Whether it’s wandering through the woods at Stony Creek or in sitting in his basement, junior Michael Kramer never leaves his camera behind and now his countless shots are paying off.

Kramer’s photo titled “Brooklyn” is being auctioned off with a starting price of $100 at the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence Sixth Annual Arts and Idols Gala.

“I am so excited that my picture was chosen for live auction,” Kramer said, “It’s one of the best honors I have received and I cannot wait to watch my photo be auctioned off.”

In addition to having his photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge auctioned off, Kramer has received over 30 awards in the last two years from various organizations like Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the Anton Art Show.

He credits most of his love for photography to ninth grade photography teacher Lisa Grunewald of Shelby Junior High.

“She convinced me to start stepping out of my comfort zone and actually putting effort towards art. She is the sole reason I still take pictures today,” Kramer said.

Looking to the future, Kramer plans to study photography at either New York University or Columbia College Chicago.