The Montclair State University Photography Club closed the year with a celebration by hosting its first gallery exhibition at Calcia Hall on December 1.
The Montclair State Photography Club was first approved in December 2020, but due to restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), they had to meet virtually for the spring semester of 2021. Semester d he fall 2021 was their first meeting and creation of works in person.
The president of the photography club, Marissa Di Fulco, major in molecular biology, said the goal of the club is to bring together photography enthusiasts.
“Our club strives to bring together photographers or other people interested in photography to create work, share it, talk about it and make new friendships along the way,” said Di Fulco.
This first gallery is the K. Schnitzer Gallery, a gallery dedicated to showcasing the work produced by Montclair State students throughout the semester.
A table with sweets outside Calcia Hall greets guests before they enter to view the gallery.
Sekhena Sembenou | The Montclarion
Stéphane Arango, senior in biology and treasurer of the club, initially had no experience in photography. But, once she became a member of the board, she learned a lot of creative and high-quality skills that helped her produce some compelling photos.
One was based around the famous Starbucks coffee.
“My photo shows three different Starbucks drinks with a solid green background that gives it a really good contrast,” Arango said. “I also used a filter which gives it a higher saturation which allows it to reflect more.”
Stéphane Arango proudly supports his photo taken this semester.
Sekhena Sembenou | The Montclarion
Vincent Daniels, a junior specializing in justice studies, first discovered the Montclair State Photo Club on social media.
“I was looking for more outlets to join since I’m a transfer, and when I saw the photography club I was very interested,” Daniels said. “I recently got into photography since my grandmother gave me a Nikon, and I just decided to go ahead and capture different moments.”
Vincent Daniels is a transfer junior who finds calm in his photography.
Sekhena Sembenou | The Montclarion
Throughout the semester, Daniels created several pieces including a photograph with naturalistic elements.
“When capturing this [photo], it really relaxed me because life is complicated, and that’s the name of the game every day, ”Daniels said. “But sometimes life can be very simple as long as you persist and try to make it that way.”
Vincent Daniels captures naturalistic elements that illustrate the concepts of peace and tranquility.
Photo courtesy of Vincent Daniels
Rachel Mondelus, major in television and digital media and minor in theater, discovered the club through her photography course. Her teacher encouraged her to look at other people’s work and take a look at the exhibits on campus.
Although not a full member, Mondelus helps club members develop their photos during her lab hours and believes there are many opportunities in this club.
“It allows you full access [to photography]”Mondelus said.” You can develop films, develop photos and there is space and equipment to produce high quality photos. It is probably extremely useful for people who don’t have that at home. House.
Rachel Mondelus accompanies the members of the club in the development of their film and their photos.
Sekhena Sembenou | The Montclarion
The club is open to everyone, including non-majors, and meetings take place every other Wednesday from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. in the Calcia hall, room 131.
Carl Gunhouse, assistant professor of photography at Montclair State, hopes the club will continue to grow.
“We hope [our club] expands photography community in Montclair [State]”Gunhouse said.
To learn more about the Montclair State Photography Club, you can visit their Instagram account @ msu.photoclub.
