CEDAR FALLS - A photograph is a visual discourse, a conversation between image and viewer.

It has the power to move the viewer to tears or laughter, provoke anger or joy, to transcend and transform. It can takes us on a journey of our world in microcosm, in the blink of an shutter.

"Our World in Focus: People of Iowa, the United States and the World," now open at the UNI Museum, features the work of amateur photographers of all ages from across Iowa. The juried exhibit includes six category prizes and best in show awards in two divisions, youth (under age 17) and adult (18 and older).

"We wanted to encourage people to explore new things, to look at the world with a different focus they might not otherwise have," said Sue Grosboll, museum director. "We encouraged photographers to capture visually how people create the unique character that shapes our state, nation and world."

Images were judged on creative content, composition and quality, as well as appropriateness of the image and the artist's statement, said Jori Wade-Booth, public affairs coordinator.

"It's a very popular show, and I hope it encourages new photographers. We wanted to give them a venue to show their work," Grosboll said.

The show continues through Jan. 31.

Adult award winners were Margaret Klink of Montezuma, Trenton Cabell of Independence, Laura Forgie, Kristi Marchesani and Honor Heindl, all of Cedar Falls. Best of show awards went to Marchesani and Heindl.

People of Iowa, adult

"Talking Through the Fence," Margaret Klink

Artist's statement: "I took this photo on my Dad's farm. It is a photo of my Dad and granddaughter. … Dad was 97 and Aubree was 3."

People of Iowa, youth

"Monarch Tagging," Trenton Cabell

Artist's statement: Bryantsburg Prairie near Hazleton, Iowa

"Iowa is in the main migration path of monarch butterflies. … This girl … had just captured the monarch in her net when I took this picture. Getting out into one of Iowa's remaining prairies to enjoy and interact with nature is a real Iowa experience."

People of the United States, adult

"Pipe Dreams," Laura Forgie

Artist's statement: "I was extremely drawn to the idea of a covered head as a way to conceal and hide, as well as to protect. … it describes things that are uniquely American, specifically the American Dream."

People of the United States, youth

"Self Portrait-Through My Hand," Trenton Cabell

Artist statement: "… I was playing with taking my picture through a hole in one hand because I was bored and I could."

People of the World, adult

"A Call to Change," Kristi Marchesani

Artist's statement: Location is Petra, Jordan. " … I noticed an old and weathered Bedouin woman pass by on her mule and stop near one of the tombs. I watched her dismount the animal and, to my surprise, pull out her cell phone to make a call. … I couldn't help but wonder who she was talking to and what type of reception one gets in an ancient city like Petra?"

People of the World, division, youth

"Feeding the Flock," Honor Heindl

Artist's statement: Location is Paris, France, Notre Dame courtyard. "I couldn't help but smile as I watched him feed all the birds; they were all so loyal to him, following wherever he trod. Clearly the man and birds were no strangers. I imagine he frequents the courtyard often, never failing to visit his beloved flock of white and gray feathers for feeding time."