Thursday, October 1, 2026
Jeff Macholz, an accomplished Long Island photographer, is the most recent to have their work celebrated and displayed in the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport’s Art Alcove at the Freeport Recreation Center.
Macholz credits his beginnings in photography to when he was given an old Yashica SLR camera, taking black and white photos and developing the prints in his friend’s darkroom.
“I had an aunt and uncle who traveled extensively and documented their trips using slides,” he explained. “They would visit us and share these slideshows, which I found fascinating.”
The photos they took included shots of large events like the 1964/1965 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens, which served as further inspiration and interest for Macholz.
Fast forward to now, Macholz has become an experienced landscape photographer, having also done photography for real estate, equestrian events, weddings, families and much more. He says most of his images are from Long Island along with Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts where he and his family frequently vacationed, California, New England and Florida, with no artificial intelligence used.
“I mostly enjoy landscape photography,” Macholz told the Herald. “It is relaxing, and the scenery doesn’t talk back to you! …I find that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph nature, as the light is less harsh and the colors are at their best.”
Macholz has had various exhibits in New York showcases, including the Clovis Point Vineyard in Jamesport, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society Art Show and Artists on the Lane in Bellport. He has also been recognized for his work in the Sayville Summerfest Sidewalk Art Show, in which he won in the photography category four times in five years, and placing within in the top three finishes from 2014 to 2019.
While technology has greatly changed the nature and capabilities of photography today, Macholz suggests that those interested in taking up photography, whether as a hobby or a profession, look in to getting at least a single lens camera.
“I personally shoot with Nikon, so I naturally recommend them for a first camera,” he said. “ While cameras are more expensive than smartphones, looking through a viewfinder significantly helps with composition by eliminating surrounding distractions.”
Macholz added that joining a local camera club is a good way to get involved.
“It is an excellent way to get guidance and advice from experienced photographers,” he stated. “Additionally, there is a wealth of information available online and through YouTube tutorials.”
Macholz runs such a camera club, the Patchogue Arts Council Photographers Group, where its members meet monthly and host monthly or bi-monthly. They also occasionally take their members, who range from professionals to amateurs, on field trips.
Being selected by the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport for this showcase has left Macholz feeling “highly honored.” He says this is his first solo exhibit, and Freeport gets to enjoy his decades of work and experience.
