"Belmar Marina" Paul Shappirio's father gave him a camera when he was a young boy, and photography has been an important part of his life ever since. Having long since mastered the medium, an exhibit of his photos, moody views of the piers and pilings along the local shore, are on display at APeXgallery in Asbury Park.

The black-and-white images have a mysterious, other-worldly quality and were made using a plastic Holga film camera, which enables the photographer to slow down and concentrate on the subject matter and make images that have a dream-like quality.

Currently assistant principal at Belmar Elementary School, Shappirio explains that his roles as an artist and a math teacher and school administrator require similar skills.

"Both educator and artist understand the need to look at the world from differing perspectives," he said. "Both deal with contrast, sharp and subtle, and the relationship among many elements. They both recognize the role that balance plays in creativity."

A Tinton Falls resident, Shappirio has lived most of his life at the Jersey Shore and attended Ocean Township schools as a youth.

"Pier at Night" His photographs will be on view throughout the summer season at the APeXgallery, 611 Cookman Ave. in downtown Asbury Park. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday. Additional information is available at www.apexgalleryasburypark.com.