Bergen County Camera news, events, products, helpful photographic tips and suggestions
Welcome to our seventeenth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Welcome to our sixteenth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Dr. Lew Rothman is our customer spotlight for the month of November. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Below you will find a word from Lew, followed by some of his images in the gallery below.
I have been passionate about photography since my teenage years. I started with a 21/4 Rolleicord, a 35mm Bolsey B and eventually moved up to Leica and Nikon film cameras. I processed my own film and enlarged the predominantly black and white analogue images in my home darkroom. When digital imaging became mainstream about 20 years ago, I became an enthusiastic convert and migrated from the wet darkroom to the digital darkroom and never looked back.I enjoy almost all aspects of photography from travel, landscape and architecture and have photographed my family extensively. I also enjoy post-processing and printing my images. While I shoot both monochrome and color, I find my aesthetic of based on simplicity and form better expressed in black and white.
I’ve been a customer of Bergen County Camera since Bob and Tom have been at the helm. It has been my virtual photographic home away from home and I enjoy coming to the store to share my images and get the lowdown on recent equipment releases. They along with their outstanding staff have provided a professional, responsive and welcoming environment for me to express and nurture my passion. If I have a photographic question or equipment need, they are always ready and willing to help.
Welcome to our fifteenth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Harriet Bowen Mahabir is our customer spotlight for the month of August. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Below you will find a word from Harriet, followed by some of her images in the gallery below.
I have lived in the state of NY my entire life, the first thirty years in Harlem and currently in Rockland County. I am retired and living the good life visiting with family and friends and exploring new activities and places that I did not have time for when I was younger.
My love for photography happened in the era of Kodak brownie cameras and flash cubes and film SLR’s. My interest in Photography waned for a few years.
Then it happened, I had a casual conversation with a someone and I was complaining about the lack of small camera store that would answer questions about photography. They recommend that I try Bergen County camera in Westwood, NJ. That first visit changed a lot. Though not a beginner some of my skills were rusty. I took a couple of their courses in photography and I was revitalized. They also offer Trips, Free focus sessions and have a wonderful staff.
The last three years have given me such joy. I get to explore new places and share with others.
Welcome to our fourteenth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Herb Benkel is our customer spotlight for the month of July. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Below you will find a word from Herb, followed by some of his images in the gallery below.
I became excited about photography in 1960 when my brother came home from Japan with a Nikon S2. It was the most beautiful piece of technology I had seen.
I went on to study photography at Brooklyn College, and received a Masters Degree in photography. I taught art and photography at an Art and Design High School for 5 years, in the early 70’s. When I became dissatisfied with the New York City bureaucracy, I left to attend Dental School at NYU. I later became an Endodontist, but I also never retreated from the pursuit of photography.
I moved into Bergen County in 1980 after starting a practice in Fort Lee in 1978. I then began my second teaching career at Hackensack University Medical Center, where I still teach Endodontics to the 18 dental residents there each year.
The early 80’s is also the time I found Bergen County Camera. There I was able to surround myself with enthusiasts that were passionate about photography. Between the employees and dedicated clients who hang around the store, I have found a source of inspiration, as well as a vendor for great cameras and supplies.
Today, I count all those of the Bergen Camera family as friends.
Welcome to our thirteenth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Nicki Bosch is our customer spotlight for the month of June. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Below you will find a word from Nicki, followed by some of her images in the gallery below.
Nicki Granata Bosch is a natural light photographer specializing in fine art dance portraiture. She learned photography as a journalism student at Ohio State University but didn’t start shooting regularly until she had children.
Though she started working professionally in family photography, she developed a passion for shooting dancers while photographing her daughters in ballet class.
She now shoots pre-professionals and professionals regularly in New Jersey and New York City including dancers from American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey, Boston Ballet, and other companies.
Nicki credits Bergen County Camera’s knowledgeable staff for always steering her in the right direction in terms of equipment and techniques for capturing the shots she has in her head. “I come in with a vision, and after discussing it with the staff at BCC, I always have the right tips and tools for bringing that vision to life with my camera,” Nicki says.
Her dance work can be found on instagram @nickiboschphotography and Facebook at Facebook.com/nickiboschphotography and her website www.nickiboschphotography.com
Welcome to our twelfth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Leo Collins is our customer spotlight for the month of March – April. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Below you will find a word from Leo, followed by some of his images in the gallery below.
Leo F. Collins, a River Edge resident, has held senior executive corporate positions at leading Aerospace and Technology firms for over 50 years.
He now consults to technology start up firms throughout the tri-state area. He serves on the Technology Advisory Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Agency and is active in many different roles as an alumnus at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Photography has always been a passion for Leo starting with his help in forming a Photography Club in high school. The passion has provided him with the opportunity to capture extraordinary images in many different settings from living and extensive travel all over the world. An important role in recent years is photographing the Bergen County Police Pipes and Drums. Also, a major part of his work involves photographing the gardens in Vermont developed by his good friend Dr. Robert Forte and FDU basketball .
A major stimulus for Leo has been the guidance, encouragement and support provided by Bergen County Camera in Westwood. Paul Carretta, Bob and Tom Gramegna and staff have embedded in Leo a love of photography that encourages him to take on new and important challenges all designed to make you a better photographer. – Bergen Camera creates opportunity to improve your skills- and Leo is very thankful the interaction with Bergen Camera has become an important part of his life with new friendships and providing increased confidence that you have the Bergen team with you as you face new photographic adventures. The support, encouragement and friendship provided by the Bergen County Camera organization is of immeasurable value and never to be forgotten.
I am very thankful of having Bergen Camera a part of my life and for this recognition . I certainly am striving to be a better photographer and still have a long way to go but have with the BCC association the support and assurance to achieve that goal.
I tell my stories in photography- In doing so I fulfilled one of my important dreams. I have much to be thankful for.
I thought it would be interesting, to tell a brief story through my photography related to the tragic day of September 11th, 2001.
The photos displayed were taken from the New York Waterway’s vessel, Yankee Clipper in the company of my daughter, Lisa O’Keefe and grand daughter Katharine O’Keefe, en-route to a New York Yankees Game .
It was a beautiful Friday evening in September, and I was enjoying the joy of being with family while taking in the beautiful view of our national treasures here in our magnificent city. I was fortunate to capture some great photos of the World Trade Center and sailboats on the Hudson.
I took many photos that evening, but one sailboat grabbed my attention, and I took a photo of it with the Towers in the background. I noticed the USCG sailboat number and able to trace its ownership, I found out it was a retired U.S. Navy racer named Grilla.
I shared the photo with its owner, as it was a photo taken on the Friday evening of September 7th, 2001, four days before our peace and joy
were shattered, to never be the same again.
And now rising majestically is the Freedom Tower in honor of those lost that faithful day and displayed here in a photograph taken on a quiet Sunday morning in the spring from the grounds of Castle Point at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Views that will never grow old and stay in our memories forever.
Leo F. Collins February , 2018
Welcome to our eleventh Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media.
Greg Koch is our customer spotlight for the month of February. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Below you will find a word from Greg, followed by some of his images in the gallery below.
Here is a word from Greg Koch:
Growing up in New Jersey, I have always been passionate about the outdoors. I spent countless hours as a kid exploring the woods in my family’s backyard, and even more time hiking and fishing in the Adirondack Mountains. My love of the outdoors can often be seen in the images I create.
I received my first camera when I was a freshman in high school. It was my Mom’s 35mm Cannon AE-1 Program, and an exceptional camera with which to learn the basics of photography. Using film and being limited to 36 shots really taught me the importance of slowing down to make sure everything was in frame exactly how I wanted it to be before taking the shot.
In college I made the switch to digital photography and spent some time living in Florence, Italy where I continued to study photography. After graduating college, I worked in various financial roles in New York City while pursuing photography as a hobby. I now work full-time as a photographer in the Northeast, and I am always available to travel!
The work I am currently doing includes capturing the fly-fishing scene in the Northeast, landscapes from my travels, engagement and wedding proposals, and portraits of people I meet along the way. When not working, I can be found fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and snowboarding.
Bergen County Camera has been extremely beneficial over the years, whether it be answering the many questions I have about a lens before purchasing it, or having a 24×36 photograph printed and framed on short notice, BCC has always been there to help me out. Every person I’ve worked with at BCC has been extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about photography. Over the years I’ve built a great relationship with both Bob and Jeremy, who offer some of the best customer support imaginable. When making a large purchase like a new lens, it’s great to be able to sit and chat with them about the product and leave the store knowing I made a great choice. I cannot imagine going anywhere else for my photography needs.
For more of Greg’s work, check out his instagram at @gregkkoch
Welcome to our tenth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Anthony Falsarella is this month’s customer profile.
Please enjoy a few of Anthony’s images in the gallery below.
Here is a word from Anthony Falsarella:
Hi, my name is Anthony Falsarella, and I am a fan and customer of BCC. Photography has been a part of my life since I was about 10 when a second-hand Kodak Brownie box camera was given to me to use in order to occupy my summer time. I enjoyed capturing various things and would spend my weekly allowance on film developing and film. I did not get my own camera until I graduated high school, and that was a Canon Canodate rangefinder camera which I still have and use. Jumping forward into the digital photo age came upon me a bit late and I got involved with it in my regular work as a priest and monastic. My specialty is low-light religious art reproduction either for publication and web use or to document a piece for restorative and conservation purposes. I have done work both in the US and abroad in countries like France, Belgium, Poland, and Belarus to name just a few. I do other things for personal enjoyment so I like to think that most niches I can feel comfortable with.
Now you may wonder why I am a fan and customer of BCC, most times having to make a 125-mile round trip to get back and forth to BCC? The answer is quite simple, customer service and the staff’s dedication to making you a better photographer. BCC has among other things has reignited my passion for the printed photo, which to me is very important. Digital photos are nice, but when the file is printed much more comes out. One of the Canon specials that Paul announced after one Focus Session made me decide to upgrade from my old Epson photo printer. Now I have my own fine art printing lab at my disposal and those special prints are made on that using digital fine art papers.
The outings and educational emphasis of BCC to help make all customers better photographers is for me paramount of coming all the way to this store. Networking with other photographers, gaining that one nugget with each encounter that sheds light on improving your craft, and learning from each other. The staff and all the Saturday morning friends help make this easy.
Each year for the past several years, I have had a series of “photography” resolutions for the new year. These resolutions are more like goals. This past year, all my goals or resolutions were met in part of or with the help of BCC and its friends. I have a series of new ones I just started with, one being more involved with film or analog photography in the coming year. I am sure with the knowledge, the used gear, and the processing that is offered at BCC, that will be a goal that will be definitely accomplished.
For more of Anthony’s work, check out his instagram at @anthony.falsarella
Welcome to our ninth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Jersey Dave is this month’s customer profile.
All of Dave’s images are taken on a Yashica T4 Super D, using Portra 400 or Tri-X 400 film.
Please enjoy a few of Dave’s images in the gallery below.
Here is a word from Jersey Dave:
“Photography has always been something that’s sparked my interest. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been interested in maintaining memories and have always wanted to do my best to document them. About four years ago, I started to take my photography more seriously. I decided to pick up a point and shoot film camera and haven’t put it down since. It was a life changing experience for me; it gave me the opportunity to document people and places most important to me on a daily basis. During these last few years, there hasn’t been a day I’ve left home without it. Having that camera on me has forced me to see the world in a way that most people do not. It helped me find the beauty in every moment, whether good or bad. It has made me appreciate life more than I ever had in the past. I can’t tell you how many rolls of film I’ve processed throughout these last few years, but what I can tell you, is that Bergen County Camera has been there for me through it all. I’d like to give a big thank you to all the staff at BCC who continually work hard to help me bring my photography into the world for people to see. You guys rule!”
-Jersey Dave
For more of Dave’s work, check out his instagram @JerseyDave01
Welcome to our eighth Bergen County Camera Customer Spotlight. This monthly posting features a customer who’s made an impression on us. They might have grown in their understanding of photography, gained a mastery of the craft and / or have become a strong advocate of our way of doing business in the world of photography. During the next month you will see this customer’s images displayed on our digital signs in store, in our emails, blog posts and social media. We hope you both enjoy and are inspired by this new addition to In Focus and look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Andrew Weatherly is this month’s customer profile. Please enjoy a few of Andrew’s images in the gallery below.
Here is a word about Andrew Weatherly:
For Andrew, art is a tool for personal and social growth. He believes that art is a medium he can use to advocate for people with disabilities. Andrew is a painter, poet and photographer. He chooses the media which offers him extraordinary avenues for self-expression while sharing his own insight and perspective with the viewers. Andrew’s work is available through the galleries of Art Lifting, Inc.,(www.artlifting.com) and Heart & Sold, UK (www.heartandsold.org.uk). Information and current exhibits can be found at www.andrewweatherly.com. Andrew does not let the fact that he was born with Down Syndrome deter him from developing his passions.
Recent exhibits and juried art shows include: ArtsAbility 2017, Malvern, PA, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Sandy BennettGallery, Englewood, NJ 2017; Arts Unbound, No Limits, Montclair Museum of Art, Montclair, NJ 2017; Art Lifting Inc., Starbucks Limited Edition Gift Cards, December 2016; Thin Optics, 2016; ArtsAbility 2016, Malverne, PA, 2016 Leesa Dream Gallery, NYC, 2016 Heart & Sold ~ Salford Museum, England, Morristown Medical Center, Healing Arts, Morristown, NJ 2016, 2015 Heart & Sold, NYC, Arts Unbound, “2016 Winter in Summer”, Orange, NJ; Closter, Ft. Lee and Teaneck Public Libraries, 2014 Kennedy Center’s V.S.A. International Emerging Young Artists, The Journey, Washington, DC, Art Lifting, Inc., Cambridge, MA, Arts To The Avenue – Greenwich, Ct., Belskie Museum of Art & Sciences, Closter, NJ and Cape Cod Museum of Arts, Brewster, MA. Andrew’s poetry exhibits include VSA NJ 21st and 22nd Joyce Indik Wordsmith Competition and “Voices of Peace Poetry, Veterans for Peace & Arts Foundation, MA.
In 2014 Andrew was selected as one of 15 Emerging Young Artists for the Kennedy Center’s V.S.A. International exhibit, The Journey, for his painting Winter Worlds. The Journey toured in major cities throughout the country following it’s opening at the Ripley Center of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.
Publications include “The Art Beyond A Syndrome”, by Andrew Weatherly and selected poetry in A Room of Golden Shells, Woodbine House.
Find more of Andrew’s paintings, photos, and poetry at his website, andrewweatherly.com
