Among the trees and tall grass at Gring’s Mill, Jovanny noticed a small purple wildflower. He stopped to photograph it. This Saturday, the 13-year-old will offer that image as one of his first prints for sale.
“The flower stood out to me because it was small,” Jovanny said. “With all the big trees and tall grass at the park, I thought most people might miss it. I was really excited when my first prints came in. It was cool to hold a picture I had taken in my hands.”
Jovanny has loved taking pictures since he was small. His first prints will be available Saturday, October 3, from 4–9 p.m. at his mother’s Breadth of Hope table during Story Lane: Book Fair and Market. He is also exploring a photography business venture called JNE Visual House, with his work presented as “Captured by J.”
A grant from the Ira M. Becker Fund of Berks County Community Foundation allowed Jovanny to obtain a laptop and a connector to download his photographs. In November, he will begin photography classes at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, building on the skills he has developed by getting outside, paying attention, and taking pictures.
“He’s loved taking pictures since he was small,” said his mother, Lizette Epps. “To see the progression and natural ability he has shown without formal training is awe-inspiring to me. I’m so proud that he has found something he loves, and I can’t wait to see how his skills develop through continued education and mentorship.”
For Jovanny, the wildflower print marks a first: something he noticed, captured, and can now place in someone else’s hands. As he begins classes and explores what JNE Visual House could become, he hopes others will take a closer look at the details around them.
For print orders or to offer photography equipment in good working condition, contact Lizette Epps at JNEVisualHouse@gmail.com or 484-525-0446.
