Juror: Donna Larschan, President of the Suffolk Camera Club.  Donna has been the Suffolk Camera Club president for 8 years.  She has guest judged PFLI competitions in the past and has had several of her own works awarded and recognized by her peers.

Congratulations to these artists for being selected in this fine art exhibit: Virginia Aschmoneit, Alyson Betz, Jack Calandra, Cara Cilento, Joe Cintorino, Deidre Elzer-Lento, Nicole Esposito, Jerry Goldstein, Anthony Graziano, Rob Heubish, Dave Johns, Rich LaBella Jacques LeBlanc, Danielle Leef, Melissa Maiello, Kathleen Massi, Madison Muehl, Amy Medina, Dawn Reilly, Jim Sabiston, James Slezak, and Bobbie Turner

Juror Donna Larson shared a few words with us all at the reception on April 1st.

First let me say Thank You to all who submitted their pictures to the gallery capturing “Waterfalls and Water Flows”, each unique in their own way. Every picture you see hanging here is an expression of what the Photographer, the artist, saw. They captured that moment in time and have shared it with us!

I was asked to choose 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. And If I felt strongly about an additional image or more, I could also present an Honorable Mention.

This was not an easy task! So how do I choose?

When I look at a picture, it has to draw me into it. Does it tell me a story, does it evoke emotions, feelings? And as I look with a photographer’s eye, I can appreciate that the photographer may have used many talents to portray that scene. Composition, Colors, Depth of field, Post Work and of course, final Presentation. Each important in its own way. Some pictures may have been more difficult to shoot, while others more creative in the presentation.

Excellence In Photography Honorable Mentions

Power by Virginia Aschmoneit | Available at Long Island Photo Gallery

Honorable Mention is also presented to: “Power” by Virginia Aschmoneit

In this black and white depiction, we are taken in at first by the powerful waterfall coming down and over the levels of rocks to the stream below. The old tree to the left gives the sense of where we are standing looking in. The rocky outcroppings on the right side take us further into the scene. At the top we can see there is a stream or lake which is the source for the waterfall, and beyond we see into the woods. These separations give us a feeling of expanse and distance in this picture.

Iceland Waterfall by Bobbie Turner | Available at Long Island Photo Gallery

Honorable Mention is presented to one last picture: Iceland Waterfall by Bobby Turner.

We are immediately drawn into the immense streams of water cascading from the edge above. We are looking from behind in this picture – a very different view than most! From here we are drawn to look out and over the green fields where we can see people standing and observing the waterfall. In the far distance is a pleasing sunrise with a band of orange and white clouds rising to the blue sky. Using color bands and people in this picture created a spacious view. Very creative composition.

April Showers by Dawn Reilly | Available at Long Island Photo Gallery

Honorable Mention is presented to: “April Showers” by Dawn Riley.

This is the only photograph where the water is seen as soft – just a hint of rain falling down. It accumulates at the bottom of the leaves, gently hanging on. If we look closely, we can see a lovely reflection of the leaves in this rain drop. The soft muted background adds to the gentleness of this image. A sweet capture with pleasing colors throughout.    

3rd Place Excellence In Photography Award

Oneida Falls by Rich LaBella | Available at Long Island Photo Gallery

3^rd place: Is awarded to “Oneida Falls” by Rich LaBellla.

When gazing into this beautiful setting the fall colors just pop out from this picture and form a frame around the stream and the Waterfalls. We see some small rapids in the foreground with more color in the water from the light and also from the leaves on the stream’s bed. I could almost reach out and touch the water. The pond at the base of the waterfall has a white foam line rising up from the churning waters. Excellent presentation. Well done.

2nd Place Excellence In Photography Award

Chaos and Calm by Joe Cintorino | Available at Long Island Photo Gallery

2^nd Place: Is Awarded to “Chaos and Calm” by Joe Cintorino.

Aptly named we are drawn into the chaos of the water charging forward and colliding into lower areas. It still rushes on to crash and churn. And yet, with all this chaos, there is calm. Three huge boulders sit calmly, unbothered by what is going on around them. They are not moved by the chaos. They sit and defy the water pounding on them. This was not easy – to portray both emotions in one picture. Wonderful presentation as well. Nicely done.

1st Place Excellence In Photography Award

Over The Edge by Anthony Graziano | Available at Long Island Photo Gallery

1^st Place is presented to “Over the Edge” by Tony Grazziano.

I was immediately drawn to this picture as the water was only slightly blurred allowing me to see, almost feel, the waterfall coming down layer by layer over the rocks – then pounding into the bottom. You can see some light shining through the scene. This light draws you up along the right side where it illuminates the rocky walls of the gorge created by this rushing water. Your eyes move up into the trees in the woods and the forest beyond. As we look upon the high walls on the left, there is a sense of just how powerful this water had to be to create such a deep gorge! A wonderful capture telling the story of the power of water! The presentation was excellent.

The Waterfalls and Water Flows Exhibit will be on display until April 24th, 2021 at Long Island Photo Gallery. The gallery is located at 467 Main Street in Islip, New York. All artwork within the exhibit is on display and available for purchase. Please visit or call the gallery with any inquiries at 1(888) 600-5474. You can also shop online with our online fine art catalog; Photo Art Pavilion.

Long Island Photo Gallery is committed to representing award-winning, professional and emerging artists in photography. We are proud to have been displaying and selling custom, fine photographic art since 2007.