The Photo Center

✨ May Photo Contest Winners ✨

May’s theme, Caught in the Moment, brought in so many incredible entries. From candid expressions and everyday interactions to fleeting moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, it was inspiring to see how each photographer interpreted the theme in their own unique way.

Choosing this month’s winners was incredibly difficult. The quality of the submissions was outstanding, and we spent a lot of time narrowing down our final selections. There were so many deserving images, making this one of the toughest decisions we’ve had to make. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your creativity with us.

📸 1st Place:

📸 2nd Place:

📸 3rd Place:
📸 3rd Place:
📸 3rd Place:

✨ Honorable Mentions ✨

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Congratulations to all of our winners and honorable mentions! We truly enjoyed seeing your unique perspective on this month’s theme and appreciate everyone who took the time to participate.

Be sure to check out all of the entries for inspiration and show some love to your fellow photographers. The June Photo Contest announcement is pinned to the top of our page! 📷

✨ Happy June!! ✨

A new month brings a new creative challenge, and for June, we’re celebrating one of photography’s most beautiful lighting conditions.

📸 June Theme: Golden Hour
Capture an image during Golden Hour — the magical light that occurs just before sunset and just before sunrise. Think warm tones, long shadows, glowing landscapes, backlit portraits, city scenes bathed in soft light, or any moment transformed by the beauty of the sun’s low angle.

Your interpretation can be literal or creative. All photography styles are welcome, whether you shoot film or digital.

Creative Focus: Light & Atmosphere
Pay attention to how light shapes your image. Use the warmth, color, and mood of Golden Hour to create a photograph that stands out and tells a story.

Bonus Challenge:
Use Golden Hour light to create dramatic shadows.

(Complete the bonus challenge to earn points toward the 2026 Bonus Point Champion!)

🏆 Prizes
• 🥇 1st Place: $50 Gift Card
• 🥈 2nd Place: $25 Gift Card
• 🥉 3rd Place: $25 Gift Card

The Photo Center staff reviews photos for creativity, technical quality, and fit with the theme. Final placement is influenced by community engagement.

📋 How to Enter
1️⃣ Follow us on Instagram and like this post
2️⃣ DM us one original photo taken by you, along with your name, by June 27
(Facebook users may message us their photo)
3️⃣ Post the photo on your page, tag us, and use
4️⃣ Tag 3 creative friends in the comments of this post
5️⃣ Gift cards must be picked up in person
6️⃣ One entry per person

We can’t wait to see the beautiful light and creative moments you capture this month 🌅📷✨

📸 Friday Photo Tip ☀️
Sunny weekends = the perfect time to use a circular polarizing filter.

A CPL filter can help:
✔ Reduce reflections
✔ Cut glare from water/glass
✔ Deepen blue skies
✔ Add contrast and richer color to your images

A small addition to your kit that can make a big difference outdoors. 👀

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒫𝒽𝑜𝓉𝑜 𝒞𝑒𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇
🗺️ 1930 Route 88 Brick, NJ 08724
📞732-840-1333
🌐www.thephotocenter.com

You’re heading out for a photo walk…
but can only bring one camera.

Which are you choosing: the Hasselblad 501CM or the Leica SL3? 👀

Let us know your pick in the comments 👇

📸 Why Not Wednesday: Canon Demo Day is this week!

Join us this Wednesday from 11–3 for a hands-on Canon Demo Day at the store.

Come try out select Canon gear, ask questions, and chat all things photography with us. 👀

Bonus: Save the tax on qualifying Canon purchases during the event
(exclusions apply).

Whether you’ve been thinking about upgrading your setup or just want to check out the latest gear, stop by and see us this Wednesday!

📍 The Photo Center / 1930 Route 88, Brick, NJ, 08724
🕚 Wednesday | 11 AM – 3 PM

Scroll to the end for everything on sale and a look at the newly announced products.➡️

Film Friday: Kodak Pro 400
(formerly Portra 400)
📸 Shot by Jeff

Kodak Pro 400 is a favorite among film photographers for its versatility, smooth tones, and signature color rendering. Originally created for portrait photography, this film became known for its natural-looking skin tones, soft contrast, and ability to handle a wide range of lighting conditions.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, travel, street photography, or everyday moments, Pro 400 delivers fine grain, balanced colors, and beautiful detail throughout highlights and shadows. It also handles overexposure especially well, giving that bright, airy film look many photographers love.

Available in both 35mm and 120 formats, it’s one of those film stocks that works well in almost any camera bag.

Have you tried Kodak Pro 400 before?
What’s your favorite film stock to shoot with lately?

📩 Share your favorite Pro 400 image with us through our stories!

👀 Big week ahead.
Swipe to see what’s coming soon.

Any guesses for what’s on the way?

🎞️ Film Friday: Phoenix II 🎞️

Phoenix II takes everything from the original and pushes it even further with a completely reworked formula featuring new dyes, couplers, and an experimental layer design.

The result? A film stock that feels a little more refined while still keeping the distinctive character and unpredictability that make shooting film so fun. Expect improved contrast, finer grain, and enhanced sharpness, along with better detail in both highlights and shadows.

It’s also a bit more forgiving when it comes to exposure, giving photographers extra flexibility while still rewarding careful shooting.

Scanning has been improved too, though results can vary depending on your setup—making each roll feel uniquely your own.

If you’re in the mood to experiment and embrace the creative side of analog photography, Phoenix II is definitely worth a try.

Stop by and grab a roll for your next shoot 🎞️

Have you tried Phoenix II yet, or are you adding it to your must-shoot list?