Learning Through the Lens a project that teaches children to express themselves through the accessible art form of photography while documenting their unique world and daily encounters in the playground. The success of the project can be seen in the many captivating images created by 10-year-olds. Children capture a world treasured, yet forgotten by many adults.

Learning Through The Lens was started in 2008 as a joint effort by professional newspaper photographer Mario Ruiz and Westmore Elementary fourth grade teacher and Orem Librarian Mark Pulham. In 2008 and 2009, Mario would visit Mr. Pulham's class and teach his students basic photographic principles. With cameras provided by Mr. Pulham, and motivated to shoot by Mario, students would go out to the playground and document their school year. After close editing form thousands of images, prints were made, frames were prepared and a show was organized at the Orem Public Library displaying dozens of the children's photos. Another show is scheduled for April 2010 and will display photos from children at Foothill and Cherry Hill Elementary Schools in Orem.

Mario Ruiz worked at The Daily Herald in Provo, UT for 4 years before returning to BYU to complete an MBA. Mario graduated from BYU's photography program in 2006. For more information on the project, or to request the program at your school please contact Mario.