Locals capture Nassau County

“Wherever I go, I bring my camera. It’s just fun,” said 17-year-old East Meadow High School graduate John Aveni. He was one of six winners at the third annual Friends of the East Meadow Public Library photography competition, “Nassau County Through the Photographer’s Lens,” placing first and second in the young adults category.

Aveni’s interest in photography began at 14 years old when he started snapping pictures of friends on skateboards. However, his interests have evolved and now Aveni commonly captures images in nature, winning first place for a shot taken at Twin Lakes Preserve in Wantagh.

While photography started out as a hobby for Angela Valveri, 18, of Uniondale, the young woman has decided to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Nassau Community College in hopes of becoming a forensic photographer. Valveri said her interest developed into a passion during an introductory photography class at NCC. “I didn’t mind being there for four hours,” she said. “It was great.” It was an assignment for class that led to her third-place win in the photography contest – a black-and-white profile of her fashion-forward twin sister, Jennifer.

Among the experienced adults who entered the contest was Scott Ross, of Freeport, who placed Best in Show. An event photographer for nearly 30 years, Ross takes landscape images as a hobby and won for a picture of the Long Beach jetties taken in 2009.

The Nikon fan advises beginners to embrace their hobby, but suggests, “The event business is done. Forget doing that.” Evolving technology is the reason for his pessimism, but admits that the transition from film to digital images “reenergized” his passion.

Merrick resident Ann Parry, who placed second in the competition, was the only photographer who submitted her work on canvas. The image, taken at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick, focuses on the green grass against the bright blue sky that’s filled with puffy, white clouds. “It’s my favorite place,” she said about the park, “because it’s the highest point on the south shore of Nassau County.”

After retiring from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Parry picked up photography and enjoys capturing Long Island through her lens, as well as freelancing for local news agencies. She often follows places and events over time, developing a comprehensive interest. “The longer I cover something, the more understanding I have of it,” Parry said.

Twelve photographers submitted 40 images that will be on display at the library until July 31, said Leah Canzoneri, president of Friends of the EMPL. The organization dedicated to giving back to the community hosted the competition that was judged by Krista Sildver, a professional wedding photographer and part-time employee at the circulations desk.

Additional winners, who were unable to attend the reception on June 29, included East Meadow residents Joanna Gaddola and Karen Newman, who placed first and third respectively.