Photography Contest 2022
The New Brunswick Free Public Library presented its 15th Annual Photography Contest in the summer of 2022. The deadline for contest submission was extended from September 9 to September 16, 2022. Entrants in the contest were featured in a joint exhibition at the library and Above Art Studios (located at 55B Morris Street, New Brunswick, NJ) in the fall of 2022. A panel of professional photographers judged the submissions for first, second, and third place. Winners were announced at the exhibit's Opening Reception on Friday, October 7th at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Photos submitted to the contest were on display in the library’s Carl T. Valenti Community Room from October 7 until October 19, 2022. Winning and selected photos were exhibited at Above Art Studios until October 21, 2022. The contest and related events were free and open to the public of all ages. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.
A big Thanks to this year's sponsors!
Costa Chica Restaurant; Douglas Pizza & Grill; Filippo's Famous Pizza; George Street Camera; Panico's Restaurant & Bar; Rhythm & Spice Pizzeria & Grill; Scarlet Restaurant 158, all located in New Brunswick, NJ; and Hamilton BBQ in Somerset, NJ.
You may download this year's Presentation here to view all submitted photos.
You may view photos from this year's Reception here in our Flickr album.
You may also view photos of last year’s Reception in our Flickr album here. You can also find links to previous year's presentations at the bottom of this page.
The contest submission form with complete details is available to download here (o en español aquí) for informational purposes.
Two workshops were presented in conjunction with the contest. Here are their descriptions:
- Photography Workshop 1: Candid Photography and Rocking Your Smart Phone Camera, led by professional photographer Mason Resnick.
Thursday, June 16th at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
This workshop is divided into two parts: 1.) Candid Photography: Learn how catching decisive candid moments of people in public places can improve your action and family photos. You'll learn about timing, reacting and anticipating. We'll talk about how approaching photos with no preconceptions or expectations can actually free your mind so you can take better pictures. 2.) Rocking Your Smart Phone Camera: The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most people these days, that's the camera that is built into your phone. We'll look at ways to get the best possible images from your phone. Attendees will be introduced to free apps that will enhance your phone camera's capabilities. Be sure to bring your cell phone to this class!
Mason Resnick currently runs a freelance photography business based in Highland Park. Before that he spent 35 years writing about photography for a variety of photo magazines and web sites, including Modern Photography, Popular Photography, Adorama Learning Center, and Photo District News. He has been shooting candid photos of people in public places since 1976. - Photography Workshop 2: The Art of Portrait Photography, led by professional photographer Jennifer Evans.
Thursday, June 23rd at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Photography is subjective. Ask ten photographers what makes a “great” portrait and you will likely get ten different answers. However, all would agree that an excellent portrait “moves” them and creates a connection between the art and the viewer. While impossible to define the intangible elements that create that personal connection, this class will explore the foundational principles that can help achieve a powerful portrait. Participants will have the opportunity to submit one portrait for instructor feedback.
Jennifer Evans is a Middlesex County-based photographer specializing in portrait photography and the founder/owner of Fotoplicity, LLC. In 2010, after a successful career as an Educational Curriculum Developer in the Health and Beauty industry, she left the corporate world and founded Sewplicity, LLC, a textile-based manufacturing company specializing in custom replacement high-chair covers. While doing product photography for Sewplicity, Jennifer discovered a passion for photography and in 2014 opened Fotoplicity, quickly establishing the brand as a leader in outdoor artistic portraits. In 2017, she opened her first physical studio in East Brunswick and expanded her business to include corporate headshots and fine art photography. She shoots primarily with Sony and Nikon. Jennifer resides in Highland Park with her husband, two daughters, and faithful canine companion, Max.
These in-person workshops were free and open to all, though registration and face masks were required to attend. Feel free to call the library at 732-745-5108 x20, and/or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
"Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund."
Previous Photography Contest Presentations
You may view the presentations of previous submissions, including winners, with the following links: