"Catching the Light in Lakewood"

[Alex Belisle]

I'd like to introduce myself. I recently moved here (Jan, 2015) from NYC where I taught for 36 years and then became a professional photographer shooting for the New York Community Newspaper Group (NYCNG) = WSJournal, NYPost, BxTimes, NIKE Basketball, Central Park Conservancy and NYFW (New York Fashion Week)

Due to the kindness of the owner and publisher I've been allowed to set up a photoblog where I plan to document both my move to Lakewood and my "re-invention of self"

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... r-belisle/

[Alex Belisle]

Feel free to look at my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alexbelisleinlakewood

[Alex Belisle]

Here's a link to my photography page:

https://www.facebook.com/AlexsEyePhotography

[Gary Rice]

Alex:

Welcome to Lakewood! Great photos!

I'm also a retired teacher, as well as being a former volunteer part-time photojournalist and columnist for the Lakewood Observer paper. You can peruse many of my columns (including some pertaining to photojournalism, if they're still up there) under my "Pulse of the City" byline under opinions-columns on the Observer's front page website.

I hope that you enjoy your new adopted town as much as I have, since moving here in 1958 from western Pennsylvania.

I hope, as well, to see many more of your Lakewood photos and read about many of your thoughts and impressions concerning our city. It's been said many times that we are a small town with big city advantages. Newcomers become regulars here very quickly.

We're not short of opinions or controversies, of course. Right now, there's the question as to whether we'll continue to have a hospital in this town. As well, you'll generally have a (not always) gentle tension between business and residential interests. These points made, there is much to appreciate here. We have a dynamic and endlessly interesting community, and don't forget to check out the sublime beauty of our Metropark's Valley.

Again, welcome to Lakewood.

Gary Rice

[Missy Limkemann]

Welcome to Lakewood (from the friendly dog rescue person....I run ADH here in Lakewood) As someone who is just now starting to get into photography I cant wait to check out your pictures.

[Alex Belisle]

I was very impressed with St. Edward School which is only 3 blocks from my house. I went there to shoot an event that raised money for cancer and met some of the faculty, Principal and President. My reporter Mike was an alumni so I got to hear interesting stories about the past leading up to the present.

The event involved having your heads shaved in solidarity with cancer patients and the money raised went for research on pediatric cancer.


It took one year to grow this mass of hair!


After shot of the student who had to most hair to get shorn.


AFTER = Principal Dr. Frank O'linn

[Alex Belisle]

The "Ambulance Chase 5K" in my neighborhood:

https://www.facebook.com/abelisle1/medi ... nref=story

[Alex Belisle]

"I was looking for beauty and then I realized that it was in everything my eyes beheld and in that moment the meaning of my existence was revealed. For to see beauty in the world was to appreciate my existence, not as an insignificant human being but as a member of that great unknown - the Universe that I abide in."

Sometimes the "light" we catch is gnosis . . .

[Alex Belisle]

5/6/15

1st fog event for me since moving here. As a photographer, I love how fog affects pictures. I should've gone down to the Lake but I have a tooth extraction planned for today and I need to mentally prepare myself (LOL) I'm sure there will be more fog. In my mind I see a beautiful model under a lamplight on a foggy night.

[Stan Austin]

Alex--- you're catchin' onto Lakewood real quick! Welcome

Stan Austin

[Alex Belisle]

I'm excited!

I've just been given the privilege of shooting the Father-Daughter Dance tomorrow evening (May 8, 6 - 8:30) I'm used to doing these events when shooting for my paper in NYC. These are joyous events that make it a pleasure to shoot and in the process make many people happy.

[Alex Belisle]

My 1st mountain bike ride from my house to Edgewater Park (I videotaped it with a Garmin VIRB unit and am in the process of making a YouTube video) will post the link later but here are the Garmin Connect analytics:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/768472204

So far, the biggest hill I've encountered was in this park and I nearly saw my "last light" of my life as my HR (heart rate) hit 165! Don't forget, I'm 66 yrs. old - not a young dude anymore

[Alex Belisle]

Here's the YouTube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B32w8mL ... tion=share

[m buckley]

Alex, Very cool vid. I've shied away from that hill for a couple of years now. You've inspired me, I'm going to have to revisit it.

[Alex Belisle]

Here's a link to my Facebook album of the Lakewood "Father - Daughter" Dance

https://www.facebook.com/abelisle1/medi ... nref=story

It was one of those shoots where everyone is cooperative about getting their photos taken. Lots of joy in abundant amounts. Plus the event took place right across the street from where I live!