The Story of Leonard Freed

Please join us on May 3rd 2018 from 7-9pm at Gallery 270 to introduce our upcoming show, Leonard Freed’s A Concerned Worldview

Leonard freed was a passionate man with an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. His imagery is imbued with his enduring excitement about discovering another piece of the puzzle in the question of human existence. He learned about life and fell in love with humanity as an active participant in it, traveling the globe to experience life from many perspectives, always open to learn something new. On the journey, he honed his perceptive skills to create a recognizable, signature style.  
 
“I’m more involved with the people in the world around me and their relationship to the world around them. I use technology as a tool to penetrate this world. After all, the photos I take don’t come from the camera, but from me.”  Read more

Meeting Baron Wolman

Meeting Baron Wolman by Tom Gramegna
About 20 years ago, I was reading through a copy of “B&W Magazine” and I came upon this compelling photograph that I had seen many times before. I did not know that it was done by Baron Wolman, first chief photographer, and at the time it was taken, actually part owner of Rolling Stone Magazine. 

There was a phone number below, seeking gallery representation. Since this was the definitive photograph of one of my musical heroes,  there was no choice for me, I had to call that number. As someone who grew up so entranced with the music and culture of that time, it was an opportunity to connect someone who experienced this magical moment in history up close. Strangely enough and to my delight, Baron actually answered his own phone. We spoke an hour or two, and  became instant friends on the phone. Baron sent me a copy of his book Classic Rock and other Rollers inscribed “this can be big fun”.

In the twenty or so years of our friendship and professional relationship, that’s the premise upon which all the adventures we’ve embarked on have been planned! And this latest show celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Rolling Stone Magazine is the latest iteration in the mixture of fun and business that we’ve instigated for just about two decades. We’re so looking forward to having fun with all of you and our buddy Baron as we travel back to that period in time that still resonates with so many.

The best photographs go further than just showing the literal. They capture a spirit, an essence, and something of the person’s real character shines through. Baron’s photographs still have such power and magic so many years after they were taken, because they document a very special and innocent time before  rock and roll became big business. Luckily for all of us, Baron lived in the city at the center  of  the music culture that captivated the world in the late sixties, San Francisco. His neighbors were Janis and Big Brother, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. He had their trust since he was “one of the tribe”. Baron’s photos of Janis Joplin are so poignant because they give a glimpse into the little girl inside the tortured soul with the great potential  for joy that she unfortunately experienced so little of.

I believe the essence and power of photography lies in its humanity. It’s the humanity of the person or events  depicted and also very much the humanity of the person behind the camera. In my many years of dealing with Baron in the placement of many hundreds of his photographs in homes, collections and museums all over the world, the power of his humanity, endless  creativity and the generosity of his spirit overrides all other thoughts  of the wonderful man who is Baron Wolman. Further evidence of just his latest bout of creativity will be on display at Gallery 270 in the form of his current collaboration with fine artist Sophie Kipner and her unique Blind Line Contouring. Moved by the images Baron created, Sophie’s unique creative process results in one of a kind works on canvas which are paired with the original photographs they were inspired by. 

Please join us to welcome Baron Wolman for his solo exhibition Baron Wolman: Rolling Stone Magazine Fifty Years Down the Line, opening on Thursday November 2nd from 7-9PM in Westwood. We’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rolling Stone Magazine and the photographs of its first chief photographer that were its graphic centerpiece. Refreshments served, all are welcome, admission is free. 

Photo Exhibit – Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County

We’re very pleased to announce a photography exhibit Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County – St. Patrick’s Day Parade by our long time customer Leo F. Collins at the River Edge Free Public Library starting March 1st.

st-pats-nyc-2015

Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen of Bergen County

I have had the great honor and privilege in recent years to join with the Band and photographing their fine efforts. As a result, I have collected hundreds of photos of the group and have selected a sample for your viewing pleasure. The Police Pipes and Drums has been led for the past several years by an Honor Guard from the Paramus, New Jersey Police Department. The dedicated members of the Paramus Police are part of the Department’s commitment to play a major role in supporting civic activities.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC brings out many local dignitaries and personalities – plus the line of march includes many representatives of our military services. This exhibition includes samples of these scenes and the tremendous spectacle the Parade brings to New York. I know you will get much joy, as I do, in viewing this wonderful display of the outstanding team of talented members of the Bergen Police Pipes and Drums.

Leo F. Collins

About the photographer Leo F. Collins

Leo F. Collins, Sr., a River Edge resident, who is an Engineer and held executive positions in the Aerospace Industry for the last 50 years. He continues to consult providing technology and strategic direction to start up firms throughout the greater tri-state area. He serves on the Technology Advisory Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and was appointed to the Bergen County Economic Development Corporation.

Photography has always been a hobby for Leo Collins, and then grew into a passion. The passion and skill behind the lens allows him to capture extraordinary images in so many different settings. He has traveled the world and has a remarkable library of live photo images taken throughout his many journeys in his life. Photo images include in his collection, NYC skyline, historic and famous landmarks in the U. S. and around the world including countries such as, England, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France, China and Japan. In addition, action photos of sporting events and very important family events, christenings, weddings, graduations and much more!
Leo F. Collins, Sr. would like to thank the following people and entities in making this exhibition a reality The Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County, the Paramus Police Department Honor Guard and Bergen County Camera of Westwood.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact him at LFC27@aol.com

Your Point of View: Thirty-five Miles

YPOV LogoTo celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Bergen County Camera, we’re very excited to announce the next Your Point of View show! The theme is “35 Miles”. We want to see some of your favorite photos taken within 35 Miles of our store! For help with location distance, use this map.  This will be our biggest show yet with  30 different photographers being showcased!

Map
All locations inside the blue are eligible for this show. Click to view larger
  1.  To enter, send your photos, the location they were taken, and your name to alfred@bergencountycamera.com.
  2. Photographers are allowed to enter up to two images.
  3. All submitted photos must be taken by the photographer entering the competition.
  4. All submitting artists are limited to one photo per show.
  5. 30 different photographers will have their photo selected to be shown.
  6. All entry images must be cropped to an 11×14 aspect ratio. Should you have any trouble with this, please feel free to e-mail alfred@bergencountycamera.com for help.
  7. All entrees must be sent to alfred@bergencountycamera.com by 6 PM on Saturday, August 29th, 2015.
  8. A panel of Bergen County Camera Employees will select the finalists.
  9. All images will be shown on Bergen County Camera’s Facebook page and the BergenCountyCamera.com blog. The 30 finalist images will be framed and hung at Bergen County Camera for our 35th Anniversary and The NJ Photo Expo.
  10. Finalists will need to submit their own 11×14 print or purchase an 11×14 print through Bergen County Camera.  Finalists will be offered a special price for images printed through Bergen County Camera. We will mat and frame all finalist images.

The opening will be on Thursday, September 17th from 7-9 pm in Westwood during our 35th Anniversary Celebration and kickoff to the 2015 NJ Photo Expo. Photos will remain on display through the end on September. We look forward to seeing some fascinating work. Good luck!

Your Point of View: Lost and Found Guidelines

YPOVLAF

We’re excited to announce the next Your Point of View Show! The theme this time is “Lost and Found”. Artists are asked to show us an image which represents the theme.

Artists are now allowed to enter two images per photographer. All submitted photos must be taken by the photographer entering the competition. All finalist will be limited to one image for the show. Thus 15 different photographers will have their photography shown.

All entry images should be color corrected and cropped to an 11×14 aspect ratio. Should you have any trouble with this, please feel free to e-mail alfred@bergencountycamera.com for help.

All entrees must be sent to customerservice@bergencountycamera.com by 6 pm on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014.

A panel of  judges including at least one Artist and one Bergen County Camera Employee will select fifteen finalists.

All images will be shown on Bergen County Camera’s Facebook page and BergenCountyCamera.com. The 15 finalist images will be framed and hung in the gallery at Bergen County Camera in Westwood for the show.

Finalists will need to submit their own 11×14 print or purchase an 11×14 print through Bergen County Camera.  Finalists will be offered a special price for images printed through Bergen County Camera. We will mat and frame all finalist images.

The opening will be on Thursday, December 4th from 7-9 pm in Westwood.

A sale price of $200 will be placed on all finalist art. You are welcome to refuse to sell your photo during the show.

Bergen County Camera shall be entitled to a 20% commission for any featured art sold during this show.

We look forward to seeing some fascinating work. Good luck!