Biography
Jeff Newman is a lifelong resident of Hunterdon County, NJ. Jeff currently resides in Flemington, NJ where he lives with his wife Skye and works in the automotive industry. Jeff's love of photography began as a child when he was inspired by his mother Phyllis, an accomplished watercolor artist and a talented photographer in her own right.
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One day, while on vacation at Hershey Gardens, Phyllis handed her camera to a ten-year-old Jeff and asked him to take her picture while she posed smelling a flower. Jeff framed the shot and the point-and-shoot camera took care of the rest. In those days, before digital, you had to wait until the film was developed to see how the picture turned out. Jeff still remembers the excitement and amazement when he and Phyllis first saw the picture Jeff took of her. Phyllis said it was her favorite picture of herself.
Phyllis encouraged Jeff to enter that photograph in a photo contest at the local library. He did and won Best of Show in the youth division. Jeff was hooked and has loved photography ever since.
Jeff now exhibits and sells his photography, and is a Member Artist with New Jersey Photography Forum, Artsbridge, Art•Venture, and the Photographers Group. Jeff enjoys shooting a variety of subjects including landscapes and seascapes, travel photography, people, animals, flowers, macros, and still lifes. Jeff is working hard to grow his passion and share his vision with the world.
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Artist Statement
My mother got me started with photography when I was young and still inspires me today. As I grew, so did her role in my art. She loved to paint from photographs, mostly her own, but as my photography progressed she began painting from some of my photographs as well. There was no greater honor than knowing one of my pictures inspired her enough to paint it and no greater reward than knowing my photograph helped her art. Nothing was more exciting then shooting a scene, or printing a photo, that “my mom would like to paint”. I still feel that excitement today, and although she is no longer with us, I continue to connect with her through my photography.
Description of My Work
My art is not about a particular style or type, it’s about creating a sense of place and how it makes you feel. I enjoy shooting a variety of subjects and am inspired by light and shadows, color, line, shape, pattern, and texture which I apply to my photographs. I then use unique perspectives to highlight these features and present my vision in an interesting and creative way. If my photograph evokes mood or emotion in the viewer, then it’s a success.