Wild New Jersey - Human Nature by Lynda Hester D'Orio

February 2003

An Interview with
Dwight Hiscano

A book review and interview with Dwight Hiscano, one of New Jersey’s premiere nature photographers

by Lynda Hester D’Orio

I’m always looking for new inspiration and recently found some in the reverent New Jersey landscapes of a photographer named Dwight Hiscano. I recently found his pictorial book, “New Jersey, The Natural State,” Rutgers University Press, and couldn’t put it down. The photographs are stunning. As I started, I felt a sense of familiarity. I had already seen and appreciated many photographs by Mr. Hiscano through galleries, books, magazines, exhibits and shows.
Now with this book, everyone can share these inspiring images and visit them again and again.
Each of his photographs is evidence of the skill of a world-class photographer. Each one depicts a landscape, a scene or a moment suspended in time that highlights the natural scenic beauty of New Jersey. The book is divided into geographic regions from across the state, so you can mull over your own region and visit others.
It is obvious that Dwight is an expert in outdoor landscapes. He is an artist who takes his time to scout out his locations and set himself in each to think about the best angle, light and composition to reflect the place he finds. Although he credits other artists and photographers as influences, I find his work has a unique style and provides viewers with a new perspective. He also understands the drama of weather, the changing seasons and lighting.
He shares his passion for nature by revealing the quiet beauty of untouched areas that we all crave to visit, but rarely see. The pictures do make you want to discover these unknown valleys and cliffs. His work makes you stop and think about what every environmentalist, outdoor enthusiast and concerned citizen is fighting for here in our home state. It does instill a sense of pride to know that our state isn’t just the most densely populated, over-developed system riddled with urban blight. We do have a diverse and pristine natural state tucked away in areas that Mr. Hiscano seeks out and illuminates with his skill.
With all this notoriety, Dwight remains a humble professional, a person willing to share and educate. He is a caring artist, a consummate nature photographer, and also a Board member to The Nature Conservancy here in New Jersey. Dwight loves to travel and explore and is currently working on his next pictorial book about the Delaware River.
Recently, on a cold winter’s day, I was invited up to his third floor studio apartment where he and his wife live. It’s within a picturesque mansion near the grounds of the Reeves Reed Arboretum in Summit, New Jersey. Housed within the rest of the home and property is a suburban conservancy located on a former country estate with historic designation. (As a side note, Dwight also wanted me to point out that the volunteers at Reeves Reed Arboretum are always looking for visitors, members, and volunteers who care about conservation and horticulture. If you’d like to find out more or if you’d like to visit the arboretum, go online at: www.reeves-reedarboretum.org.)
We’ve included some photos of Dwight’s work so you can see why I was so impressed with his approach. Dwight has some great tips for amateur photographers and we’ve linked to his Web site and given his email if you have further questions for him or if you would like to contact him about nature photography. We’ve also listed ten tips from Dwight for nature photographers.

An Interview with Dwight Hiscano

Ten Tips for Nature Photographers