If you took communications classes in college in the 1970s and 1980s, you likely heard about Marshall McLuhan, a Canadian professor and philosopher who published "Laws of Media: The New Science" in 1966.
And I'm pretty sure I can figure out his views on coffee, too.
Perhaps his most well-known statement was "the medium is the message." But another of his observations was that "Xerox makes everyone a publisher."
Similarly, I submit that digital cameras make everyone a photographer.
MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey
The digital camera offers the photographer the ability to scroll through gigabytes of shots so as to pick the perfect one. Prior to this, the one behind the lens had to depend on their skills of composition, lighting and sometimes just being in the right place at the right time.
The photos in this gallery, captured mostly by everyday folks clicking the shutter, were done without the benefit of knowing what the shot would look like; instead, the photographers had to wait for the picture to be processed to determine if it was frame worthy. Not one photographer whose pictures appear in this gallery had the benefit of a do-over.
And, I think you'll agree that they could be considered works of art.
Here's a gallery of superb photos taken in New Jersey before 1986. Have captions enabled to read more about them.
Have some of your own classic snaps taken before 1987? We'd love to see them and use them in a gallery. Attach them as jpgs and email [email protected].
Greg Hatala may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.