A creative photo of a friend turned into an award-winning venture for Wantagh High School senior Brooke Bellia. A picture for her Advanced Placement Photography class, “Euphoria,” was accepted into The Art Guild’s Into the Light photography competition and exhibition, earning third place in the student category. 

Brooke is focusing on portrait photography for her AP exam portfolio. Earlier in the winter she did a photo shoot at her home, with a friend serving as the subject as a forest elf. Brooke showed off another artistic talent in doing her friend’s makeup for the photo, to make it look like there was moss on her face.

The final product was a multi-layered photo that combined several photos Brooke took. In addition to her friend, there was a picture of a mushroom in the background and images of small tree branches in the foreground. She did the editing in Photoshop.

This is Brooke’s third year taking photography at Wantagh High School with teacher Natalie Douglas. The level 1 class focuses on dark room photography, followed by a digital photography concentration in level 2. The AP course is student choice, allowing them to explore their particular interests.

“I enjoy how relaxing photography is,” Brooke said. “It’s a very creative process.”

Brooke’s work is on display from Feb. 13 through March 5 at The Art Guild’s Gallery in Manhasset and her piece is for sale. She received her award, which included a $50 prize, at the opening day reception.