December 2019: The Photo Issue

The picture is perfectly clear: New Jersey residents love to photograph their state. Perhaps it’s a matter of pride. Or perhaps it’s an instinctual, artistic urge to document the state’s abundant natural beauty and extraordinary manmade wonders.

Whatever the case, New Jersey Monthly and Unique Photo are pleased to have attracted some of the best photography in the Garden State for our Cover Search 2019 contest. This year’s contest garnered 811 entries, a 28 percent increase over last year’s inaugural competition.

You can view the winning photos in this issue here. (You’ll also enjoy the accompanying commentaries by our resident photo buff, deputy editor Eric Levin.) To see all 811 contest entries, click here.

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Garden Variety

How This Director Brings Extra Energy to Ballet Productions

Gabriel Chajnik infuses the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater's repertoire with rock and theatrical elements. Read more

The Unique Harmony of the New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus

The group, originally founded in 1991 as a secretly gay choir, takes pride in its openness and diversity. Read more

Rowan’s Secret Sauce to Helping Students in Need

University president Ali Houshmand's homemade hot sauce has generated almost $130,000 in revenue for the school's emergency scholarship fund. Read more

NJ Service Delivers Household Products—Without Plastic

Loop, launched by the Trenton-based recycling company TerraCycle, envisions a waste-free future. Read more

Steve Adubato: Only in NJ

How Is Jersey Faring in the Fight Against Climate Change?

PSEG’s Ralph Izzo sounds off about clean energy, domestic efficiency and the need for a national vision. Read more

Features

Meet Karen Kessler, Master of Celebrity Damage Control

Her Warren-based PR firm, Evergreen Partners, helps rescue reputations at risk. Read more

Jazz Pianist Emmet Cohen’s Keys to Success

Just 29, the Montclair-bred musician has earned the admiration of fans and fellow artists. Read more

Peruse the Winners of Our 2019 Cover Contest

In partnership with Unique Photo, we present the contents of our highly anticipated Photo Issue. Read more

Preparing for Takeoff: A Sneak Peek at Newark Airport’s New Terminal

A modern replacement for Terminal A is rising at Newark Liberty. The promise: smoother security, more amenities and less waiting on the tarmac. Read more

What’s the State of Our State Fish?

Brook trout have been squeezed out of much of their natural habitat. Here’s how the finicky little fish is hanging on in New Jersey’s most pristine waters. Read more