabghir, 8th grade, “Frozen Innocence”
2nd Place
Shani Milstein, 7th grade, “Heaven's Doorposts”
3rd Place
Violet Fuller, 7th grade, “Thanks for the Sunsets”
Honorable Mention
Orel Bina, 7th grade, “A Cat With the Heart of a Lion”
Lily Sabghir, 8th grade, “Mirror Mirror”
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Photographer: Lily Sabghir “Frozen Innocence”
Place: Middle School First Place
Mental Health Resources
988lifeline
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
Media Coverage
Thank you to the various local news sources that covered the First Annual Jacob Ari Kamis Photography Contest and Showcase
2024 Inaugural Winner’s Showcase
Fox 13: Through Their Lens: A Journey of Self Exploration
With Charley Belcher