Now there is a reason to be enthusiastic when going to study in the library.

Schauerman Library lobby has become a gallery for artistic talent, showcasing the work of student photographers now through March 31.

A variety of images line the lobby walls in black and white, and includes color images rendering abstracts, portraits and still lifes.

The photography pieces were produced by students in the photography classes through assignments and instruction.

“We encourage students to photograph things they feel strongly and passionately about and hopefully this exhibit will reflect that,” Darilyn Rowan, professor of photography, said.

Rowan worked with the students to help them choose their strongest images, visually and technically.

Deciding what to photograph was just the first step in a detailed series for each photographer during creation.

Students learned how to use natural and studio lighting, how to mastercamera operation and the elements of composition.

Among other elements mastered were static and moving elements and processing black and white and color film.

Pedro Gonzalez, 20, has been practicing photography for two years.

He contributed two of his photos to the exhibit, both taken with 35 mm. film.

One of Gonzalez’s more famous works is an image he created of his younger cousin.

In the image, she is seen smiling and hanging onto the couch dressed in a white frock and white patent leather shoes.

The other image is a more contrasted image of his grandmother outside of her home.

“One of my favorite things about photography is developing my image, it’s like a surprise because I like being able to see what I photograph come to life,” Gonzalez said.

The photography department, located in the Communications Building, provides two darkrooms, a film processing area, and also has a lighting studio and digital studio.

“The process of photography is making images with light reflected from a subject and recorded onto light sensitive material,” Rowan said.

This photography exhibit is an exploration of the students’ world through the lens of a camera.

Many hundreds of people pass through the library lobby each year, making it a desirable space for artists to show their work.

“This exhibit is part of a larger goal to get the students’ artwork out into the professional and creative world,” Rowan said.

Ed Martinez, research librarian, organized and installed the student exhibition.

“We like to have art in the library lobby for a couple of reasons: One, we like to inspire the student community and two, we like to expose students to something they may not have experienced before,” Martinez said.

A reception for the student photography exhibit will be tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the library.

Students and other members of the public may get together and discuss the works they find most interesting.

“I am honored to present my photos. It’s a nice feeling,” Gonzalez said.

The Schauerman Library hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.