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By Tara Mae

Behold the beauty as seen through another’s eyes with the Port Jefferson Photography Club’s (PJPC) exhibit, Through the Camera Lens, at Emma Clark Library, 120 Main Street in Setauket. 

On view through the month of August, the exhibit features approximately 30 photos by club members Ralph Baldasarra, Barry Bernstein, Wendy Beaton, Michael Boren, William Hammer, Terry Murphy, Kathy Pisculli, Darlene Prowse, Anneliese Scheef, Irene Stern, C. Visconti, and Peter Willstein.

Housed on the walls of the library’s new Level Up Kitchen Library Café on the first floor next to the reference desk, all images in Through the Camera Lens have a card that lists the title of the photo, the photographer’s name, and contact information. Many of these photos are for sale; visitors are encouraged to contact the photographer if interested in purchasing a photo. 

The images illuminate a spectrum of perspectives and personalities, taking the viewer on a tour of instances and ideas.

“We have such a diverse, well-traveled membership that we ask members to display what they would like to share with the audience. Travel, black & white, landscape, architecture, animals, portraits, etc,” said Prowse. 

A variety of outlook and style enables attendees to see the world from individual points of view: common sights may reveal uncommon insights and fleeting moments are made forever spellbinding. 

“It gives us an opportunity to share with others the places we have been, the way we see the world and our creativity in unusual and artful creations,” Prowse added. “It is like sharing a family photo album with someone who is really interested in what you are showing them. It is also an affirmation of the work we have put into creating an image.”

Satisfaction comes from sharing their passion not only with each other, but the public. To this endeavor, the PJPC seeks to exhibit its work in community spaces as a means of connection.

Now in its 12th year, the club has an ongoing installation at Port Jefferson’s Pasta Pasta restaurant which changes seasonally. Among other accolades, its booth won first place at a recent St. James Art Walk. And PJPC has also displayed work at Gallery North’s Outdoor Art Show in Setauket, Watermark Galleries in St. James, and Bayport-Blue Point Public Library in Blue Point.

August’s show at Emma Clark Library follows July’s exhibit at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Having both personal and pragmatic benefits — friendships, greater exposure, and refinement of craft — the library exhibit is the members’ latest foray into artistic communication with an audience and one another.

“…it shows that our area has an interest in the arts and appreciates local clubs and organization involvement. Hopefully, this will encourage others to show an interest in the PJPC,” Prowse said. 

In addition to its community involvement, PJPC cultivates its artistic presence in part by facilitating its social network. The club hosts monthly lectures and goes on monthly field trips, visiting museums, beaches, New York City, etc. for group bonding, motivation, and inspiration.

“Photography gives me a chance to be creative and I love to show off my work…I love the social aspect of it,” said the Club’s Vice President Barry Bernstein.

Participating in the organization allows its members to focus the poetic precision of photography while benefiting from the camaraderie of a shared passion. It galvanizes participants to hone their craft and nurture their artistry.

“What I think is most rewarding about photography is the ability to capture a moment in time; to be able to freeze a moment of a bald eagle flying, to capture the colorful sunrises or sunsets, and to add my own creativity to what I photograph. It can be done anywhere, at anytime, with a group of people or by myself,” said PJPC President Anne DePietri.

The PJPC is committed to nurturing the creative nature of its members. Its outreach endeavors are part of a diligent effort to foster imaginative understanding and entice an engaged network. 

“Belonging to a group is so inspiring. There might be a day that is gloomy and I’m not motivated to go out and find something interesting to shoot. It helps to know that my fellow members are expecting me to present something I looked at in a different way and made an interesting photo,” Prowse said 

From those presentations, PJPC expands dialogue to move behind the club: its exhibit at Emma Clark Library is broadening the conversation between artists and audience, inviting individuals not only to observe but to partake in the process.

Photographers of any level are invited to join PJPC, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Port Jefferson Free Library and on the fourth Tuesday of the month over Zoom.

“We welcome new members who want to explore photography or enhance their skills,” Prowse said. “Belonging to a group is so inspiring.”

For members of PJPC, getting to show their work with their community is as gratifying and a source of continuous encouragement.

“I think one of the most rewarding parts of being a member of the Port Jefferson Photography Club is the non-judgemental support of everyone and the eagerness to share and learn from each other,” DePietri said.

To learn more about the PJPC, visit portjeffphotoclub.org or email [email protected].