Meet the Finalists: Celebrating New Jersey Through the Lens
We are proud to showcase the talented finalists of the #hereismynj photo contest, held in collaboration with @NewJerseyIsntBoring. Each finalist has captured the spirit and beauty of New Jersey in a way that inspires and connects us to the Garden State's unique character. Below, you'll find the incredible stories and bios of these gifted photographers who bring New Jersey to life through their art.
Edward Volpe
I'm a passionate photographer who discovered photography 25 years ago out of curiosity. What began as a hobby soon became a deep passion, driving me to explore creativity and express my vision through the lens. For me, there's nothing more fulfilling than capturing the beauty of colors in a photograph. Over time, I’ve learned that the best photos are often unplanned—those random moments with a certain authenticity. I believe inspiration is everywhere, and I draw creative energy from the world around me. Whether it's a subject caught in action or a vibrant landscape, I aim to capture the emotions within each frame. My ultimate goal is to connect with my audience, offering them a fresh perspective and allowing them to see the world through my creative lens. I find inspiration in the simplest things, which keeps my work dynamic and ever-evolving. This openness to new ideas lets me experiment with different techniques, ensuring my photography stays engaging and full of life.
Mei-An Raicer
Mei-An Raicer is a small animal veterinarian who, when not at work, can either be found deep in the woods looking for owls or helping with fox rehabilitation. Helping animals is her passion.
As a child, she spent as much time as possible outside in the solitude of the woods searching for wildlife, which still holds to this day…although now it is with a camera in hand. She has been fortunate enough to go on remote photographic travel adventures, but most of her photos are taken in and around Monmouth County.
Photography fulfills her love of animals and penchant for detail. She has always been drawn to eye expressions, and her favorite photographs are those in which she feels like she’s sharing a secret with an animal. Her favorite subjects to photograph are owls due to their elusiveness and the challenge involved in finding them.
Ned Luke
Ned Luke is a New Jersey-based photographer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in landscape and travel photography. His work captures the beauty of locations close to his heart, with a focus on the natural and cultural richness of his surroundings. Ned’s photography has been featured in several publications, including NJ Monthly and CREO Magazine. Based in Madison, NJ, he draws much of his inspiration from the state’s diverse landscapes and coastal views. When not behind the camera, Ned enjoys spending time with his wife, son and dog and exploring new locations.
Mary Shadbolt
Mary Kamphausen Shadbolt is a native of NJ, a Fine Art Illustrator, Photographer, and Art Educator. Her work is inspired by light, nature, weather, animals, and folklore, and it tells visual narratives.
These themes reside in Mary’s photography through exploring fog, botanicals, shadows, landscapes, and old buildings. Experience through earning her BFA had her drawing and in the darkroom. Additional coursework at art school polished Mary’s love of nature, lines, and whimsy, landing her work in many publications and exhibits. Mary’s successful career as a professional artist continued over 3 decades and growing, becoming an art educator. This culminated in all her creative careers, making her feel complete. After decades of teaching K-12 art in public school, Mary opened her art school in downtown Denville. There, a wonderful community of future artists continues to flourish, and she hosts art shows for her students, cultivating pride and confidence as they grow artistically.
Mary creates, captures, and exhibits while teaching, highlighting to her students all that is possible with a career in the arts. You can find her personal work on Instagram at MusingsbyMary or her website at MaryShadbolt.com. You can follow her art school for ages 7 to adult on Instagram at ArtClasseswithMaryShadbolt or her website ArtClasswithMary.com.