Intimate. Reckless. Exotic. These are only a few of the many words that student photographers chose to describe their work at the 2015 photocommunications senior exhibition, “Like Hell.”

The exhibit’s opening night, which was held in the Fine Arts Gallery on Friday housed the work of 15 senior photocommunications majors. 

Each of the 15 artists showcased a different style and attitude, resulting in a complex fusion of technique, color and perspective.

Photographs were hung on the walls in organized clusters grouped by artist, so attendees of the exhibit’s opening night could make their ways around the small gallery to enjoy all the different styles of work present. 

Powerful themes represented included human sexuality, peace, intrigue in the mundane, and adventure among others.

The subjects were various and hard to categorize; they ranged from people to umbrellas and even hamburgers.

Amar Gupta, the online photo editor for Hilltop Views and one of the featured photographers, said his work was mostly inspired by his and his friends’ random adventures throughout his small hometown of Beaumont, Texas.

He described his work in the exhibit as a collection of some of his favorite photos of his favorite people from 2009 to 2014. 

He did not cite one concrete thing or person as his inspiration; instead he focused on the ability of photography to capture an instant.

“I like how every moment is unique,” said Gupta. “There will never be two that are the same.”

Gupta captured most of his photos spontaneously by “just carrying (his) camera around” and documenting.

“I never planned to get a good photo,” Gupta said.

Planned or not, the photos at the gallery attracted a large amount of noise and attention. 

The tiny gallery drew a crowd much larger than its capacity and guests spilled out through the side doors continually flowing in and out when space permitted.

The times when the gallery did not offer enough room for people to push and squish by each other, most people made their way to the snack table where there were tiny cookies, cupcakes and mini empanadas.

At the night’s peak, both the gallery and the outer hallways were buzzing with people as artists mingled with their guests over coffee and lemonade. 

Proud parents hugged their sons and daughters, friends and fellow students congratulated each other and a few professors passed through.

Although the night was an occasion for celebration of the artists’ achievements, there were some sad notes as some seniors prepared to say goodbye to their close group of peers and the university’s photo communications program

“I’m sad the seniors are leaving,” said Faith Robbins, a sophomore and photocommunications major at St. Edward’s. 

“I’m really proud of everybody, and I’m going to miss them so much,” Robbins said.

The “Like Hell” exhibit will be open to the public until April 1.