We moved back to Sag Harbor just over a
month ago and my routine now is exactly as I imagined it would
be....and better. For six years, I lived away from the water, in the
landlocked metropolis of Atlanta. The trees there are spectacular,
particularly in the Spring and Fall, but for a bi-coastal water lover who grew
up in Boston, San Francisco, and New York, living near the water has
always been more of a necessity than an option. I am remembering why.
 |
| Main Beach, East Hampton |
I
never imagined how luxurious this transition could feel. Every day, I
load up my car with my son, 2 dogs and camera and head off to school, just 5
minutes away. From there, I decide which beach to visit with Sparky and
Spencer, our retriever and shepherd mix dogs. Sometimes I opt for the nearest one because their whining is
making me crazy. But sometimes I just aim for the one I haven't visited
in a long time, or the one I suspect will be most empty. Each one has a
different feel, and a different character, created by the homes that
line it and the people who walk on it. Sometimes these differences really shock me (more on this another day).
 |
| Georgica Beach, East Hampton |
 |
| Crashing waves in motion at Georgica |
|
Every
day, I consider leaving my camera at home. And every day, I am glad I
didn't. Each day is different....the light, the water, the beach
itself. And I approach each day asking myself how I can see it
differently, how I can capture it differently. I think about how I can become a part of the image, like a painter, by use
my camera differently, and photographing things not as I see them, but rather as I create them.
 |
| Translucent waves, long exposure, cresting at Eqypt Beach, East Hampton |
|
|
 |
| A wave, interpreted in time. Georgica Beach. |
Some days I focus on the waves, the water, the motion. Some days I focus on the sparkle
on the water or the translucency of the waves. Some days I see
fishermen, or birds or shells. Some days are full of color and contrast and I consider whether to work with or against the light. Other days are completely monochromatic and hazy. I tend to focus more on the water than on the sky, and I bring different lenses from time to time just to have new options.
 |
| Fire on the water at Main Beach |
 |
| Homeless on Long Beach |
 |
| Sunset interpreted, at Haven's beach |
I can't imagine what the next months will bring, but my intention is to spend at least one day at the beach every week for a year, and see where I end up. So far, I have not been disappointed.
