WHAT THE CAMERA SAW.

PALMDALE -- Palmdale High School photography students will show their finest images in an exhibit that opens tonight at the Palmdale Playhouse art gallery.

The Palmdale High School photography program showcase will feature nearly 60 photos illustrating the diverse techniques of more than two dozen students enrolled in photography classes ranging from basic to advance.

The exhibit runs through June 18, with a reception for the artists from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. The reception is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

The photography students were taught by Palmdale High teacher Jim Gardner, who established the school's photography program 30 years ago.

Gardner says the classes are geared to approach photography as an art, not simply a technical process. He encourages his students to develop the artistry of their photo projects by using both traditional and digital techniques.

Admission to the Playhouse gallery is free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call the Palmdale Playhouse at [phone].

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1 -- 3 -- color) At top, Carlos Padilla's ``After the Fall'' will be among nearly 60 works of student photography on exhibit at the Palmdale Playhouse art gallery. Above, Jose Guiterrez's photo ``Evelyn.'' At right, Camillo Longo's photo ``Grandpa Josh.''

(4 -- color) Camillo Longo's ``Poppys'' is among the works that will be on display through June 18 at the Palmdale Playhouse gallery.

(5 -- color) From left, student works are examined for exhibition by Palmdale Playhouse marketing manager Ted Huetter, Palmdale High photo teacher Jim Gardner and Palmdale Playhouse senior staff member Jo Anne Smith.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer