A Picture is Worth 1000 Words

By Barry Farber

The other day I was having lunch at Argyles in Livingston and bumped into my old friend Don Schwartz, a local photographer. I have seen his work for many years and have always heard wonderful things about him and his work as a photographer. I am going to share my interview with him from the other day:

Barry Farber: So many families know and appreciate your work over the years, including mine. Kit Cone, who was the editor of the Livingston Tribune called you “Mr. Pictures.” Can you give me some background on how you became a photographer for the Livingston school system and more?

Don Schwartz: I attended West Orange High School and then went on to Newark State College (now Kean University) where I was an Industrial Arts Major. After graduating I received my masters in vocational education at Indiana University, and followed that up with a

Masters in administration and supervision at Kean University.

In 1968, I applied to the board of education at Livingston High School, where I taught for 31 years. I spent 43 years photographing Livingston HS (aka Lancers) sports and started the Lancers sports TV 34 network and am still broadcasting the football games today.

Over the years I have photographed many college football games: 20 years at Rutgers, 24 years West Point, and at least 20 at Army/Navy games—where I photographed four US presidents.

BF: What got you interested in photography?

DS: I was introduced to photography by my uncle, Albert B. Meserlin, who was President Eisenhower’s photographer during the war. He would show me photo albums of the the war photos that he took. I was always amazed in his dark room seeing pictures being developed in black and white with a series of chemicals.

One particular photo I remember he took is of the treaty room in Reims France—he could identify every person in every seat who signed the treaty to end the war. NBC flew him to Paris to meet up with his fellow photographers and the Today Show did a special on the anniversary of the treaty. His work is now on display at Brookdale College in Lincroft.

BF: What inspires you?

DS: The support of the Board of Education and the great athletic directors I’ve worked under who keep the Livingston sports on top for all these years. During the years I’ve given out so many photos and made many contributions to the Livingston Tribune. I am so grateful for the many times I got a phone call, an email, or a note to thank me for photographing their son or daughter for a keepsake memory. In fact, I recently got a call from a grandmother from Pennsylvania whose daughter was in the Tribune, and she wanted another copy so I made an 8x10 and mailed it to her.

BF: What would you say to someone who is interested in starting out into the field of photography?

DS: If you take a bad picture just keep on shooting. And, the most important things I’ve learned over the years coming as a greenhorn and working my way up is to keep shooting, keep exploring creative ways to take pictures, and keep your equipment in top notch condition.

BF: Is there any message or quote over the years that inspired you?

DS: Yes. I remember the quote that was on the wall at Newark State College as an inspiration to all students: “Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn.” I always apply that in my photography because I am always looking for another way to make a picture better.

BF: Definition of success?

DS: Having a wonderful family. Having the opportunity to live in a wonderful town and country. I enjoy keeping in touch with all the athletes, saying hello, and getting that thank you for the picture that they have kept over the years.