Author: mariecostanza

In a world enveloped by rapid technological advancements and the omnipresence of mobile photography, the art of capturing moments through a camera lens remains a unique and timeless craft.  The Magic of Light, the latest exhibit at Image City Photography Gallery, showcases a remarkable collection of photographs that encapsulate the transformative power of light in visual storytelling.  104 photos were selected  from over 250 images submitted by 73 participants. Each image tells its own story about perception, nature, and the human experience.   Running from January 2-19, 2025, this exhibit features an eclectic mix of work from both emerging talents and seasoned professionals, celebrating the artistry that arises when creativity meets light.

“The Magic of Light” invites viewers to explore the diverse ways light influences photography.  From the soft hues of dawn to the vibrant bursts of sunset, the exhibit demonstrates how light can create emotion, evoke memories, and transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual experiences.  

According to Dick Bennett, Image City Photography Gallery Partner who has been coordinating this exhibit for 8 years, “In a sense, The Magic of Light is our community show. We have had children as young as 10, and adults over 90 participate.”  He explains that some of Image City’s consistent participants view it as a way to support the gallery, and the newer participants are often photographers who have not displayed their work in a gallery.  This is a way for them to share their photography with friends, families and visitors.  Dick says that the participants enjoy the opening receptions and First Friday events. He says, “Our opening receptions are filled with exhilarating conversations between and among the photographers present.”  Dick points out that the gallery has two sponsors of the show to assist participants.  Archival Methods has discounted supplies for archival storage and presentation of products.  Lumiere provides discounts for printing and custom framing to the participants.  This year several photographers in The Magic of Light chose to use Lumiere for the printing and framing of their photos. Image City is grateful to both of our sponsors for their collaboration with us.

Among the participants are a variety of photographers ranging from emerging artists to established professionals.  The photographers bring their unique perspective, style, and technical expertise, and their images collectively create a dynamic display that speaks to both the challenges and joys of the photographic journey.

The contributions from photographers new to Image City offer a refreshing look at the world through their eyes.  They often emphasize spontaneity, focus on the raw elements of light and a willingness to explore unconventional capture methods.    For instance, one of the featured beginner photographers, Dana Emery, presents an image titled Merge, in which she captures a common street sign taken from a unique perspective. 

Another emerging talent, Lyn Harris, showcases a compelling image titled Boat at the Dock.  Through her lens, she captures the simplicity of a docked kayak with an interesting reflection of a fractured dock post.  

Joseph Miller, another photographer new to displaying at Image City, shows his vibrant image called Chasing Rainbows, in which he has captured the colors of the landscape that contains the complementary colors of the golden foreground juxtaposed against the blue sky with the rainbow peeking through the clouds.

In addition to the new exhibitors, visitors will see some of the photographers who exhibit regularly at Image City.  Dan Klein’s photo, Work with Me, is a beautifully executed image of a young photographer taking a photo of a model on the steps of an old outdoor building. Dan’s skill in processing his image is evident in the color tones and textures seen in this image.

Patricia Overmoyer returns to The Magic of Light exhibit with her image titled, Leaves on the Water, an image that focuses on a scene of fall leaves floating on top of and under the surface of a body of water.  Rather than showing the trees as they stood nearby, Patricia skillfully composed her image so the viewer can see the trees reflected in the water.

Sandra Frankel, who has been displaying images at Image City since the gallery began, is showing her image Sand Dunes in November.  By choosing to take a close-up of the patterns and lines formed by the wind on the large sand dune, Sandra was able to accentuate the intricate details and textures of the sand ripples, contrasted against the white snow, creating a visually interesting composition. Sandra also chose to include people standing on the dune, which enables the viewer to get an idea of the scale of the large dune.

The Magic of Light is not merely an exhibit; it is a celebration of the diverse artistry within the photography community. By showcasing both emerging and established photographers, Image City fosters an inclusive environment highlighting the magic that light can bring to the photographic process.  From striking landscapes to intimate portraits, visitors will experience a breathtaking journey through visual storytelling, leaving them inspired to explore the power of light in their own creative endeavors.   

If you have a question about this exhibit or would like to comment on the images displayed, please type it into the comment box below.

The 20^th Annual Holiday Photography Show at Image City Photography Gallery marks two decades of showcasing a variety of genres of photography by local and regional photographers. The show shines a light on the evolving talents of photographers, both amateur and professional, who have participated over the years.

As visitors wander through the gallery, they are treated to a visual feast that embodies the joy and the wonder of the holiday season.  The feature walls include photos by the Image City Gallery Partners: Dick Bennett, Marie Costanza, Nicholas Jospe, Steve Levinson, Gil Maker, Don Menges, Luann Pero, John Solberg, and Sheridan Vincent. 

This year two professional photographers, Steve Dent and Elena Dilai, decided to collaborate together on a project, which begins during the Holiday Show, where they will be showing the first set of images from their collaboration. Their joint effort will continue during 2025. Footwork, their theme for the first group of images, is based on 2 images that support each photographer’s interpretation of a subject. 

Steve Dent, owner of SgD Photography, is a photographer from Buffalo, NY. Steve enjoys photographing a variety of genres and is especially skilled in portrait photography.  Steve says that when he first viewed some of Elena’s work at Image City, he was immediately intrigued.  “Her Fine Art was exceptional; I wanted to get to know her and observe more of her work.” After being asked by Image City to exhibit during the Holiday Show, Steve’s first thought was that he had to contact Elena to see if she were interested in collaborating.

Elena Dilai, owner of Elena Dilai Photography is an international award-winning portrait photographer.  When Steve contacted Elena to collaborate on the holiday show, Elena says she was “flattered and excited by it.”  For the first segment of their project, they decided to show images of dancers, in a combination of natural and realistic portraits along with abstract collages based on dancers’ forms.  According to Steve, the basic concept was to find common ground between two Fine Art photographers, integrating target images in sets, with two interpretations of the same subject.

For their first display of the project, Elena and Steve started with a color scheme and agreed on red and blue because they symbolize opposing yet complementary forces: passion and calm, energy and tranquility, fire and water.  Elena says, “I hope the viewer will see the balance between the spontaneity of a dancer and the structure of the geometrical form, depicted in the intensity of red and serenity of blue. The dance is the bridge, connecting contrasts and showing how differences can co-exist.”

After deciding on their theme, the ideas bounced back and forth until three of Steve’s portraits provided Elena with an inspiration to take her work in a different direction, making it more abstract, but correlating with the portraits Steve had in his collection.

Both photographers were excited to see what each could produce based on a theme, yet taking their images in a direction that correlates with each of their individual styles. Elena says, “Steve has a talent of capturing dancers in a striking way, showing movement, strength and grace of his subjects.”  In his images the viewer can see emotion and elegance.

One of Steve’s images is called “Dancing in the Twilight.” Steve attributes this beautiful image to the perfection exuded by his subject. He says, “VikTory, a professional ballerina/dancer from Austria, loves her work and is an excellent teacher as a dancer/model. Her knowledge of the nuances of dance photography—her ability and patience to work with the photographic community—results in exquisite images.”

Elena has a different approach to portraiture. She says, “Though I capture realistic portraits most of the time, I do enjoy blending them with a variety of textures and backgrounds, creating more abstract images.”   

Elena’s favorite image in their holiday display is one she calls “Fragmented Motion—Serenity.”  She says, “The scene is almost ethereal; the geometric form is not as angular, giving the whole image more fluidity and grace. I feel as if the dancer is leaning into the light with the aura of elegance, creating a delicate balance between human artistry and an abstract world.”

Steve and Elena hope the viewers will appreciate the dialogue between the grace and movement and will be inspired by the power of dance, beauty of human form and the interplay of the abstract pieces. To see additional images by Steve and Elena, visit their websites:

https://stevegd.smugmug.com

https://www.elenadilai.com

In addition to Steve and Elena’s display, visitors to the Image City Holiday Show 2024 will be able to enjoy images created by Michael Tombs and Marcia Zach in the Neuberger Gallery, as well as Guest Artists: Nikki Bittner, Mary Clare, Bob Crumrine, Liesel Gaesser, Larry Mandelker, David Perlman, Owen Shapiro, Dick Thomas and Michelle Turner.

In a celebration of creativity and skill, Camera Rochester is presenting its annual photography exhibition entitled Excellence 2024!  Showcasing the work of talented members, the exhibition offers a captivating visual feast for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike.  President Lisa Cook and Vice President Dennis Adams explain that Camera Rochester’s Excellence 2024! showcases the full range of creative photographic talent in the group. “Varied subject matter and degree of abstraction reflect a worldwide interest in the capabilities of continued artistic and technological growth. Each member’s personal growth and strengths can be seen in this exhibit.”  Additionally, local poet Kitty Jospe’s poems, inspired by 7 images, are on display. 

The following Camera Rochester photographers are displaying their images in the exhibit: 

Jason Abel, Dennis Adams, Lori Bonati, Amy Carpenter, Bob Clemens, Lisa Cook, Archie Curry, Elena Dilai, Jim Dolan, Wade Eaton, John Ejaife, Steven Gall, Bonnie Gamache, Flinn Hackett, Jeno Horvath, Jerome Kaye, Susan Kaye, Laurie Knapp, Larry Mandelker, Brett McIntosh, Loretta Petralis, David Ridley, Anne Ryan, Paul Shew and Sandy Silvestri.

The exhibition features a diverse range of photographs capturing various subjects, styles and perspectives. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, each image tells a unique story and reflects the individual creativity and vision of its creator.

For example, Lori Bonati, who has three images on display, describes one of her images. She says “Fusion Music fuses a piano keyboard with an electric guitar, using the Nikon Z5’s in-camera multiple exposure setting, which I learned from fellow photographer Luann Pero. I liked the contrasting colors and shapes of the instruments, and I added a gray and cream diamond-patterned pillow behind the guitar for even more contrast and to keep the guitar from falling over! I was pleasantly surprised to see that details in both photos remained clear, despite the two images being superimposed on each other.”

Another photographer with an image that tells a story is Susan Kaye.  She says, “One of mine is very meaningful to me. It is called Fading Memories and is a tunnel formed by memory chips from my computer.  At the end of the tunnel is a blurred image of my son Kevin and his then 4-year old daughter Talullah. It is one of my favorite pictures of them. Kevin died in 2013, not long after the picture was taken.  The idea behind it was that some memories of people we lose, fade with time. This is not meant to be sad, just the effects of time and distance.”

Excellence 2024! Provides a platform for both seasoned photographers and newcomers to display their work and receive recognition for their artistic endeavors.  The members have poured their passion, dedication and technical skills into crafting captivating images that speak volumes about their talent and love for photography. 

John Ejaife, who enjoys displaying his images at Image City, has included one of his nature landscapes in the Camera Rochester exhibit.  When he was in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, he was impressed by a scene of Lake Beauvert, which was adjacent to the chalet where he was staying.  When describing his image, Mountains beyond Lake Beauvert, he says, “The water was calm at about 9:00 am and allowed for a beautiful reflection of part of the Canadian mountains that were nearby.”

Aside from showcasing individual images, the exhibition also serves as a testament to the strong sense of community and camaraderie within Camera Rochester. Through sharing their creations and engaging in dialogue with fellow members and visitors, the photographers foster a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages growth, learning and mutual appreciation.

Camera Rochester Member Steven Gall truly appreciates this dialogue.  He says that he chose his photos for the exhibit after getting feedback from the peer review sessions held at the Camera Rochester meetings. “Having the opportunity for meaningful feedback on photos from the group members is a reason why I continue to be a member of Camera Rochester 

Excellence 2024! is not just a display of artistic vision, it is a celebration of the power of photography to connect people, evoke emotions and inspire dialogue.  Through their lens, the club members offer glimpses into their world inviting viewers to see and experience the beauty, complexity and magic that surrounds us every day.  

For more information about becoming a member of Camera Rochester, visit their website at https://camerarochester.org  

In the bustling world of photography, Image City’s current exhibition, On the Edge of Abstract, invites viewers on an evocative journey, where the realms of the tangible and the conceptual blur. Don Menges, the coordinator of this show, says his hope is “to demonstrate how several photographers interpret the same concept.”  Abstract photography often defies the traditional expectations of capturing the visible world, instead focusing on form, color, texture and pattern.  On the Edge of Abstract pushes this notion further, exploring the delicate balance where the abstract intersects with the recognizable.  The exhibit showcases Image City partners who navigate this frontier, offering viewers a diverse exploration of abstraction. 

When Don was thinking about a theme for this show, he recalled that partners have collaborated on several themes over the past few years. He says, “It’s interesting to our visitors to see how multiple photographers interpret the same concept. I wanted to come up with something that would challenge the participants differently. I’ve been experimenting with introducing analog effects into my photographs, which often creates an abstract image. I thought it would be fun.”

Throughout the past several months Don has been working with floral photographs with an analog effect.  For this show, he says, “Since architectural subjects are more palatable to me, I decided to switch subjects and see how that would work. I have also spent several years making only Black and White images, so that too became an analog challenge.”

Don is particularly proud of two of his images that are in this exhibit. One is a Black and White photo, Broken Fan, which is totally untouched by the process he has been studying. “It’s a ‘pure’ abstract image that I thought I composed well.”   He explains that the other is a color photograph entitled ROC History, which is of wall art on a building on Mt. Hope Avenue. He says “there was nothing new added to this; it is simply a composite of multiple exposures.”

Sheridan Vincent, decided to display several unique colorful floral images. He says “perhaps the category of abstract can be applied to an image that looks unusual”.   Sheridan explains, “After I cut a couple of Calla Lily blossoms and looked down on them, I saw what became Calla Watching after a bit of staging.”  He says that by adding a black background, he was able to focus the attention on the “floral eyes,” surrounded by yellow, with the pleasant curves of the blossom.

Luann Pero, also chose to include some images with vibrant colors.  She explains that her image entitled Orange and Blue, along with some of the other images in her display, “came from a boat yard, littered with abandoned boats with hull structures, paint and fiberglass breaking down into relics of the large boats that had once sailed the waters of Lake Ontario.”  Luann says, “I was intrigued by the colors and geometric forms of the discoloration, delamination, warping, and blistering of the fiberglass, wood, and paint on the hulls.  Bold abstract images came alive before my eyes in colors of blues, yellows, purples, and greens. My imagination was charged by these once beauties, decaying on the cradles.”

John Solberg was also intrigued with the colors he discovered when he explored the outdoors for his photographs, which were taken of very small sections of the walls under the Winton Road bridge near University Avenue.  John says, “At first, they were interesting only because of their textures and patterns.  As I played around with them, to my surprise and delight, I discovered hidden color, coaxed out by exploring saturation.” John explains that the images become more than a collection of colors, patterns and textures – they trigger the imagination to “make meaning” out of  abstraction. John says that he is especially proud of his photo called Nature’s Graffiti #1 because “in my imagination it is no longer a small patch of wall but a grand exploding volcano.”   As visitors view his image, he wonders, “What can you imagine?” 

Steve Levinson, took a different approach from Sheridan, Luann, and John.   One of the images he decided to include, Give Me Five, includes a hand as the subject.  He hopes that when viewing this photo, visitors will take the time to discover what is in it.  Steve points out that “hands have always been an intriguing subject for photographers because there is so much emotion that can be transmitted by a hand gesture.”  His photo combines the impact of looking at a palm with the added feature of a face, not noticeable at first, but it leads the viewer to think about the intentions Steve had when he created this composite image.  He says, “It is clearly not peaceful or beautiful, but has been designed to have an emotional impact on the viewer, who might be wondering what is Steve thinking?”

Like some of the other artists in this show, Gil Maker included a variety of black and white images with interesting shapes in his display. For his photo entitled Abstract #5, he was particularly attracted to the two simple shapes:  a straight line and a circle.  He was also drawn to the minimalist quality of the subject.

Don’s hope with this type of show always is to demonstrate how several photographers interpret the same concept. He says “I like viewers to understand that not everyone sees visual art the same way, even when the style is fixed.”  The title of the show On the Edge of Abstract, gave each of the participants a little room for a loose interpretation of abstract art.”

If you have a comment or question about this show, please enter it into the Comment Box below.

Photographers’ Journey, an awe-inspiring photography exhibition, coordinated by Image City Partner Steve Levinson, leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who visit the exhibit. Featuring the works of 43 talented photographers, selected through a rigorous jurying process, the exhibition showcases a total of 64 photographs across the following categories: Digital/Abstract/Conceptual, Travel, Landscape/Seascape, Architectural/Cityscape, Documentary/Street, Portrait, Botanical/Still Life and Wildlife. 

Judges for the Exhibit include Daniel Hughes and Eric T. Kunsman. Daniel is an Image maker that specializes in post processing. He is the Undergraduate Program Director for the Photographic Sciences Program for the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences at RIT.  Eric is a photographer, book artist, Assistant Professor of Visual Communications and Adjunct Professor for the School of Photographic Arts & Science at RIT.  Daniel and Eric selected grand prize winning photos as well as winning photos in each category.

The Grand Prize winner whose photo is in the Digital/ Conceptual /Abstract category, is McDonald Beach Reach by John Kosboth. When viewing this category, the enigmatic compositions challenge perceptions and invite viewers to delve into the unseen depths of the mundane.  Each piece in this section is a testament to the photographer’s ability to transcend traditional perspectives, proving that the ordinary can indeed become extraordinary through the lens of creativity.  

There are two Runner-Up winning photographers. One of the winners is Tom Kredo. His image entitled Daydreams was chosen as the award winner in the Portrait category. The group of Portrait photos offers a compelling glimpse into the human condition, showcasing moments of joy and contemplation. The self-portraits along with the intimate, carefully composed portraits, remind viewers of the diverse tapestry of human experience. 

The other Runner-Up winning photographer is Sue Rossi. Her photo, Translucent Tulips, is the award winner in the Botanical/Still Life Category. The images in this section highlight the fragility of our natural world as it is artistically demonstrated by the variety of floral compositions, as well as an old Bellows camera surrounded by a burning candle, flower and book.  Each image has the ability to evoke an emotional reaction.

When viewing the Landscape/Seascape and Travel sections, observers are transported to remote corners of the earth, from the bustling Brooklyn Bridge to the serene solitude of a winter park.  The contrasting textures, tonal differences and dynamic compositions not only capture the essence of each location but also encourage viewers to explore the world with renewed enthusiasm. The photographers’ ability to capture the fleeting moments of serenity amidst the chaotic forces of nature speaks volumes about their observational skills and technical prowess.  The winning photo in the Landscape/Seascape category is Into the Mist by Beverly Goldschmidt.

David Kotok created One Small Voice, the winning photo in the Travel Section.

The Wildlife photos highlight the interesting behavior of birds, butterflies and elephants in their natural habitats, which serve as a reminder of the biodiversity that we are tasked to protect. The photographers created images with effective compositions and lighting, causing the subjects to come alive.  The winning photo in this category is An Elephant’s Eye by Janet Cruz.

Architectural/Cityscape photography, with its focus on lines, shapes, and textures, reveals the hidden symmetries of the urban atmosphere.  These selections pay homage to the ingenuity of human construction, from the spires of cathedrals to the sleek minimalism of modern skyscrapers. Michael D’Avignon created the winning photo Hotel Lafayette in this category.

The Documentary/Street Photography section includes photos that record everyday life in public settings. The photographers have managed to capture images at decisive or poignant moments by careful framing and timing. The winning photo is Chicago Doorway created by Bob Clemens.

Photographers’ Journey is more than exhibition; it is a celebration of the myriad ways in which photography allows us to connect with the world and each other. The diversity of styles, subjects and approaches represented in this show reflects a rich tapestry of human creativity and offers an invigorating glimpse into the potential of photography as a medium of exploration and connection. 

Significant awards for the Grand Prize winner and two Runners-Up were provided by Archival Methods, Adobe, Lumiere Photo, Scott’s Photo by Rowe, and Image City.  Category awards were provided by the following businesses in the Neighborhood of the Arts:

• Carnegie Cellars
• Marriott Courtyard Rochester Downtown
• George Eastman Museum
• Rochester Broadway Theater League
• ROC City Circus
• Salena’s
• Scents by Design
• Writers and Books

Celestial Lights: An Ethereal Journey

When Rochester was gearing up for the 2024 Eclipse, Image City Gallery Partner Dick Bennett thought that images from the eclipse might be a timely theme for his 2024 Featured Show.  However, when the sky was covered in clouds, and the changing views of the eclipse were not visible in Rochester, he shifted gears a bit and came up with the idea of Celestial Nights.  Dick invited the following photographers, who enjoy night sky photography, to join him in his featured exhibit: Joe Altieri, Image City Partner Marie Costanza, Robert Crumrine, Mike Dorofy, Cindy El-Gaaly, Tom Knauss, Margy Meath, Martha Price, Sue Rossi and Patty Singer. Dick says, “Though Celestial Lights may have an origin in the mystics and ancient beliefs, in this sense it stands for lights in the night sky such as the Aurora Borealis, the Milky Way or an Eclipse of the sun.” Celestial Nights is a captivating exhibition that illuminates the visceral connection we share with the cosmos.  The collection manifests an ethereal journey through the nocturnal heavens, showcasing an array of phenomena from the golden hues of the sunset to the enigmatic glow of the Aurora Borealis.  

For this exhibit several of the photographers chose to display their journey through images of the Milky Way, which stretch across the canvas of space, revealing intricate dust lanes and vibrant star clusters within our galactic home. The colors are vibrant yet nuanced, bringing out the natural beauty of our universe in ways that feel new and profound. Sue Rossi, who photographed the Milky Way over a covered bridge in Vermont, says that she likes the final result of this image because “it gives a vivid picture of how beautiful the Milky Way is.”  Sue enjoys going with friends on her photography journeys because of the “life-long memories” that are created.

The moon, another intriguing part of the night sky, and our closest celestial neighbor, is often depicted in a variety of settings, from the serene to the dramatic. Marie Costanza, who has enjoyed observing the moon and the stars since she was a child, decided to combine her love of the sky with her love of birds. Her photo entitled “Lunar Soar,” is an image of a Short-eared owl with the full moon in the background. Marie says “Since it was December when I shot this image, the sun set early, and the sky darkened quickly, so I had to move fast when taking several photos of the owls.” Later when the moon was visible in the sky, Marie took photos of it and merged the two images together to create her composite image.

Another photographer who enjoys the moon is Cindy El-Gaaly. The “Yosemite Moonbow” was one of dozens of images captured by Cindy, during a spring visit to Yosemite National Park, which she says “is a magical time of year.”  She says “the light is amplified at night when the light of a full moon strikes Yosemite Falls at just the right angle, creating a nighttime lunar rainbow, also referred to as a Moonbow.”  Cindy encourages viewers to “go out and look at a starry sky, or a field of fireflies dancing in the fields. Enjoy the magic.”

Photographing star trails is a stunning way to capture night shots that illustrate stars moving in the sky. Martha Price and Joe Altieri chose to exhibit this type of image. Martha’s “Star Trails at Arches National Park,” is a compilation of about 70 stacked photos centered around Polaris, the North Star.  The rock formation is Balanced Rock.  Martha says, “As we were taking our photos, the weather was cool, and we could hear coyotes howling in the distance.    The moon behind us provided some light for the rocky foreground.” Joe stayed closer to home when he captured his image by Lake Ontario, “Star Trails at Sodus.”  Joe explains, “This was a project that was planned for some time, playing a tug of war with weather and timing. The goal was to catch the sunset and trailing stars in a composite showing a transition from day into night. Our home star, the Sun, mixed in with its local community of neighbors. These trails are very beautiful and can create some dynamic imagery. The lighthouse was a perfect component to add into this type of composition providing a cool central light source connecting to    the stars.”

In July, 2020, many photographers also flocked to Lake Ontario to watch Comet Neowise make an appearance.  Patty Singer says, “A few of us were watching it over Lake Ontario with other people.  I decided to back up a bit and capture the comet with some people that were sitting on a bench in the foreground. Lo and behold, I was surpised and pleased to see that my 10 second capture included a firefly that flew over the people in my foreground. It was a pleasant surprise that I think really added to the photo.” 

When the Aurora Borealis was visible in Rochester, many photographers, including Dick Bennett, Robert Crumrine, Mike Dorofy and Margy Meath spent time photographing this phenomenon over Lake Ontario. Mike says, “There were two nights during May that were good for viewing the Auroras.” Mike took his photo “Braddock Bay Lighthouse” on the second night.  He says “I enjoy visiting this location for sunrises, and when there was a second night of Auroras, I was pleased to have the opportunity to capture it from there.”  Robert Crumine, who took his image along the lakeshore at Webster Park says “I wanted to preserve my memory of this display, and it was the best I’ve seen in 20 years.” Whether they were in a foreign country or in the Rochester area, the photographers managed to capture the dynamic, dancing lights with a clarity and vibrancy that is breathtaking.  The colors seem to leap from the images creating a visceral experience for the viewer.  The photos not only showcase the phenomenon itself but also convey the emotional impact of witnessing such a natural wonder.  Margy Meath, who was on the shore of Lake Ontario in Greece, also observing the incredible light show, says that her image “was one of the first images I took on the night of the Aurora show, and it represents a night I will never forget. All day long I was getting text alerts about the potential show, which was visible just as it was getting dark.  At first it seemed subtle, but very quickly this image emerged, and it looked like a curtain—starting high in the sky and flowing down toward the horizon.  I’ve never seen anything like this and to see such incredible northern lights and color in Rochester is very rare.”

Tom Knauss, like Dick Bennett, was anticipating several images of the Solar Eclipse on April 8.  Since Rochester was under heavy cloud coverage, Tom created “Rochester Broken Glass.” He says, he created the image “as a spoof of the Eclipse.” He took a photo of cloud-covered Rochester, which he merged with a sketch of cracked glass.  He had previously taken an image of totality with a diamond ring during the August 2017 Solar Eclipse, when he was visiting Wyoming.  He layered all of his images together in order to create this fascinating, creative image.

Beyond the technical mastery and artistic beauty of the photographs, Celestial Nights offers a profound narrative on the interplay of light and darkness, the vastness of our universe and the intimate moments when we pause to look up at the night sky.  It is a celebration of the natural world, an invitation to contemplation and a reminder of the fragile beauty that surrounds us, often unseen in our rushed lives. 

This exhibition is a must see for anyone who looks up at the night sky with curiosity and amazement. Celestial Lights is at Image City from July 9-August 4, 2024.  The opening reception is on July 12, 5-8:30, and the First Friday opening is on August 2, 5-9.

What are your thoughts or questions about the photographs in Celestial Lights? Please respond in the comment box below.

During the winter, when Gil Maker thought about a theme for his June 2024 show, he decided to focus on the idea of “Home.”  He says, “I do not like shooting in the cold, so I don’t go out much during the winter months.  To keep me busy, I started to photograph my house.”  His images depict rooms, items and anything in his home that caught his attention.  Since Gil enjoys reading, and he likes to show off his book collection, one of his favorite images that he captured is his photo entitled Books. 

Gil points out that the theme of Home can have a variety of meanings to each person. He says his images are just one of the many interpretations of what a home can represent.  Gil invited the other Image City Gallery Partners to join him in his featured show.  When the 6 interested partners asked him to explain what his thoughts were regarding the theme, he gave them complete flexibility to interpret it in whatever way they saw fit.  Each partner ended up with an interpretation based on individual unique interests. 

Because plants are an integral part of­ “home,” John Solberg chose their house plants to become the subject of his display.  They are cared for with love by his wife Louise.  There is a mixture of plants in their home, some they’ve had for many years, and new plants that have been added to their collection along the way.  John has used a minimalist approach while photographing and printing his collection, using only a plain white background that allows each plant to stand on its own. Two of John’s photos are of Peace Lilies.  He says “one of them displays the simple beauty at the peak of life; the other has passed its prime, but remains beautiful in its own way. Its flower seems to be pointing towards something, and we can only wonder about what it is.”  When he spotted these two beauties against a bright sheer living room curtain, they became the first two images in his collection. “It was their simplicity, the long stem, the beautiful cup-shaped flower. It was a ‘wow’.”   After that it was easy to pick candidates from among their other plants.  John hopes that when viewers see his images, they might take the opportunity “to take a moment to look and appreciate just one thing.”

Like John and Gil, Luann Pero focused on the interior of homes.  She decided “to paint a picture of a sanctuary of welcoming warmth and comfort.”  Luann says that when she saw “a small room enveloped in filtered sunlight, along with the colors of the room playing on the gauzy fabric of curtains,” she was enticed to photograph her “Window Curtain” images.  She also chose two stained glass lamps to photograph.  She said she “can envision sitting beside one of these lamps in an easy chair, reading a book in its soft warm glow.”  Luann hopes viewers can feel a sense of the belonging, warmth and comfort in her images as they relate to the theme of Home, and that her images “convey this calm, elegant atmosphere.”

When choosing her subject, Marie Costanza, decided to step outside of her home and stroll through her backyard. Marie enjoys taking photos of the birds that nestle near her home, so she decided “to focus on some of the birds who have made their home at my home.” She says, “Each image tells a unique story of survival, adaptability and the innate drive to create a space called home.”  She says spring offers a glimpse into the frantic activity of nest construction and the gathering of seeds to feed the babies.  Summer illuminates with the bustling demands of fledglings as well as the way the various birds adapt to her backyard environment, where they enjoy relaxing in their “sauna,” dining at the “Mosaic Inn,” or going for a swim in their “water hole.”  Some simply enjoy hanging out, like a female Baltimore Oriole, who was hoping to catch a glimpse of the Rochester eclipse!  Marie says that the images in her display are “a celebration of the unseen lives happening right outside our windows.” Also, it is a tribute to the diversity of avian life and an invitation to slow down and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us, encouraging a deeper connection with nature’s marvels that flourish in our own backyards. 

Don Menges took a different approach to the theme.  He says that his photos explore the idea that “homes can have different visual interpretations.  Some are elaborate, some are beaten, and some are just humorous.”  Don’s favorite image in his collection is called The Box.  It was taken several years ago when his granddaughter was playing and crawling out of a cardboard box.  He says that to her it was a home, and it reminds him “of the innocence of children.”  Don points out “It is a nostalgic photo and reminds me that each of us were in that very same box, albeit many years ago.”

Steve Levinson chose an artistic concept using mansions as the subject of his photos. He says “There is a saying that every man’s home is his castle, and sometimes a castle is actually a home!” The photographs Steve chose for his display are from the Biltmore Mansion and the George Eastman home. For the Eastman mansion photographs, Steve says, “I tried to capture its majesty with a slightly surrealistic twist, using a distorted fisheye lens.” Steve points out that both locations provide an example of how the owner’s wealth created an amazing home, which is so different from the “average” home in which most of us live.  These owners used almost unlimited funds to create a place to live and for entertainment. 

On the other hand, Betsy Phillips took an opposite view from Steve when photographing her Home subjects.  She says, “My images are about what the experience of home is for many of the less fortunate, and how each image conveys the mood of those living there, either by its unexpected vibrancy or by the reality of the residents’ poverty.  Betsy’s image entitled Te Amo (I love you) includes this message scratched into the bright blue painted exterior.  Betsy explains “a small dog awaits on the front steps, hats are hung on the door, toys are strewn about and clean-up tools are at the ready—just like any other home, despite the fact that poverty is clearly evident.”  The lights and the bright blue give the sense that life is celebrated here.  Betsy hopes that when viewers see her images, they will realize that “home is not always warm and fuzzy, like the classic Norman Rockwell portrayal, but that there can be a certain beauty in the most ordinary of spaces.” 

The concept of “home” resonates differently within each heart. The Home photography exhibit is a testament to the idea that while our definitions of home may differ vastly, the emotional tethering to a place we belong is universally inherent. Through the lens of some of the Image City Partners, visitors are invited into kitchens, living rooms, backyards and other personal spaces that hold the essence of everyday life. Through each photograph, we invite visitors to ponder “What does home mean to you?” It’s a question that yields infinite answers and yet brings us all closer.    In the comment box below please tell us, or upload an image, that shows what home means to you.

The Home exhibit is on display at Image City Photography Gallery, 722 University Avenue, from June 11-July 7.