How did you get interested in photography and underwater photography? I’ve been involved with still photography for over 50 years. As a science educator, I frequently found it necessary to utilize my own field photos to help explain and interpret both life-science and physical-science concepts to students and other participants. My life-long interest in physical exercise, especially swimming, led me to SCUBA diving where I immediately felt the desire to use an underwater camera to record as much of this alien world photographically for use both in education and for my own enjoyment. I’m currently teaching intermediate-to-advanced digital photography workshops at the New York Botanical Garden School of Adult Education and I’ve recently been appointed their Coordinator of Photography Education. Would NST residents be interest in coming to the NY Botanical Garden for one of their many classes? It’s in the Bronx, isn’t it? If residents avoid the Cross Bronx Expressway (use the Bronx River Parkway), they can get there in 30 minutes and return home in 20 minutes. There’s free parking for classes and discounts for members. Just log in to: www.nybg. org/adulted for details. What’s special about it? It’s one of the best places in the world for photography and/or total relaxation with nature. NYBG has 250 acres, 50 of which are a native forest “with a river running through.” There are millions of plants in stupendous collections, i n c r e d i b l e year-round garden landscapes, bird watching and wonderful conservatory exhibits such as the Orchid Show and Train Show. Membership (yes, it includes 20 percent senior discount for some categories) includes year round admission; discounts at Shop in the Garden and education programs; guest passes; parking passes; and invitations to numerous special membership days. There are also trips and programs. This summer there were 3 evening jazz concerts with dancing and a cocktail. What more can you ask? Further information: www.nybg.org Leslie is taking Botanical Art Classes at the Garden in pursuit of a Botanical Art Certificate. What are you concentrating on now? Most of my photography is directed to nature, especially flowers (due to my work at NYBG), animals, birds and marine underwater life. Underwater photography is the most challenging in terms of constantly changing conditions and fast and furious action … I love it. I was taking a photo of Leslie in the Caribbean when a pair of reef sharks came between us (I was about 3 feet away). We usually do several trips each year, mostly devoted to diving and underwater photography. We’re planning a trip to Turk & Palau in Micronesia in 2015. Much of my photographic work can be viewed as slide show videos at: www.ghostcrab.smugmug. com. Be sure to click on the text to enter the specific galleries: Flora, Underwater Photography, Animals, Upcoming Workshops & Presentations. Clicking on ‘contact’ will send you directly to my e-mail, ghostcrab.jf@gmail.com. What advice would you give to a beginning or intermediate photographer? Before purchasing or upgrading to a new digital camera, go to the manufacturers website, download the appropriate manual, read it and be sure that this equipment will meet your needs. Ask questions at your point of purchase (reputable camera store). They are very knowledgeable. Use it or lose it. Shoot lots of pictures. You can always delete the duds later. Learn from your mistakes Remember, your photo should tell a story. Frame a photo that grabs the viewer’s attention. It takes practice. Be sure you are at eye level or lower; don’t look down on your subject. Get up close and personal, fill the frame with the face or subject. Where else can I get your free advice and training? Log on to B&H Photo Video-Event Space and look at their schedule of presentations. These are free and open to the public on the 2nd floor of their store. 428 Ninth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets. Registration is online. I’ll be doing a presentation there in early November on shooting birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals behind various enclosures like glass and bars. Hope to see you there or at the Botanical Garden. Leslie and Jeff Falk are at NST for just a year and “love it here. The unreal conveniences make life so easy. We joined the Photography Club and Garden Club, use the gym and swimming pool on a frequent basis.” Thanks to Jack Schwarz, our in-house photographer and former colleague of Jeff at Flushing High School, we got to meet him. PICTURE By FRED CHERNOW 56 North Shore Towers Courier n September 2014 Perfect
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