Vintage Voscar II calendar now available

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE — Voscar, the Maine Photographer — aka Oscar Nelder — has spent a lifetime documenting moments in Maine’s history — for publication during his tenure with the Bangor Daily News or various printed projects, capturing special moments for brides and graduates or for his own personal enrichment. In many cases, black and white film was his tool of choice. For the second time in as many years he has selected black and white photographs, creating a calendar entitled “Vintage Voscar II.”
    For decades, the photographer honed his craft, taking pleasure in candid shots of livestock, rustic homes, people and places. Voscar’s 2012 calendar features an array of photos depicting life in Aroostook County, from spring apple blossoms and children marching to a Fourth of July beat, to the days of hand-harvested potatoes, hunting season and winter’s wonder — all images in classic black and white.
    “I feel black and white images tell the story better. It sets a mood,” said Voscar, noting for the calendar he used original black and white photos.
    The photos depict scenes from throughout Aroostook County.
    “I’ve included pictures from Chapman, Presque Isle, Bridgewater, Monticello, Westfield, Oxbow, Mars Hill and Caribou. I wanted to show as many communities as possible — share what I found of interest in each community,” he said.
    Friends and family assisted in making the final selections.
    “My wife, Darlene Nelder, and friends, Dick Graves and Lisa Nadeau, helped select the photos that made the final product,” said Voscar.
    Voscar said his first calendar did so well, he thought he’d try a second one.
    “I put my first one out in the fall of 2010; it’s still selling. I just got the 2012 calendar printed and have already made several sales,” said Voscar.
    October’s image is a particular favorite of his.
    “It features Cluny McPherson ‘hunting’ at Aroostook State Park,” he said.
    Voscar said times have changed as the business of changing pictures has evolved from darkrooms to the digital age.
    “I’m done with film. I no longer have a darkroom. I work with digital. It’s taken some getting used to but it’s quicker to process photos. With digital, you know right off if you got the shot or not. And you can get many more photos on a disk than you could on a roll of film,” said Voscar. “I still find it a good rule of thumb to take several shots when you’re taking photos of a particular scene, that way you can be pretty sure you’ve got something you can work with.”
    Digital also allows you to choose between color and black and white images, he said.
    As for his choice of black and white for a calendar, Voscar said he’s always loved working with the limited color, counting on lighting and shade to set the mood.
    “Besides, everyone does color for calendars. I wanted to do something different. I think it makes it more interesting,” he said.
    Voscar said he also wanted to use scenes from the past, which will be fond memories for some, while serving to educate the younger generation.
    “It’s important to preserve our history. This is what sets us apart from other places in the nation. This is what makes us ‘County people,’” said Voscar.
    Calendars are currently available at: Goin’ Postal on North Street, Dr. Dick Graves’ office and Merchants on the Corner on Main Street, Morning Star Art & Framing on Main Street and through Voscar. Printed by Print Works of Presque Isle, calendars sell for just over $12.
    “Having sponsors for each month helped keep the cost down,” said Voscar.
    Voscar will be holding a calendar signing on Friday, Oct. 7, from 6-8 p.m. at Merchants on the Corner, located on the corner of Main and Academy streets in Presque Isle.
    For more information or to place an order, call 762-3089.