PHAN Fans Enjoy "Visions '12"

The Photo Artists’ Network (PHAN) is currently exhibiting 40 photos in their "Visions '12" show at Barnes Gallery. Each year the photographers exhibit exciting work they have produced in the last year. They are a dedicated group who live up to their motto, "Photography is art."

The gallery has hosted them each October for the last five years.

Within two hours after the opening of the show, two photos sold. One is "Carousel #4" by John Micheals and the other is "Orchid Bud" by Jan Altes. The photos are quite different in their styles, but equally lovely. They will remain on view at Barnes for the month.

This year, Great Neck photographer Haig Hachadoorian has four photos from his travels. His photo, "Grand Teton Mountain," is reminiscent of Ansel Adams with a majestic view and sharp contrast. Hachadoorian's "Yellowstone Trees at Momouth" is starkly beautiful. The trees sit in an acidic area with the thermal springs and geysers, and one wonders how the trees can survive.

Hachadoorian is a semi-retired engineer who has a passion for photography. "I got involved with photography at the age of ten and my mom encouraged me. I even had a dark room. Photography took a back seat with my growing family and full time work when older. When I got my first digital camera 12 to 14 years ago it revived my passion for photography. It gives you instant feedback ... Once I learned how to read histograms, my work improved by leaps and bounds," Hachadoorian said. "My real love has always been nature and landscape photography."

He now uses a Nikon D3S camera with a 24-72.8 Nikon lens.

Photographer, John Bruno is also from Great Neck. The former official Giants photographer now concentrates on music-oriented themes, with an impressive roster of bands that include Long Island's Tom Chapin, Jefferson Starship, the Lovin' Spoonful, the Temptations and others. In the sepia-toned photograph, "Rapture," two musicians are intertwined with their music and movements, thus creating a dynamic design.

Bruno uses a Canon 7D with various lenses from different companies.

A reception is planned for Saturday, Oct. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.

The show continues until the end of October. PHAN is a group of talented photographers from the Town of North Hempstead. It consists of Jan Altes, John Bruno, Barbara Fields, Phyllis Goodfriend, Haig Hachadoorian, Monroe Halpern, John Micheals, George Novello, Jim Pelzer and Linda Russo. For more information contact Altes at 917-592-8259.

Barnes Gallery has been in business for 40 years, specializing in custom framing and matting of fine art. It is located at 2 Nassau Boulevard in Garden City South. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 516-538-4503 for more information.