Photo exhibit remembers the Ocean Grove pier

As seen in TheBeachBeat.com

BY AMY ROSEN
Staff Writer

The photography of John Lalanas is currently on view in the window of the Ocean Grove Historical Society Museum, 50 Pitman Ave., Ocean Grove.

Lalanas, who resides in Neptune with Susan, his wife of 42 years, recently published a book of his photos titled “Seasons of the Pier.” The exhibit features images that can also be found in the book. His photographs focus mainly on the Ocean Grove Fishing Pier that jutted out into the Atlantic Ocean before it was destroyed when superstorm Sandy slammed into the Jersey Shore on Oct. 29. The images, captured during different months and at different times of the day, have preserved the memory of the beloved fishing pier and the quaint building that housed the Ocean Grove Fishing Club at the end of the pier. “Ralph,” a colorful fishing dummy who used to sit on the pier with a fishing rod in his hand, is also the subject of one of Lalanas’ photos. (Sadly, Ralph was washed away in the storm, but another character has mysteriously appeared in his place on what remains of the ravaged pier.)

“The photographs reflect the peacefulness of the pier, the drama of a stormy afternoon or the brilliance of a cold early morning sunrise,” Lalanas said. He explained that “Seasons of the Pier” was a 20-year project that started with photos he took of Neptune and made into postcards to send to his children so they would have pictures of home when they were away at college.

“Over the years I found myself drawn to the beauty of the fishing pier in Ocean Grove,” he said.

“Seasons of the Pier” is currently on display at the Neptune Public Library, 25 Neptune Blvd.

An award-winning photographer, Lalanas’ work has been recognized by the Federation of New Jersey Camera Clubs and the Metropolitan Council of Camera Clubs. As owner of JL Photographic, Lalanas promotes a photojournalistic approach to photographing special occasions. For more information, visit www.jlphotographic.net or email [email protected].