About us

Posted: January 10th, 2009 | Filed under: |

The NJ Photo Forum is a not for profit group that was started in 1995 by Nancy J. Ori of Berkeley Heights, and Michael Creem of Summit, as an opportunity for professional photographers, photo educators and serious amateurs to meet and discuss their work, share expertise, advance skills and explore exhibit possibilities within the fine art community.

The group has grown over the years to become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state, rivaled only by the American Society of Media Photographers, ASMP, which is a commercially based organization.

The membership comes from all areas of the state and as a group we have tremendous variety in style and photographic technique. There are several recurring themes in our work, such as: Nature, Environment, Architecture, Heritage and Culture.

The monthly meetings begin at 7:00PM with a period of informal conversation. This followed by announcements of interest to the group including member’s shows, future events and workshops. Members who have brought work to show then present it for discussion. Each presentation and discussion lasts about 5-10 minutes in order to have enough time to get to know each photographer and their work. Each meeting costs $5. There are no other charges to be a member of the Forum. All are welcome.

Periodically during the year, we have devoted the evening to special presentations by manufacturers, curators, professional photographers, photo labs or demonstrations of new equipment or creative techniques. >

In addition to our regular meetings, we occasionally offer photography workshops each year to improve skills, lectures to hear experts from the fine art community, a traveling juried exhibit opening each year at the Watchung Arts Center and a chance to “learn by doing” if you get involved with our exhibition committee. For those who are interested in becoming an exhibiting artist, this is a very valuable learning experience.

About DAG:

The Digital Arts Group is a photographic-arts discussion group with a mission to further the understanding and application of digital imaging, manipulation, and printing technologies.

This special-interest group meets monthly to discuss topics of mutual interest, to share experiences and best practices, to exhibit and critique images, and to further the understanding of digital photographic techniques among its members.

Our meetings are very informal. Some are round table discussions, while others have a theme, or topic for discussion.

Membership in the NJ Digital Arts Group is open to anyone interested in digital photography in its broadest definition. Workers at all levels of proficiency are welcome, but the group concentrates on topics of interest to those with intermediate to advanced experience. There are no annual dues, but a small fee will be collected at each meeting you attend. You are considered to be a member if you attend a reasonable number of meetings each year.

Both the Forum and DAG members meet at The Visual Arts Center Of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit. For any additional information see this website or please call Nancy Ori at 908-790-8820 (www.nancyoriphotography.com) or Michael Creem at 908-273-1672 or mcreem@att.net.