Area student exhibits his photography at Windham Public Library

By Masha Yurkevich

The interest in photography for Matteo Sandora, a Windham High School senior, began during the COVID pandemic.

An exhibit of photos taken by Windham
High School student Matteo Sandora is
now on display at the Windham Public
Library. He became interested in
photography in school and plans to
become a professional photographer
as a career after graduation.
PHOTO BY ALISSA JAMES  

“On social media, I saw how people used their phones for beautiful photography and thought I would give it a try,” said Sandora. “We have a trail behind our house, and I decided to talk a walk and snap some photos with my phone.”

From there, his interest in photography has grown into a passion and has given him the opportunity to display his work at the Windham Public Library, which can be seen on the second floor throughout the month of April. He is selling his photography at the library and all funds will be going towards Sandora’s photographic uses.

At WHS, Sandora found a photography class, led by Alissa James, who taught Sandora how to use a camera and many other tips and tricks, elevating his photography.

“I have known Matteo since he started at the high school during the fall of 2021 when he took my photography class,” said James. “One of the first things I noticed about Matteo was his excitement about photography. He immediately took to the art form. He was unique as a student because of how much he enjoyed practicing photography outside of the classroom. He began checking out the equipment I have available for students – Digital SLR Camera and tripods – and really took what he was learning in class to a place of personal interest and fulfillment. As a teacher, I strive to help students see and celebrate the areas of their learning and life, where they feel successful. I have continued providing Matteo guidance on his photography throughout his time as a student.”

Through an Extended Learning Opportunity working with Lorraine Glowczak at WHS, Sandora had the chance to display his photography at the Windham Public Library. Glowczak helped organize the plan, reaching out to the library and requesting an exhibit of Sandora’s photographs.

“This year, Matteo began an ELO to investigate the profession of being a photographer,” said James. “I have worked closely with Lorraine Glowczak to create a professional experience for Matteo; finalizing, printing, framing and pricing an art show, as well as learning to correspond with likely display locations, is a necessary step on the journey to being a professional artist and I really wanted Matteo to gain that experience before he graduates.”

Sandora prefers to photograph nature and cars and chose some of his best nature photography for his public display. For the exhibition, he decided to show black and white photos and eight colored photos, which he then color-coordinated with each other.

All of Sandora’s displayed photos were captured locally in the beautiful state of Maine.

“If someone would have told me at the beginning of my senior year that I would be having my photography displayed at the Public Library, I would have thought that you are crazy,” said Sandora. “Having this opportunity is absolutely amazing; I post a lot on social media, but I think it is much cooler to have your work displayed in a real setting.”

For Sandora, photography is very therapeutic. He often goes for a walk on a trail, taking photos along the way.

“If I am not feeling too well mentally, I will grab my camera and go for a walk to calm myself down,” he said.

Sandora considers art a very important part of his life.

“Through photos, you can show many different types of emotions without having to speak to someone,” he said. “You can convey so much emotion through art that you cannot necessarily convey through words.”

He hopes to pursue photography later in life, turning it from a hobby into a career. He would like to get into street photography and automotive photography.

“A dream of mine is to work for National Geographic,’ said Sandora.

After his Windham Public Library exhibition, Sandora hopes to do more art shows in local shops, hoping to sell his work and be able to improve his equipment, enhancing his photography.

Sandora’s work can be found on Instagram at doggosgg.media and can also be viewed on Facebook at Matteo Sandora. <