June 22, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 Area The Hermitage Museum, located at 335 North Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, recently launched “Images of Yesteryear: A Photographic Journey,” which will run through Sunday, Oct. 2. The exhibit features the work of Master Photographer Jeffrey Steccato. The Midland Park resident is the 2010 National Award Recipient and owner of Haviland Photography in Ho-Ho-Kus. “Images of Yesteryear” features over three dozen original works by Steccato. These include contemporary photographs that appear more like hand-painted oils on canvas, including images of The Hermitage, ghost towns from the Old West, and American barns. Using modern digital technology, Steccato applies the techniques he acquired from many years of old fashioned dark room experience to enrich his photographic images with applied highlights and added depth and dimension to each scene. “Throughout my 30-year career as a professional photographer, I have strived to create images that have a perfect balance through light and composition, and evoke true emotion,” Steccato said. His long-time mentor, Theodore Z. Haviland, operated the photography studio in Ho-Ho-Kus for over 60 years. When Haviland retired in 1997, he sold his business to Steccato, who still operates in the original location at 22 Sheridan Avenue. A selection of artifacts from the Haviland Photography Studio, including an assortment of pre-digital cameras, studio set up equipment (scenic backdrops, lighting, posing stool, etc.), and an enlarger are part of the “Images of Yesteryear” exhibit. A special section of the exhibit showcases “Ho-Ho-Kus: Photographic journey now open at Hermitage Then and Now,” in which Steccato presents one dozen historical views from the community alongside photographs taken from the same vantage point today. Many of these photographs depict architectural features that are normally out of sight to most passersby. Steccato began studying photography in high school, while working with local newspapers to cover school sports. In 1982, he became the apprentice of Haviland. Steccato achieved success with State and National print competitions, including several distinguished “Courts of Honor,” “Judges Choice,” and “Kodak Gallery” awards. His work has appeared on magazine covers and calendars, and has been displayed in the Professional Photographers Association’s coveted “Loan Collection” several times. In 2000, Steccato achieved his master’s degree in photography, the highest honor bestowed by the Professional Photographers Association, which ranks him among the top three percent of photographers nationwide. In April 2010, Steccato received the Professional Photographers National Award for his contribution to photography. Admission to the exhibition Images of Yesteryear: A Photographic Journey is included with regular admission to the Hermitage Museum: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children ages five through 12. Museum members and children age five and younger are admitted free of charge. Above: Visitors to the Hermitage Museum view the ‘Images of Yesteryear’ exhibit. Below: A close-up of one of the displays.