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Youths spent the entire summer, fall and half of winter snapping more than 700 photographs in their community. The results of their photography project, titled "Freedom Court Through Children's Eyes: A Photo Documentary" were unveiled Saturday.

They young photographers of Freedom Court, a housing project on Breiel Boulevard in Middletown, were asked why they had taken the shots they had and what messages they thought others might find in their photos. The kids were asked to take photos that would express something about themselves and Freedom Court to other people in the community.

"Our aim was to have the kids explore the use of technology, in this case digital cameras, as something that would help them make meaning, rather than just as something they knew how to use," said project director John Tassoni.

As more and more community members viewed the photographs, the children's excitement grew.

"Let me give you the grand tour," said 11-year-old Kyle Archer, who was the exhibit tour guide. Kyle said the project has influenced him to be a professional photographer when he grows up.

"I took 150 pictures by myself but the best photo is of the playground where I play," the hopeful photographer said.

Kyle's sister, Shirlann Archer, was also involved in the project, making it a family time for the siblings.

"I took a lot of pictures of my bike," said 9-year-old Shirlann.

Hunter Moore took a different approach to his photo project. "I like taking pictures of my shadow," said the 7-year-old Creekview student.

The children were not the only ones that learned form the project. Donald and Karen Archer have lived at Freedom Court for 3 years.

"After viewing the project I was reminded that we really are a community here at Freedom Court," said Karen Archer. "I wish there were more community projects like this in Middletown."

Donald Archer had a somewhat different experience. His son snapped a picture while he was taking a nap. His sleeping head was on display for everyone to see.

"It is kind of embarrassing, but I was real tired from working," he said.

A grant from The Middletown Community Foundation, services provided by Miami University Middletown and the Butler Metropolitan Housing Authority made the project possible for the 10 child photographers that participated.

The project was shown at Jump Start, an after-school educational

enrichment program at Freedom Court. The Jump Start program works with disadvantaged youth by helping with homework, improving computer skills and generally trying to close the digital divide.

For more information on the

photo project or Jump Start, e-mail director Gary Greenburg videodesk@mindspring.com