Behind the Lens & Seeing Gold

I've been fortunate throughout my career to have worked with a variety of talented photographers, beginning with Peter DeMott during my Arlingtonian days of high school and reporter/photographer/friend Brian McDermott during my Reporter days in New Jersey. They introduced me to the world of 35mm cameras.

Since then I've been inspired by the work and eyes of Gary Smith, a longtime photographer at the Maryland Independent who unexpectedly passed away four years ago, and Augie Selckmann, the first full-time photographer at the Times-Crescent and later the Calvert Independent. I will never forget the photo that Augie caught of a rescue from a car crash ~ it was of a volunteer fireman holding a baby to his shoulder as he soothed and patted its back while the other firefighters finished getting the mother out of the car. The emotion caught in that instant still catches my heart. These two photojournalists widened my view of photography.

There are many others who inspire me to seek a documentary viewpoint, whether in storytelling or catching life's milestone moments, and these include Amanda Banning Pankhurst and most recently Backpack Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker Extraordinaire Bill Gentile.

But for the past 12 years, I've considered myself most fortunate to be inspired daily by my colleague, Val Nyce. The college's lead photography coordinator, Val gives generously of her time, encouragement and tutoring as she shares her expertise and experience. I've always considered her work as golden ~ and now my opinion has been affirmed by the National Council of Marketing & Public Relations District 1 Medallion awards. Congratulations, Val; it is well-deserved!

Behind the Lens at the College of Southern Maryland
CSM’s Photographer Val Nyce Earns Gold Award from NCMPR
"Often before her first cup of coffee, Valerie Nyce is evaluating the probability of a beautiful sunrise. While peering through the viewfinder of her Nikon, she frames shots of the vibrant red, orange and purple backdrops as the sun rises over the Wicomico River outside her backdoor. “Every morning is different—every sunrise is different,” said Nyce of the ritual that began when she opened a Facebook account several years ago and wasn’t sure what to post there. In addition to spectacular sunrises, the College of Southern Maryland's lead photography coordinator posts her images of soaring bald eagles and flora and fauna she finds on her rounds of Southern Maryland... More here."