Community News

Miss Wantagh Congratulates Storm Chaser

Martin Losco isn’t your typical photographer, because this Long Island native goes to extremes. When yearning for tranquility, you may find him relaxing at Jones Beach finding his Zen while capturing images of sunsets. Then again, when his energetic ethos emerges Martin thrives on chasing storms and seizing shots of nature’s fury. Last Thursday, Martin was awarded a special trophy and citation in recognition of achieving a major milestone with his talent.

Almost a decade ago, Martin began taking photography seriously. After his award-winning buddy Sean Fitzthum told him about the Wantagh photo contest, Martin wasted little time submitting his images. (Among other awards, Sean earned two trophies in the Wantagh photo contest.)  Beginning in 2016, Martin garnered three wins with tranquil Wantagh images. Then in 2018, he achieves a fourth win with a photo capturing a storm brewing at Wantagh Park. Last December, Martin reached a major milestone with his fifth winning image that seized turbulent waves during a Jones Beach storm. In recognition of obtaining five wins, Martin was awarded a special trophy and citation. The ceremony was held at the Wantagh Museum where Martin was accompanied by Miss Wantagh Lilly Sloves, and her court, Matt Susco, Vice President of the Wantagh Preservation Society, and Terrence McSweeney, Councilman at the Town of Babylon, Martin’s hometown. Councilman McSweeney also presented Martin with a citation for his “artistic talent”.

Although many years ago Martin relied on tried-and-true film, it was acquiring a Nikon D750 that spurred him to take the art further. His portfolio is replete with a cavernous collection of genres including landscapes, seascapes, animals, weddings and fireworks – but his favorite endeavor is chasing storms and photographing them from the outer edges or at the tempest center. As Martin summed it up, his favorite place to take photos is “anywhere there’s a storm”.

Inspiration for Martin is drawn from Mike Busch, the editor of a Fire Island and Beyond, and his family, especially his son who was overwhelmed with excitement that his dad was receiving the Wantagh award. Aside from the Wantagh photo contest, Martin’s work was also recognized by the Town of Hempstead and the Town of Babylon.

Since 2002, the Wantagh Website has sponsored a free photography competition were anyone could submit photos taken in Wantagh. Each month, a winning photographer receives a Wantagh gift. The winning photo and the photographer’s name are posted on the homepage for the month, and are posted permanently in the winner’s list. Photographers, of all levels, are invited to submit their photos taken in Wantagh. For more information about this free contest, please visit the Wantagh website, www.Wantagh.LI.

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