YBOR CITY, Fla. — Winners of a photography contest are raising awareness about mental health.

Their pictures are hanging up at the Florida Museum of Photographic Art in Ybor City.

What You Need To Know

  • Winners of contest on display at Florida Museum of Photagraphic Art

  • Exhibit is called "Through Their Lens - A Journey of Self Exploration"

  • The exhibit to bring awareness to mental health will be on display until mid-June.

  • The contest honors teen Jacob Kamis who took his life after suffering from depression.

The exhibit is called "Through Their Lens - A Journey of Self Exploration." And all of the photographers are middle and high schoolers. 

The contest is in honor of a teen, Jacob Kamis, who took his own life after suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

"He always had a smile," said his friend Vianee Rosa-Arroyo."He never let anybody know that he was struggling."

Jacob Kamis' parents are focused on raising awareness about mental health.

"Being a high schooler is tough nowadays, especially with social media," said Jacob Kamis' mom Katherine Alano. "With this contest, we wanted to reach out to all of middle schoolers and high schoolers to let them know through art, you can express your emotions, how you're feeling."

Jacob Kamis loved snapping pictures.

"I always call him a student of photography because he didn't just go out with his camera and shoot it, he studied the best photographers in the world," said Jeffrey Kamis, Jacob's dad. 

Jacob's photography is also being showcased - alongside the winners at the museum.

The family hopes to make this an annual contest. The artwork will be on display until mid-June.