Retired Chemist Finds New Chemistry

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - The new art exhibit at the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library features the landscape and nature photography of local resident, Ted Bohlk. 

Bohlk turned to photography shortly after he suffered a debilitating neck injury a few years ago. Preliminary treatment did little to help so he finally underwent surgery and was then faced with six months of rehabilitation so restrictive that he was not even permitted to drive. His wife said, “Why don’t you get your camera out?” and he took her advice. 

He started with “a little SONY point-and-shoot” but two years ago he treated himself to a Canon DSLR. He confesses to using “Photoshop Elements a little, just to enhance the color sometimes,” but generally tries to create his images totally without manipulation.

Bohlk’s works have been exhibited throughout the county at libraries and art shows. “Mostly I go to different parks in Westchester” to photograph, he says, including “Ward Pound Ridge, Croton Point and F. D. R.” He shoots for a few hours three or four days a week.

For 23 years, Bohlk worked as an environmental chemist for Westchester County. Before that he worked for the U. S. Geological Survey and taught high school chemistry. With this background, it is no wonder that he focuses his camera on the environment surrounding us.

His favorite subjects among the local fauna include animals, butterflies and birds. In fact, “I put up a bird feeder so I could get better shots.”

Ted Bohlk’s exhibit, Landscape and Nature Photography, runs until January 30 at The Ruth Keeler Memorial Library.

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