Black & White 1978-2018

Back in the days of Tri-x the contact sheet was the photographer’s best tool for editing. The film was developed and then cut into strips of six negatives which were then placed on a piece of photo paper which was developed in a darkroom. I will never forget the thrill of seeing these images appear in the red light of the darkroom. I have gathered some of those images in this video.

Perspectives B&W

I believe in the reality and the personal perspective of the photograph, whether it is film or digital. The photographer has the responsibility for capturing the final images.

Real life can be captured with a sensitive eye and a responsible click of the camera.

Please click below to view book.

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March Madness 1990

Saint Anthony high school in Jersey City NJ won the first national high school championship with a record 32 wins in a season.

Not bad for a team that didn’t have a gym of their own, practiced in a Polish bingo hall and never played a home game.

I covered the story for Life magazine then.

Saints of the City

                        March Madness Jersey City  NJ  1989

        It was their light that gave people hope for human potential. 

My last story for Life magazine…
…was about a little Catholic school in Jersey City, NJ winning a national basketball championship. After photographing this story I looked over the negatives and realized I had witnessed something special. I knew their story wasn’t just about basketball. I decided to document their story from the inside.
They were good enough to trust me with their story. This small group of nuns and brothers, lay teachers, a phenomenal coach and an amazing group of inner city kids came together in a distinct moment of time to form a bond of trust, teamwork and success.
After finishing my work that year I realized that I wanted to be a teacher and I embarked on a new and rewarding journey. I would like to thank this small family for leading me to a profession that I believe renewed my faith in the human spirit.

Saint Anthonys has been closed down by the diocese for the last two years.

It was their light that gave people hope for human potential.

Photography is about light, it was their light that that was etched on the film in my camera. It is their light that shines through.

Dedicated to:
Dr. Jo-Anne Mecca
My good friends Lyonnelle Le Piouff & Dominique Cruchon

Sister Felicia
Coach Bob Hurley and his family
In memory of Sister Alan

Memorial Day 2020

 

I always think of my father Angelo Mecca on Veterans day. He served with Patton in North Africa and Italy during WW11.  He was a humble hardworking man.

This post is for all veterans especially those from VFW post 1545 in Windham NY.

 

©2024 Peter Mecca