Introduction:
Seaside, New Jersey, holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a backdrop to many cherished memories throughout my life. From whimsical childhood adventures to capturing captivating sunsets, this beloved seaside town has woven its way into my soul. Join me as I embark on a journey down memory lane, exploring the changing sounds, sights, and experiences that have shaped my love for photography.
Childhood Joys: Kiddy Rides and Youth Games
My first Driving Lesson Circa 1968
As a wide-eyed child, nothing excited me more than the vibrant array of kiddy rides that adorned the Seaside boardwalk. Memories of joyous carousels, exhilarating Ferris wheels, and whimsical cups that sent me spinning flood my mind. In those carefree days, my curiosity was captivated by the early youth games - testing my skills at knocking down metal bottles and tossing rings onto glass necks. The sounds of laughter, carousel music, and clanging game prizes created a symphony of innocence and joy that echoed through the wooden planks.
Arcade Adventures: Pinball to Electronic Games
Acquiring my first glassware. Special thank you to the girl behind the counter that let me trade for matching sets. I hope you had a great life.
As I matured, the allure of the Seaside boardwalk transformed, drawing me towards the enchanting arcades. The mechanical clicks and clacks of pinball machines and the satisfying thumps of skeeball balls filled the air. Hours were spent honing my skills, earning tickets to redeem for cheap trinkets that held little value but meant the world to my youthful heart. However, as time passed, technology evolved, and the arcade games transformed from mechanical marvels to electronic sensations. The sounds changed, too, evolving into digital beeps and blips, marking a new era in gaming.
Teenage Adventures: Crabbing, Fishing, and Beyond
Seaside NJ, Late Fall at Dawn
As my teenage years approached, my focus shifted from arcade exploration to the calming embrace of nature. Seaside's picturesque Barnegat Bay offered an escape from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk. Days were spent crabbing off weathered docks, casting lines into the azure waters, and basking in the beauty of sun-kissed horizons. Little did I know then this love for nature would soon intertwine with my blossoming passion for photography.
Capturing Sunsets: Embracing the Golden Hour
July 2023 at dusk looking west back towards Toms River
In my early teens, I eagerly saved every penny until I finally owned my first camera, a ticket to an entirely new world. Gravitating towards the breathtaking sunsets over Barnegat Bay, I would simply focus, point and shoot, capturing the magnificent hues that painted the sky. As the sun descended, leaving behind a trail of golden memories, my love for photography flourished, forever tying my passion to Seaside's distinct sights, sounds, and smells. As time passed, I learned more about composition, framing, and other creative uses of the camera settings, and my photography gradually improved.
A Journey Through Time: Nostalgia Beckons
Now approaching my sixties, I return to Seaside with camera in hand, ready to capture the bittersweet essence of nostalgia. The once familiar sights have transformed, echoing the passage of time. The laughter of children now intermingles with the sounds of buzzing smartphones, and the neon glow of new attractions dances alongside remnants of long-lost treasures. Yet, through my lens, I navigate the interplay of tradition and change, immersing myself in the evocative scenes that tell a story of a town unceasingly evolving.
Some things have been pretty consistent. Lucky Leo’s is still there.
Conclusion
I have been fortunate to have traveled to and photographed spectacular natural beauty, but I will never pass up an opportunity to visit and photograph my home town. As I reflect on my journey from carefree childhood to nostalgic adulthood, Seaside, NJ, remains an ever-present muse for my camera lens. Through the various stages of my life, this vibrant town has evolved just as I have, yet its essence continues to ignite my passion for photography and storytelling. Seaside's tapestry of memories, both old and new, perfectly encapsulates the timeless beauty of impermanence and the cherished moments that define our lives.
Just a snapshot from July 2023
Click here to browse my collection of Jersey Shore images. I have several of my favorate’s hanging on my wall.