When Jennifer Kitchen McGann signed up to do a photography exhibit at West Windsor Library in 2005, she did not realize that the first available time slot in 2007 would be such a busy time for her due a change in lifestyle and a new baby. Her exhibit features Coney Island and the changes that have occurred over the years. “The people are amazing characters and the atmosphere is astounding,” she says. “I was instantly charmed and shocked all at once.”##M:[more]##
Her first trip to Coney Island was in August 1993 and many of the shots at the library are from that day. “I have made many return trips since then and the full collection of images documents the change and lack of change over that time,” she says. “Coney Island is a genuine place where you can catch a glimpse of the past all around you.”
Born in Pensacola Florida, she was raised in Buffalo, New York. She has an associates degree in photography from the Fashion Institute of Technology, a bachelor’s degree in public communications from Buffalo State College, and a master’s in education from Hunter College. After working in the stock photo industry in New York, she became a guidance counselor. She worked in high schools in New York City and Princeton as a counselor.
She lived in New York City for 15 years before relocating to West Windsor in 2005. Her husband, Brian McGann, is the director of circulation for Architectural Record Magazine at McGraw Hill. The couple recently moved to Robbinsville and their daughter, Stella, was born five months ago. “Right now my site is a little Stella-centric,” she says. “I suppose that is to be expected when you have your first baby. “
“My first photos were taken in high school with a beat up 35mm Canon FTB that had duct tape holding the bottom on,” she says. “Photography had always been a priority in my life, even when it wasn’t my vocation. “
She currently uses a Canon 30D, a digital SLR. “I am 98 percent digital now with the exception of a Holga and some older cameras,” she says. “I tend to lean more toward black and white but with the wonder of digital I can have it both ways.”
Being home full time caring for Stella has enabled her to take more pictures than ever. Visit www. thephotokitchen.com for photos of Stella as well as Coney Island.
“With major redevelopment on the horizon the Coney Island that I know and adore will be gone,” she says. “I find that tragic. “
— Lynn Miller
Photo Exhibit, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. “Coney Island: 1993-2007” features photographs by Jennifer Kitchen McGann. On view through June 30.
