The Lens of Cheshire:
- Richard Smith
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Ron Kochman
To the casual observer, Ron Kochman is the man behind the camera at every major town event. But to the residents of Cheshire, he is a vital thread in the town’s social fabric—a business owner, a civic leader, and a "visual historian" who has spent decades ensuring that the moments that define us are never forgotten.
A Global Eye, A Local Heart
Ron’s journey as a photographer has taken him far beyond the borders of Connecticut. His portfolio is a testament to a life of curiosity, from capturing the neon glow of the Budapest Chain Bridge during a 15-day European trek to documenting the raw majesty of the Great Migration in
Tanzania. His work has even graced the pages of the Hartford Courant, where his travel photography invited readers to see the world through his technical yet emotive perspective.
Closer to home, Ron is the proprietor of A Photographic Sensation (1074 S Main St). His studio is more than a business; it is the archive of our community. Whether it’s the high-stakes action of a Cheshire High football game or the delicate light of the "Through the Lens" juried exhibition at The Voice of Art Gallery—where Ron has served as a prestigious juror—his work elevates local life to the level of art.
Documenting the Human Spirit
Ron’s photography is often at its most powerful when it intersects with human rights and community crises. He doesn’t just photograph events; he captures the soul of the people involved.
A Voice for Decency: In 2017, when the Cheshire community rallied behind the Rondos family during a deportation crisis, Ron was there. His photographs of the candlelight vigil on the Town Green became the definitive visual record of a community choosing "human decency" over politics.
A Legacy of Justice: At a 2020 Prayer Vigil for Peace, Justice, and Love, Ron stood not just as a photographer, but as a concerned citizen. He poignantly shared the story of his mother, a Holocaust survivor from Berlin, noting that her concerns about modern hatred were what compelled him to stand for human rights.
Building the Digital Town Square
In a world of shifting media, Ron recognized the need for a permanent, accessible home for Cheshire’s stories. Alongside Ron Gagliardi and Richard "Reggie" Smith, he co-founded CheshireToday.com.
What began as a "labor of love" among friends has grown into the town’s primary digital magazine. Today, as the site’s lead administrator, Ron curates "Kochman’s Korner," and is the magazines Web Master.
Service Beyond the Shutter
Ron’s commitment to Cheshire extends into the all aspects of the town. As a key organizer of the Cheshire CT Trail Trekkers, he leads neighbors on monthly walks through Mixville Park and the Farmington Canal, promoting health and local exploration. He further serves his neighbors as a member of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee (District 2), ensuring a voice for his constituents in the 2024–2026 term.
The 2026 Community Citizenship Award
It is this rare combination of professional excellence and tireless volunteerism that has led Cheshire Grange #23 to name Ron Kochman the recipient of the 2026 Community Citizenship Award.
You are invited to join the celebration:
Date: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Cheshire Grange, 44 Wallingford Road
Details: A reception will follow in the lower hall.
Ron often says that he attends vigils and events as a "concerned citizen." On April 1st, the town will gather to show him that we are more than just his subjects—we are a community made stronger by his lens.
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