As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a striking visual tribute to the Jersey Shore has been selected to lead the way. Monmouth County Tourism has officially unveiled its 2026 Travel Guide, featuring a breathtaking cover photograph captured by Gary Gellman of Gellman Images.
The winning image is an aerial perspective of the historic Sea Girt Lighthouse. The photograph captures the American flag waving prominently over the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a symbolic nod to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
The guide is a staple for regional tourism, with 50,000 copies currently in circulation. Distribution is strategically split:
- Travel Hubs: 25,000 copies are being placed at stops along I-95 (from New York to Washington D.C.), the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and hotels throughout New Jersey.
- Direct Requests: The remaining 25,000 copies fulfill individual requests, which Monmouth County Tourism reports are arriving at a rate of roughly 200 per week.
Operating out of his studio in Spring Lake Heights, Gary Gellman was quick to credit his staff for the achievement.
“None of this would have been accomplished without the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the Gellman Images team, which includes Nick Hiltwein, Alana Denenberg, and Kerrianne Gellman,” said Gellman. “We have the hardest working team in the region and we are always reinventing our craft.”
A graduate of The College of New Jersey, Gellman’s career spans decades, beginning at a public access cable station at age 16. His portfolio is a “who’s who” of cultural and political icons. For over 17 years, he has served as the official photographer for the New Jersey Hall of Fame, capturing legends such as:
- Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi
- Buzz Aldrin and Yogi Berra
- Queen Latifah and Mary Higgins Clark
Gellman’s work has reached the world’s most prestigious stages, with exhibits at the Vatican, the U.S. Senate Gallery, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has also photographed two Popes and appeared as a guest expert on national programs including The Early Show and Good Morning Las Vegas.
Travelers and residents interested in the 2026 Monmouth County Travel Guide can obtain a free copy through the following channels:
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Online: Visit MonmouthCountyTourism.com to view the digital version or request a physical copy.
