In an entrancing melody that resonates with every patriot, the lyrics from the song “America the Beautiful” evoke imagery of “oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.” These verses vividly come to life in the work of a photographer from New Jersey who participated in the 5th NTD International Photography Competition, showcasing his deep love for America.
The photographer, Joe Flamini, shared, “The photo was taken in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The background features the Grand Teton Mountains. I’m not sure if it’s written on the photo, but I named this picture ‘Majestic View of Purple Mountains.'” He continued, “The scenery is truly stunning, isn’t it? The crystal-clear water, the clear reflection, the mist-covered mountains, clouds in the sky, the azure blue sky, everything is so vivid…”
Joe only signed his photos with a simple “Joe.” He mentioned that this particular photo was taken with an iPhone 8 fifteen years ago while he was on a family trip in Wyoming.
“The reason I chose this photo is because it gives off a sense of tranquility and peace,” he explained. “The name is inspired by the song ‘America the Beautiful,’ with lyrics describing ‘purple mountain majesties,’ symbolizing the beautiful landscapes across America – truly a beautiful place! This is one of those places.”
Pointing at his creation, Joe remarked, “The photo exudes a sense of closeness, allowing you to transport yourself to the location as if you were there. That’s why I chose it. You might not believe it, but I have 40,000 photos on my phone, and this one is my favorite.”
The NTD International Photography Competition has attracted photography enthusiasts from various fields in society. Despite not being a professional photographer, Joe is a senior executive at a hospital, working closely with the medical exam board, overseeing physician examinations. However, he has pursued his hobby of photography for over fifty years.
A faithful reader of English Epoch Times, Joe relishes delving into every article in the newspaper each week. One day, he stumbled upon news about the photography competition and decided to explore further online, realizing that his stunning American landscapes would be a perfect fit for the contest.
“I am very grateful to NTD for making all of this possible; seeing the other works has been extraordinary for me,” Joe expressed. The photography showcased at the exhibition was “incredible,” some nearly flawless in composition and color with impeccable post-processing, leaving Joe in awe of their beauty. Comparing his own work to what he saw that day, he considered his photos to be just average; the entire gallery exuded a sense of beauty.
As a patriot, Joe was profoundly moved by a photo titled “Omaha Beach” at the exhibition.
“What truly touches the heart is the meaning it conveys, it’s incredibly moving,” Joe shared emotionally. “The sacrifices made to liberate the world depicted in this painting are immense, it almost brings me to tears.”
Speaking further, Joe choked up, needing a moment to compose himself before adding, “Because it represents countless young lives sacrificed for freedom, it truly strikes a chord.”