Once a week, we interview one of our Patrons or a photographer from our Slack community on NJspots.com!
We hope that you learn a new spot or new camera setup!
Who are you, and where in New Jersey are you from?
Hello, my name is Salvatore Recupero. I am currently putting together a website to expand more on my photography.
I enjoy hiking and finding new locations to explore. Thankfully where I am located, I can explore cities, beaches and mountains all within an hour of driving! I tend to go to the Watchung Reservation or down the shore.
What are the three best spots for photography in New Jersey, and why?
Since I am fairly new to photography, my locations are limited. These are the three spots which stood out to me in the Garden State:
1. State Line Lookout Scenic View in Palisades Park.
I really enjoy this location because there are multiple walking and hiking paths in the park. You can hike all the way down to the water! One of the pathways even allows you to walk into New York State. The best part of this location is it provides fantastic views of the Hudson River.
2. Buttermilk Falls.
This location is perfect for hiking as there are multiple trails located here. If you are up for it, there are steep stairs located to the left of the falls which will provide an even greater view of the Falls and surrounding areas.
3. Hoboken.
Hoboken provides the ultimate views of New York City. The best part of taking photos here has to be the sunsets. They are always spectators and the water helps add to the photo! Even when looking over to the city, the light reflecting off the building will make a great photo.
What's your camera setup?
I am currently using a Nikon D750. I have four lenses; however, I usually use NIKKOR 24-80mm.
What's your dream piece of gear? Think big!
I mean if I had endless money to spend, I would love to try out the Nikon NIKKOR AF-S Telephoto Lens for Nikon F – 800mm – F/5, or something newer.
I would also like to purchase a drone down the road to get great shots overhead.
What's one bucket list photo of New Jersey you haven't gotten yet?
There are so many places I still have to visit. I would have to choose between either Cape May or High Point. Yes, both locations are over a 3-hour drive from one another, but it just goes to show how diverse NJ can be from people to locations.
If you want to visit Cape May, check out one of our guides to Cape May Point or a free adventure at Exit Zero to get you started!
One tip for aspiring photographers?
While I may be new to the game, you definitely need to experiment with your camera settings. Don’t just point and shoot then leave! It takes time to learn the best ways to shoot, so it can take upwards of 30 minutes to try and capture the “perfect” shot. While I am no expert, you need to be okay with negative criticism as it will ultimately help your progress.
What's your favorite part of being a photographer?
“Photographer Feature” is an ongoing segment featuring our Patrons and Slack community members. Contact editor Abbey Dufoe for more information.
