A purple water lily bursts open like a firework; a spinning amusement ride whips around at dizzying speeds; pink clouds stretch across the sky above the Jersey Shore; white holiday lights twinkle on barren trees lining a walkway—these scenes are just four of thousands captured by the New Jersey Photography Forum.
For more than 25 years, the group of fine art photographers has taken breathtaking shots of nature, the Shore, architecture and more. They also hold monthly meetings, although those are temporarily postponed due to the coronavirus. New members are always welcome.
Annually, the members present their work to the public in about a dozen exhibitions at galleries and other venues throughout the state. A large showcase to be presented in the main galleries of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is in the works. Tentatively, the exhibition’s opening reception will be on July 10 from 6–8 pm.
During this pandemic, most public spaces are closed. But shutterbugs can browse previously exhibited photographs through the the forum’s website under the “Exhibit Galleries” tab.
In 1994, Nancy Ori of Berkeley Heights and Michael Creem of Summit founded the New Jersey Photography Forum to provide a space for photographers to discuss their work. It has grown to become the largest group of exhibiting fine-art photographers in the Garden State.
“We are stronger than ever,” says Ori, director of the forum, “and over the years, [we] have fostered great friendships and support for each other’s creative endeavors.”
To foster photography education, last year the club created a scholarship in honor of the late Caryn B. Seifer, who was a member. The $10,000 award was given to a student entering the International Center of Photography in New York City.
“I am so proud of the distance our group has come,” says Ori.