Thomas P. Costello, a seasoned photojournalist with the Asbury Park Press, has selected his 2025 Video of the Year—a compelling piece titled "'Mother Nature always wins': Checking surf conditions at Manasquan Inlet." The video captures the Boyle family from Sea Girt as they bravely assess the surfing conditions at Manasquan Inlet while Hurricane Erin churns off the New Jersey coastline. Recorded on August 21, 2025, the footage showcases both the raw power of nature and the resilient spirit of local residents. Costello's work exemplifies the type of immersive storytelling that has become his trademark throughout his career covering the Jersey Shore.
Unlike typical assignment-based reporting, Costello discovered this story organically while navigating the backroads of Monmouth and Ocean counties during his daily shift. During severe weather events, he adopts a methodical approach, cruising the coastal areas to find human-interest features that reveal how storms affect everyday life. Manasquan Inlet holds a special place in his repertoire of locations. The site offers strategic advantages for weather coverage, including a protective pavilion that shields equipment from rain and a nearby building that breaks the powerful coastal winds. These features allow him to capture dramatic footage while maintaining safety and equipment protection.
The video's narrative centers on Darian Boyle and her daughters, who ventured to the inlet to witness Hurricane Erin's impact firsthand. Their excitement and wonder are palpable throughout the piece, providing an authentic glimpse into how local families engage with extreme weather events. The Boyles' decision to check surf conditions during a hurricane reveals a common coastal community practice of respecting nature's power while remaining curious about its force. Their presence at the inlet transformed what could have been standard storm footage into a personal story of family adventure and weather awareness.
What makes this video particularly remarkable is its spontaneous creation. Costello had not initially planned to produce video content that day. However, he happened to have a small wireless microphone kit in his pocket—a piece of equipment that proved instrumental in capturing high-quality audio amid challenging conditions. After beginning with still photography from the sheltered pavilion, he made the calculated decision to venture onto the beach itself, braving driving winds to get closer to the action. This flexibility and preparedness demonstrate the adaptability required of modern photojournalists who must be ready to pivot between mediums.
The interview with Deedee Boyle provided the video's most memorable moments and its title. Her quotes—"Mother Nature always wins" and "You never want to fight Mother Nature"—resonated as both warning and wisdom, perfectly encapsulating the relationship between coastal residents and the sea. These authentic, unscripted comments elevated the piece from simple documentation to meaningful storytelling. Costello emphasizes that the characters and their genuine reactions are what make this video stand out among his 2025 body of work, highlighting how human emotion and natural drama combine to create compelling journalism.
The recognition of this video as Costello's best work of 2025 underscores the evolving nature of photojournalism, where still photography and videography increasingly intersect. His ability to find and develop stories in unplanned moments reflects the highest standards of visual journalism. The piece serves as a testament to the importance of being present in the community and ready to capture stories as they unfold naturally. For readers of the Asbury Park Press and viewers of the video, it provides both an exciting visual experience and a reminder of nature's immense power and the wisdom of respecting it.
