Alex Belisle has become a staple of the Lakewood community as a photographer, but his journey has taken him down many paths. He was formerly an English teacher in New York City.
Belisle’s photography journey started after his retirement from teaching. “My wife kicked me out and told me to go do something. That’s where I found photography,” Belisle said.
Belisle’s photography career did not start in Lakewood. “I started with the Bronx Times. Once I got the job, I received my official New York City press pass, which is like the keys to the kingdom,” Belisle said.
Through this career start, he has had many opportunities. Belisle said, “I was able to go anywhere. I got to photograph President Obama along with other celebrities and athletes.”
Through his sports photography, he worked with Nike. “I was shooting a basketball tournament in New York. With my press pass, the refs and the coaches let me have full access. A young man approached me and asked for a battery. I started talking about our different camera models,” Belisle said. “After a while, I asked him what he does, and he replied, ‘I’m the branding director for Nike Basketball Eastern United States.’”
The encounter provided a life changing opportunity. Before long, he was flown to Nike headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and saw his photos on billboards. “We walked into our rooms, and there was just a stack of shoe boxes and clothes up to our waists,” Belisle recalled. “We received all the gear you could imagine.”
Belisle’s reputation eventually caught the attention of Luther Parker, an internationally known supermodel who won the International Supermodel of the Year award in 2020. Parker, who has been modeling since 1994, reached out to Belisle to work together. “I saw some of his photography in Von Glover fashion shows and decided to reach out,” Parker said.
Belisle and Parker became great friends. “It was easy for us,” Parker said. “As a model, I knew the style. I knew that once I heard the click of the camera, it was time to switch the pose. I knew how to pose, and he knew where to shoot. It was a match.” Belisle and Parker continue to work together and have even been featured in Vogue.
Parker is also a stylist. “All of my outfits and pieces that I make are from thrift stores. I take the clothes from the thrift store, match them up, and that’s my outfit,” Parker said.
Both men also have an impact on those around them through guidance and mentorship. James Babson, a junior photographer at Lakewood High School, has nothing but praise for Belisle. “He always gives me advice, such as how to keep improving, and I incorporate his notes into everything I do,” Babson said.
Belisle’s mentorship goes beyond words of wisdom; he is also prepared to help on the spot. “I was shooting a game, and my lens broke, and Alex had a spare one and gifted it to me,” Babson said. “Not only helpful, but he’s truly caring and compassionate.”
For aspiring models, Parker said, “It’s not for the faint of heart. There will be many nos that you receive, and you have to be able to accept them. You just have to have dedication and not give up.
For photographers, Belisle said, “When you photograph someone, they won’t have a clue what to do, so you have to guide them and make them comfortable with you.”
He also emphasizes the importance of technique and equipment, “The most important thing is good glass. You want those high-quality photos that your model can showcase, and that starts with the tools you use,” Belisle said. “Don’t be afraid to have multiple cameras for the wide variety of shots you will take.”
Today, Belisle can be found documenting Lakewood High School sporting events, always willing to share advice with anyone who asks. “A big thing is putting yourself out there and engaging in those awkward conversations,” Belisle said. “From those, you will get the best opportunities.”
