CONTACT

ABOUT

Sandy Ross, a resident of Tewksbury Township, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is a fine art photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of local people, animals, plant life and bucolic scenery. Sandy is

  • interested in making images that contribute to stewardship of the earth, though she finds that mystery and humor appreciably flavor her viewpoint as she scopes out what makes our surroundings interesting, remarkable, appealing - or just plain beautiful

  • inspired by a developing understanding of human evolution and land use through an undergraduate degree in history and a master’s degree in landscape design and land management

"Landscape does not always mean terra-firma; it can be terra-incognita - or terra-infirma - and draw from our complex interior spaces and fantastical places where imagined feelings and experiences are uncovered as we live them."

Additionally, private portraiture commissions can be scheduled for preserving a personal legacy where the artist documents and interprets a client's cherished

  • property

  • family or beloved pet

  • events

 Family heirlooms can be created in the form of elegant prints, albums and unique artist’s books.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I often say that as soon as the weather is bad, I grab my camera and head outside to explore. I work to transform the emotive atmosphere of gardens and landscapes into fine art images that feel timeless and painterly. My efforts are inspired by a deep respect for nature and the desire to share how I see its varying, reflective moods.

I’ve spent time in recent years trekking about locally, and feel that much of my work supports the idea of New Jersey’s nickname, The Garden State. I truly enjoy the glow of early morning light, the stillness just before (or after) a noisy thunderstorm, the subtly detailed textures so plentiful in blooming gardens, and the misty expanse of a rural panorama.

Using contemporary digital tools (Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop), I create images that are as much about emotion as they are about place. Frequently described by viewers as moody, luminous, and imaginative, each photograph is printed on archival fine art paper with archival inks, ensuring exceptional quality and longevity.

My work is designed to bring serenity, beauty, and a sense of a cherished environment to both residential and commercial spaces. While some of my newer work has a more modern look, the images still bring a sense of mood to the surroundings, enhancing such settings as restaurants, corporate institutions, and medical and wellness facilities.

With a growing collection of over 200 fine art prints and a history of successful sales through art shows, interior designers, word-of-mouth, and curated look books, I am committed to creating artwork that honors the natural artistry of our world, reminding viewers of its importance, while bringing a calming presence into spaces where we live and work.

RESUME

Sandra O Ross

Califon, New Jersey 

201-704-0885  sandyrossphoto@gmail.com

Website: sandyrossphoto.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

A lifelong learner with careers spanning machine maintenance, customer support, information technology, landscape design, and fine art photography. Formal degrees in history and sustainable landscape design, hands-on classroom teaching experience, and decades of professional achievement across multiple disciplines, combine with a genuine love for the arts, learning and for working with people of all ages.

TEACHING & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Instructor, After-School Photography Program | Tewksbury NJ Middle School                    2021-2022

  • Designed and taught eight-week photography curriculum for grades 6–8

  • Introduced students to both technical and creative dimensions of photography

  • Fostered enthusiasm for visual arts and self-expression in young learners

Curriculum Developer & Teacher, 3rd Grade | Unitarian Church | Montclair, New Jersey  1976–1979

  • Developed original Sunday School curriculum and taught weekly classes to third-grade students

  • Gained hands-on experience in age-appropriate instruction and classroom management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Fine Art Photographer | Sandy Ross Photography                                                         2019-Present

  • Create atmospheric landscape, garden, and botanical photography with my personal, distinctive aesthetic

  • Exhibit and sell photography in group and one-person shows and art fairs

  • Experienced in children's portrait and event photography; praised for natural ease with subjects of all ages

Landscape Designer | Ross Landscape Design, LLC                                                         2008-2019

  • Ran independent residential and commercial landscape design and build practice

  • Applied principles of sustainable design, plant selection, and land management; and best business practices

Landscape Designer | Greenbelt Landscape Design | Ramsey, NJ                                    2005-2008

  • Collaborated on design, pricing and installation of residential and commercial landscape projects

  • Integrated ecological and thoughtful principles into design solutions

Independent Information Technology (IT) Consultant | Commercial/Industrial Clients         1993-2004                                                                 

  • Provided IT consulting and sales support across multiple industries

  • Worked with various industries for such clients as Deutsche Bank, AIG and BMW

Customer Engineer / Systems Engineer / IT Project Consultant | IBM Corporation            1977-1993

  • Advanced through technical, marketing, business analyst and consulting roles within IBM

  • Developed strong problem-solving, client communication, and project management skills

VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Board Trustee | Tewksbury Land Trust | Tewksbury, New Jersey                                   2010-Present

  • Active board member supporting land conservation efforts in Tewksbury Township

  • Contributions include extensive photography, brochure design, editorial work, and physical stewardship support as well as engaging in public outreach and community events on behalf of the organization

Staff Photographer | Whittemore Community Culture Conservation | Oldwick, NJ            2017-2025

  • Documented community events, programs, and cultural initiatives through photography

  • Contributed to publications, brochures, and digital content

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Sustainable Landscape Design & Land Management

   The Conway School of Landscape Design            2005

Bachelor of Science, History; with Honors

   Rutgers University                                                                                              2002

Continuing Education in Photography

   Ongoing workshops, online and in-person courses in fine art and digital photography

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & INTERESTS

  • Strong communicator with a broad range of professional experience

  • Active community involvement   

  • Advanced experience with photography editing, design and digital publishing software