Destination Travel

Vacations can provide us with some of the finest lasting memories. What could be better than getting away for a while with the ones you love most? With so many exotic and beautiful landscapes for us to explore across the globe, the vacations we take together provide us with unique opportunities to see and do new things. We are also able to become even closer, taking delight in each other's company while basking in a refreshing change of scenery. Whether you're traveling with your entire family or embarking on a well-deserved romantic getaway without the kids, you'll undoubtedly want to capture every moment. After all, the best part of returning home after an amazing trip together is sharing your travels with all your friends and loved ones!

The scenic backdrops and exciting new experiences that travel destinations offer to create countless opportunities for gorgeous photographs to be captured – making it quite difficult not to spend a considerable portion of your time reaching for your camera rather than relishing in the present moment. Have you ever felt like you spent more time snapping photos on vacation than actually enjoying yourself? Do you worry so much about preserving every wonderful moment that it interferes with the experience? Are you often the one taking the photographs, leaving you missing from most of your vacation photos? There's always the option of asking a stranger to take the picture for you, but by the time they figure out how to use your camera and quickly snap the pic, you're often left with a stiff and unflattering photo.

You shouldn't have to choose between fully enjoying yourself or preserving once-in-a-lifetime memories. When you're miles away from your obligations at a luxurious location, you shouldn't have a care in the world. This is why many of my clients invite me to travel with them across the globe, some have their own private jets. I devote myself to capturing every special moment so that they can be cherished time and time again. Utilizing years of experience, a trained eye, and a strong artistic vision, candid vacation moments are instantly transformed into breathtaking works of art, appearing even better than you remembered! I know the best way how to make my clients feel comfortable, relaxed and ready for some fun – effortlessly snapping photographs that will show you in your best light. You will love sharing these beautiful, top-of-the-line photographs with your friends and family. With colors so crisp and vibrant, these high-quality photos will have you feeling as if you've drifted back in time, re- experiencing each treasured moment. These incredible photographs can be hung as artwork in the home or used to make elegant prestige albums that can be passed on for generations.

To have me (Lucille) accompany you to your next travel destination, contact us at lucille@lucillekhornak.com.

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The Power of Photography

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As we get older, we become more aware of the impermanence of life. This is a feeling that is bittersweet. Things are always changing – people get older, families grow and the world around us evolves before our eyes. It's truly a remarkable thing, but because everything seems to happen so quickly, it's important not to let life pass us by and to remember to savor the company of our loved ones and all things we hold dear throughout the years. In a fast-paced, ever-changing world like the one we live in today, photography is more important than ever. Many people are unaware of the critical role photography plays in our lives, as it possesses a power unlike any other and a purpose that goes far beyond recreation.

The power of photography is its ability to seemingly freeze time, immortalizing a special moment so it can be remembered forever. Photography is the only way to quickly capture a second in time and turn it into a tangible, lasting image with true-to-life accuracy, unlike many other art forms. Photography enables an experience to be shared and communicated with others without any barriers. In this way, photography helps us stay close and connected with family and friends, regardless of any distance that may be between us. By intimately sharing our lives with friends and loved ones through pictures, we are able to bond and relate to each other on a deeper level.

As you may know, the photographs we leave behind are an important part of our legacy. Photographs tell your story and will continue to do so for generations. This is why it's so important to document your life with professional photography. Capture every moment you wish to remember  and not just the highlights. Know that these pictures will be passed on to future generations and that you will live on through them. Choosing the highest quality for your family portraits is incredibly important. These pictures need to endure the test of time. They should coincide with how you would like to be remembered – whether you'd like to showcase your personality or give off a feeling of timeless elegance with a more traditional style.

If you are looking for a professional photographer, visit my website and Facebook page. Email or call our studio to book your session!

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A New Family Tradition: Customized Holiday Cards

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It's never too early to start getting excited about the holidays! Now that the air is growing colder, thoughts of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years begin to dance happily through our heads. No matter which holiday (or holidays) you and your family choose to celebrate, they all seem to revolve around one main thing: family. The holidays are a fantastic time to send your love to relatives and friends. There really is no better way to send season's greetings than to send customized holiday cards of you and your family to those you love.

Customized holiday cards are a unique and festive way to celebrate the season. I offer beautiful, personalized cards for every season and every occasion, guaranteed to make your loved ones smile! With the highest standards in quality and artistry, these unique cards are unlike any other – undeniably elegant, timeless and soulful. When your friends and family receive a special greeting card made by the Lucille Khornak Photography design team featuring photographs taken by me, it will be something they cherish forever. We have heard from our clients that everyone saves the card and they get rave reviews.

Start a new tradition with your family this year and send out gorgeous holiday cards that everyone will remember! Not only do we guarantee you'll love the photos, the process of designing your cards is a fun, one-of-a-kind bonding experience the whole family will enjoy. Everyone knows the feeling you get when you receive a heartfelt card from a friend. Share the importance of family, love and togetherness with everyone you know. These cards are made with love for those you love!

To join the long list of clients who have made their season even brighter with personalized greeting cards, stop by our Southampton gallery this weekend or contact me at 888-858-1827 Lucille Khornak Photography ( email: lucille@lucillekhornak.com) and book your family photo session today!

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How Digital Photography Changed the Photography Business

The invention of the digital camera has had an incredible impact on the field of photography, revolutionizing how professional photographers operate their businesses and opening up the realm of photography to millions of interested amateur photographers. Such an incredible change has transformed photography from an exclusive art form reserved for trained artists into something that is accessible to everyone. In this day and age, everyone owns a camera – it is actually difficult not to – as they come conveniently built into our cell phones, laptops, tablets etc – ready to snap a photo with the simple push of a button. What did the switch to digital mean for professional photographers in the business? I took a moment to reflect on how the invention of the digital camera has shaped my business into what it is today.

Before digital, I had an assistant and a secretary. I had the same cameras for years. Today, I have ten people that work in our Long Island City studio to help process clients' work. I have to buy new cameras every two years as there are only so many clicks on a digital camera. We have to keep up with the monitors, calibrate them for the color and continuously buy new software as everything gets upgraded. As you can see, digital photography became a more costly endeavor.

Behind the scenes of my photography business, there is a lot of work that goes into ensuring that each client's portraits are top-of-the-line in quality and unlike any other. Though this work is time-consuming it is carried out promptly with expert precision and attention to detail, and only the best is presented to my clients. As technological advancements are made, the same cameras cannot be used throughout the years. They must be upgraded to keep the business up-to-date with the newest alterations in equipment. In this way, digital photography requires many additional costs which are all fundamental in the process of producing luxury photographs.

There are many positive aspects of digital photography as well. With digital, there are a seemingly infinite number of alterations that can be done to the file. Imperfections can be corrected, wrinkles can be softened  and the best shot of each person can be combined into one flawless picture in which everyone looks their best. A team of graphic designers at my studio in New York City are skilled in making sure that every edit looks natural and seamless. I have several professional photo retouchers, a color correction specialist, designers that create the holiday cards and prestige photo books, and a tech person to back up the extensive archive of files and manage the network of computers that is necessary for running the business.

Since the film is not used in digital photography, more photographs can be taken at once without worrying about wasting film, making the quest for the perfect photo substantially easier. The raw, unedited pictures from each photo shoot are considered to be the 'negatives. Theses are very large files that we immediately back up. We make a smaller file for clients to view during the selection process as large files take too long to open up.

These are viewed as the unfinished product and are not given to clients since they have not yet met standards of the Lucille Khornak brand perfection. Because I appreciate our clients and feel honored to be a part of preserving their happiest memories, we only want to give our clients the best. Photographs of this quality are works of art – they are made to be framed, used in a design for a gallery wall in the home or put into prestige books to pass on in your family for decades.

What continues to keep successful photography businesses alive and flourishing regardless of the changing tides of technology is a strong dedication to a level of quality that cannot be imitated and the sheer skill of an experienced artist with a trained eye.

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Halloween Art

Community, Art, Children, a great combination.

Yesterday I was photographing a client in Rye, New York. I stopped in the town for a hot chocolate as it was a very cold day for October.

I was amazed to see all the great artwork done by the children that live in the area. Each painting was the same size and it was on the outside of all the store windows. Children could draw and paint as they please.

Good to see the town promoting art and especially the budding artists while nurturing community spirit.

#RYE

Here are some examples.

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Halloween in the Hamptons

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It's almost that spooky time of the year again! Halloween is quickly approaching and the festivities are already beginning! There are so many things to do around the Hamptons this Halloween. If your kids are already eager to break out their costumes and have some fun, there is good news: they don't have to wait until the 31st to get into the Halloween spirit! Listed below are some great local events for the whole family to enjoy. So break out your most creative costumes and get ready for your best Halloween yet!

Bridgehampton Lions Club's Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest: On Monday, October 29th at the Bridgehampton Community House, the Bridgehampton Lion's Club will be having their annual pumpkin carving contest. Carve your best pumpkin masterpiece and you may receive a prize ranging from $20-$150. Don't forget to grab some delicious cider and donuts and stay for the puppet show!

Southampton Chamber of Commerce Annual 'Rag-A-Muffin' Halloween Parade: Join the fun on October 25th during the Southampton Chamber of Commerce's Annual 'Rag-A-Muffin' Halloween Parade for children ages nine and under. Don your best costume and arrive at 1 pm at Lake Agawam Park on Jobs Lane to begin the parade! A large turnout is expected. There will be a contest for best costume, the winner receiving a prize! After the parade, children and parents are invited to participate in the Southampton Pumpkin Trail, in which local merchants will give out treats at their shops on Main Street and Jobs Lane. Participating stores will have a special paper pumpkin in their windows. In the event of rain, the activities will be held at Rogers Memorial Library in the Morris Meeting Room at 91 Coopers Farm Road. Stop by our Southampton gallery at 77 Jobs Lane during the Pumpkin Trail event for a special treat!

Quogue Enchanted Forest Trail: On October 17, 11am-2pm, and October 25th, 12pm-3pm, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 3 Old Country Road will be hosting an enchanted forest trail. Children two to seven years in age and parents are welcome to meet whimsical and educational characters while walking the refuge's forest trails with a guide. This event will be full of games and activities. Dress up with your family and attend this one-of-a-kind experience. Reservations are required, so call Kimberly Stever at 631-653-4771 to reserve a spot. Reservations are $10 per person.

Mulford Farm's Festival of Frights: Grimm Scary Tales at Haunted Milford Farm: Mulford farm in Easthampton promises your family the spookiest festival of the season. Walk through the 'haunted' farm for the cemetery tour on October 27th at 6 pm, hosted by the Easthampton Historical Society. Tickets are $10 per family, or $5 for adults and $2 for children. Come and see some fantastic costumes and be prepared for an educational yet terrifically creepy experience!

Haunted Path and Ghoulish Games at the Southampton Youth Center: On October 30th, 7pm-10pm, the Southampton Youth Center (1370A Majors Path, Southampton) will be hosting the perfect gathering for children in grades six and up. Navigate through their spooky walk then compete in some festive and fun activities such as a mummy race, zombie basketball, and ghost dodgeball! At only 5$ per entry, this event is great for the active family who doesn't mind a bit of a scare!

Enjoy Halloween all month long with your family and make this October the best yet! Lucille Khornak Gallery wishes your entire family a safe, spooky and memorable Halloween!

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Fall Activities for the Family

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Though summer has come to an end and long days at the beach may now be behind us, there are still many opportunities for festive family fun on Long Island. The changing of the seasons brings us colorful leaves to play in, pumpkins to pick, cider to drink and hay bales to climb, evoking a sense of wonder and excitement in children and adults alike. The cool autumn weather and approaching holidays always seems to bring families even closer together. Make this season special by participating in some of the family-friendly fall activities listed below! Each activity is simple, stress-free and great for creating new memories together – perfect for the kids and kids-at-heart!

Go Apple Picking Together: The chilly weather marks the beginning of the fall harvest, meaning the apples are ripe and ready to be picked off the trees! There are many local, family-owned orchards on Long Island to choose from, such as 7 Ponds Orchard in Watermill and Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Engage the kids by playing games while picking. See who can find the largest apple and award the winner with a small prize. At the end of the day, make caramel apples together using a simple at-home kit from your local grocery store.

Attend Local Farmer's Markets: Going to the farmer's market is not only a great way to buy incredibly fresh produce while supporting local farmers, it's a lot of fun! Take the kids to your local farmer's market and let them help you select some crisp fall fruits and vegetables. This new tradition can even get them excited about healthy eating. The Southampton Chamber of Commerce Farmer's Market will be open Sundays throughout the month of October, from 9am-2pm. The Market is located on the east side grounds of the Southampton Arts Center at 25 Jobs Lane. Over 25 vendors will be featured selling farm-fresh produce, baked goods, jams, spices, teas, gluten-free and vegan products, wine from local vineyards, natural skincare products, soaps, artisan jewelry, natural pet treats and more! While you're in town, stop by our Southampton Gallery right down the street and say hi!

Make Your Own Apple Cider: There's nothing better than a warm cup of cider on a cool autumn day. Follow this easy, kid-friendly recipe to make your own hot cider at home.

Book a Family Photo Session: Fall is the perfect season to book your family photo session. The scenery is beautiful and makes for incredible pictures! A photo session with Lucille is an experience the whole family will enjoy and remember forever. Have one- of-a-kind holiday cards made to send to all your loved ones this year – it's a special gesture that friends and family will cherish!

Go Pumpkin Picking: Make a day out of it and attend a local farm with many other attractions. Hank's Pumpkintown in Watermill offers corn mazes, wagon rides, pedal cart races, animals, games, education stations and more. As a safer and less messy alternative to pumpkin carving, paint your pumpkins with the kids and put them out on display!

Homemade Halloween Costumes and Decorations: Spend an afternoon making festive arts and crafts with the kids to use as decorations around your home. Let them unleash their creativity by putting together their own Halloween costumes this year.

Whatever you decide to do with your family this season, make sure you have as much fun as possible together. With all the festive activities that this time of year has to offer, you may just fall in love with autumn!

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Express Yourself to Better Health!

Do you make time for creative self-expression? In today's world, busy work schedules, daily obligations and the general hustle and bustle of the everyday leave most of us unable to find time to engage in the creative activities we love. Though many can recognize the great impact of self- expression throughout human history and the influence of the arts on our culture, not enough find time to participate themselves. Recently, however, scientists are discovering the many health benefits of creative self-expression, which includes writing, painting, dance, photography, drawing, playing music, ceramics, sculpture and anything in between. Read on and you may decide to join the many individuals who are now making time in their schedules for some fun, artistic endeavors.

In an article published by the American Journal of Public Health in 2010, entitled The Connection Between Art, Healing and Public Health, one hundred different scientific studies were reexamined to further understand the impact of creative self-expression on ones mental and physical well-being. Each of the one hundred studies chosen included 30 participants who suffered from chronic illness and cancer. The results of these studies showed that visual arts activities impacted the psychological and physical health of participants in the following ways:

• 'Art filled occupational voids and distracted from thoughts of illness'
• 'Improved medical outcomes and decreased depression'
• 'Improved well-being by decreasing negative emotions and increasing positive ones'
• 'Reduced stress and anxiety'
• 'Improved flow and spontaneity, expression of positive identity and social networks'
•  'Improved immune system by strengthening the body's defenses on the cellular level'

Many recent studies further validate that exercising our creativity is good for us. Such findings have lead to the emergence of art therapy, which utilizes the process of creating art to facilitate healing, increase positive coping behaviors and improve an individual's health status. Studies have found that activities like painting and drawing aid in healing by externalizing stress and trauma. Singing, on the other hand, releases chemicals in the brain that serve as natural pain-killers and increases the 'bonding hormone', which makes us feel a sense of trust. Expressive writing can lead to a more positive mood and fewer illnesses while dancing can decrease stress, increase energy and improve sleep quality.

It is amazing to think that all these benefits can be reaped by simply picking up a pencil or paint brush and putting it to paper. By finding even just a few hours a week to express yourself in an artistic manner, you can nurture both your body and mind – now and in the future. The best part? There are so many easy and fun ways to create, all of which can be done alone or with friends and family. Because there are so many different types of art, there is something for everyone. It is important to remember that you don't need to be a professional to express yourself creatively – the health benefits of art are for everyone! Worry less about the finished product and more about the process. Expressing yourself creatively to benefit your health should be viewed as an enjoyable, stress-free, therapeutic activity, so don't worry about your level of skill or achieving perfect results. You don't need to be good at art for it to be good for you. So pick up that pencil and make something! Be creative! Your body will thank you.

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Creating a Gallery Wall in Your Home

Family photographs are now assuming a more stylish role in the world of interior design. Hanging portraits of your family in your living space is an excellent way to add personality to your home décor. Displaying beautiful, professional photographs of your loved ones will warmly welcome guests into your household and serve as a reminder of the importance of family ties. There is no better way to commemorate your family's close bond than to display your finest memories together as works of art. By incorporating your favorite photographs of loved ones as elements of interior design, the love you share will radiate throughout your home.

An excellent way to display your framed professional portraits in the home is through the creation of a gallery wall. A gallery wall serves as a designated space to exhibit these photographs as works of fine art. The space you choose should provide you with enough flexibility to arrange your photographs. Over time, your collection of captured memories will increase and your gallery wall will grow. Your whole family will love to see themselves on display.

A family wall is very important. Art is great and I personally love art. However making space for a statement of family photographs can be very powerful and say a lot about you.

I have one client who is a big art collector and she tells me when she has company no one ever comments about her art. When they see the large family blowups of the children they always comment on the impact of the photographs.

Find a space that is appropriate. A hallway, an entrance to your home, a staircase to the second floor and let's start. Many people are lost in how to display. This can be very daunting. If you find that you are not a “creative person” and do not feel comfortable making these decisions then I would recommend hiring a professional. Lucille Khornak Gallery offers this service. We can layout your photographs and do a wall layout sized to your space.

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Attending Opening Reception at an Art Gallery

If you’ve never attended an opening reception at an art gallery, we encourage you to find out what you’ve been missing. Opening receptions are unique experiences in which the community is invited to come together and celebrate the artist’s creative efforts. Opening receptions are special public viewings of the artist’s work and often include refreshments, food and music for your enjoyment. These events occur throughout the year – and you are always welcome to join in on the fun!

There are many reasons to attend these gatherings and show your support for the artist and art gallery. Opening receptions are excellent opportunities to meet other members of your community. Conversation blossoms effortlessly over the artwork and people can connect through sharing their different opinions. It is important to note that you do not need to know the artist or even be art savvy to attend. Guests are encouraged to experience the artwork in their own way – there is no wrong interpretation of how the work makes you feel and everyone’s perception varies. Remember, art is for everyone to enjoy!

The Lucille Khornak Gallery invites you to attend the next opening! “POP in the Hamptons” exhibition by Joss Parker. Come join us for the opening reception on Friday – 5pm to 8pm at 2400 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, NY 11932.

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The Classic Frame

Frames are capable of much more than just displaying works of art. Without a great frame, a photograph simply cannot live up to its full potential as a beautiful piece of artwork in the home. The perfect frame will complement your photo and enhance its appearance. Frames provide works of art with a proper decorative context within your living space, serving to transition the eye from a 3-dimensional world into a 2-dimensional one. Frame choice can also influence how a work of art is experienced and appreciated by the observer, making it important to choose the right one.

When choosing the perfect frame for your family portraits, I prefer classic black, white, brown or silver – similar to ones you may see displaying works of art in museums around the world. These frames keep the attention of the viewer on the content of the photograph. They also add an element of elegance and timeless sophistication. Classic frames effortlessly fit into existing décor so that family memories can be easily displayed throughout the entire home. I believe that the simplicity of this design does not distract or take away from the beauty of the portrait. Instead, it subtly welcomes the viewer, drawing the eye directly to the photograph so that your family remains the focus.

If you are looking for a frame to preserve all your life's important moments, our gallery offers wall design in which we can incorporate your artwork and photographs.

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Lucille Khornak is Honored in New Rolls-Royce Book

We are pleased to announce that Lucille Khornak has been selected  for the best in photography and is featured in the Luxury Living section of the celebratory Rolls-Royce book.   The superior quality found in Lucille's photographs and books makes her a perfect match for the book that commemorates the legendary Rolls Royce. Her photographs of your children and family captures life's special moments with vibrant energy, soulfulness and whimsy. Her designs of your home’s gallery wall  will grab everyones attention and add warmth to the home.

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Dan's Papers

This week we were pleasantly surprised with an article in Dan's Papers on August 23^rd, 2013. Lucille was featured in a half-page spread about her work and message behind her photography. As Lucille puts it, “At the end of life all we have are memories and photographs. This is what we pass down to the next generation.” Capturing children and their families is her entire life's work and pride, easily radiating through the clear, carefully arranged photographs. By helping her clients design walls and coffee table books, the memories are preserved and even family members that are no longer with us can be remembered and cherished. Using your family as your artwork is crucial to building your children's self esteem and confidence, and seeing how quickly the years pass by looking at each year's photographs or holiday cards. Dan's Papers really captured the spirit of Lucille Khornak and her work, and we couldn't be more thrilled to be in the paper.  

Hamptons Paddle & Party for Pink

Last weekend on Saturday, August 17th, the second annual Hamptons Paddle & Party for Pink took place in Sag Harbor. It is an event for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which consists of a multi-skill level paddle boarding race and benefit. Co-hosted by Lisa and Richard Perry (native New Yorkers), it allows paddle boarders of all skill sets to compete and help raise money to donate to the foundation. In its first year alone, the Paddle & Party for Pink raised more than half a million dollars, a landmark feat for the event’s induction year. Special guests for 2013 included athletes Gabrielle Reece and Laird Hamilton.

Hamptons Classic 2013

The Hamptons Classic is an annual horse show taking place in Bridgehampton, NY. Spectators and competitors come from all parts of the country to partake in the event. It is well-regarded as one of the largest show jumping events in the United States. Traditionally held during Labor Day weekend, it is one of the last major events to close the summer season of the Hamptons. More than 1,600 horses compete every year for hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money, drawing many local equestrians, novice riders, world-renowned competitors and Olympic riders. The Hamptons Classic is a favored event by celebrities and philanthropists as well, as the high-profile location has prime opportunities to see and be seen. This year marks its 38th year active, having been a way of reintroducing older horse shows that had concluded decades ago. Plenty of activities for the family are available as well, such as pony rides, petting zoos, boutique shopping, and special events. Ticket may be purchased at the door or in advanced. The ASPCA also often makes an appearance, encouraging adoptions of pets in need of loving, forever homes. 

Located at 240 Snake Hollow Road, just off Route 27 in Bridgehampton, NY. Runs from August 25th thru September 1st.

Unchained: Moving to the Southampton Lucille Khornak Gallery

Our beloved dogs made from chains are finding a new home at the Southampton Lucille Khornak Gallery. Half of them will remain in Bridgehampton, the other half will be installed today in Southampton. When you're in town, be sure to stop in and pay us and the dogs a visit.

Hamptons Lighthouses

Hamptons Lighthouses

In the Hamptons, there are plenty of old lighthouses to visit. A great way to teach the little ones about Long Island’s history in fishing, whaling, and other maritime ways of life, visiting at least one lighthouse a summer is a wonderful “daycation”.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

The most famous and oldest lighthouse in New York State, the Montauk Point Lighthouse was first build in 1792 after President George Washington authorized its construction with the 2nd Congress. Opening in 1796, it is one of the only active lighthouses left on Long Island. Its beacon flashes every five seconds for ships up to 19 nautical miles away to see and be guided back to the mainland. A classic visit for the family, guided tours include the tower, oil room, lookout points, lighthouse keeper’s dwelling, and more.

Standalone and Offshore Lighthouses

Many lighthouses are offshore, not connected to any main strip of land. The Little Gull Island Lighthouse is one of these that is also still active. First lit off Fisher’s Island in 1869, its 81 foot tower can be seen for miles still. Two Victorian house-esque lighthouses are the Race Rock Lighthouse and Long Beach Bar (Bug Light). Most of the offshore lighthouses are fairly small in stature, like the 49-foot tall Latimer Reef Light and the Orient Point (Coffee Pot) Lighthouse at 45 feet tall.

Easthampton and Southampton

In Easthampton, Cedar Island Lighthouse is tucked into county parkland, having been constructed in 1860. Now inactive, its charming 40 foot tall tower is homage to past times, with its unpainted granite and quaint appearance. Unfortunately, as more commercial spaces were hungered for, the oldest lighthouses were torn down to make room despite efforts to preserve them. The Shinnecock Bay Lighthouse suffered damage from the 1938 hurricane to its 150 foot tower, which was later demolished ten years later by the Coast Guard. The Gardiner’s Island Lighthouse is only a memory now, having been lit in 1855 but abruptly closing in 1898.

Southold Lighthouses

Southold has more lighthouses than any other town in the United States. The Horton Point Lighthouse houses the Southold Historical Society’s Nautical Museum. The lighthouse has been active since 1857, though between 1933-1990 it was inactive. The Plum Island Lighthouse has a very modest 55-foot tower and sits right near where the battle of Plum Gut occurred in 1775, just prior to the American Revolution. The North Dumping Lighthouse is one of the numerous inactive lighthouses, nestled on Fisher’s Island Sound. A simple brick tower cresting 21 feet, it was deactivated in 1959, not even 90 years after its opening.

Hayground Farmer's Market of Bridgehampton

The Hayground Farmer’s Market on Mitchell Lane in Bridgehampton, NY is one of the most family oriented farm stands in the Hamptons. Grown by local farmers, and a stand of produce grown by schoolchildren from the Hamptons, it has a great variety of both produce and non-traditional market goods. Seedlings, wine, cheese, fish, baked goods, olive oil, ice cream and sorbet, dog treats, pizza, and much more are all available at the Hayground Market. Specialities also include sweet corn, string beans, vine ripened tomatoes, berries, peaches, fresh eggs, and peppers of all colors and sizes. A community effort, the Hayground Market encourages schools to work as a team to yield organic, locally raised crops and to support the hard working farmers that allow for this to be possible. It’s a family affair for sure, as many of these farms are still owned by the original families who established them generations ago. By buying at your local farmer’s market instead of a grocery store, you get to carefully select exactly what you’d like on your dinner plate instead of purchasing a factory sealed bag of randomly chosen produce. You can even meet the people who grew your food and ask for preparation and storage tips. By supporting the farmers you help keep the traditional farm-based economy of Long Island alive. It’s a Hamptons tradition every summer to visit farm stands, and the Hayground Market should be at the top of your list.

Every Friday from 3pm to 6:30pm you can visit the Hayground Market to stock up on the freshest produce in Bridgehampton, chat with neighbors, and teach your children the importance of healthy, balanced diets and why it’s good to know where your food comes from. Running from Memorial Day weekend thru September, make it a weekly habit on your way home from the beach or work to pick up ripe fruit and vegetables, a homemade loaf of bread, and a bottle of locally grown wine. A treat you must try is their Josephine’s Feast jam, namely the Blushing Pink Grapefruit Marmalade, a favorite of mine and many others.

Angel Ortiz: Graffiti turned fine art.

One of the late Keith Haring's peers and personal friends, artist Angel Ortiz (also known as “LA II”, “Little Angel”, and “La Roc”) has begun to emerge as one of the up and coming Puerto Rican artists of the 21^st century. His art career has been established for decades now, but rarely has he been recognized for who he is. His images are often replicated and used without permission, and even in the 1982 gallery exhibition featuring him and Haring's work, the gallery mistakenly labeled it as a solo exhibition for Haring and left LA uncredited as the artist.

 Today his work is now being recognized and shown at the Howard Gallery in East Hampton, NY. A strong Haring influence can be seen, but the work is entirely his own trademarks. Bold splashes of color, interlocked lines and patterns, and recognizable characters are some of his style characteristics. This graffiti artist is unique in his own right, and his many tag names can be seen in both urban and fine art settings.

Mark Gettes is now the proud owner of one of LA's works, pictured above.

Fishing Spots in the Hamptons

Image

Photo courtesy of Lucille Khornak Photography

Discover the Best Fishing Spots in the Hamptons: A Photographer’s Guide

Are you a photography enthusiast looking to capture the perfect fishing moments in the Hamptons? Whether you’re planning a relaxing solo day or a fun family outing, the Hamptons offer endless picturesque fishing spots that are perfect for your next photo shoot.

Top Fishing Locations in the Hamptons

Hampton Bays - Sears Bellows County Park Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays is a must-visit for freshwater fishing. The park’s pond is teeming with bass, bluegills, perch, and pickerel, making it an ideal spot for capturing vibrant wildlife photography.

Shinnecock Inlet For those interested in saltwater fishing, Shinnecock Inlet is a prime location. Here, you can photograph bluefish and striped bass, especially during dawn and dusk. Using live bait can make for some dynamic action shots as the fish leap out of the water.

Montauk - Block Island Sound Montauk’s Block Island Sound is renowned for its saltwater fishing opportunities. From May through November, you can capture stunning images of striped bass, fluke, and bluefish. Renting a boat or bringing your own allows for a full day of photography on the water. Nearby, Theodore Roosevelt County Park offers surfcasting opportunities, while Big Reed Pond is perfect for freshwater fishing photography with its largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and white perch.

East Hampton - Cedar Point County Park Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton is another fantastic spot for saltwater fishing. The park offers surfcasting and shore fishing, providing ample opportunities for capturing the beauty of the Hamptons’ coastline.

Shelter Island Shelter Island is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts and photographers alike. From May through September, Hay Beach and Jennings Point are perfect for striped bass, bluefish, stripers, blues, and false albacore.

Peconic Bay Region The interconnected bays of the Peconic Bay region, including Flanders, Great and Little Peconic, Hogs Neck, Noyac Bay, and Shelter Island Sound, offer diverse fishing and photography opportunities. Capture images of bass, blues, weakfish, and porgies in these scenic locations.

Gardiners Bay Nestled between the North and South Forks of Long Island, Gardiners Bay is a small but fruitful fishing spot. It’s perfect for photographing porgies, bluefish, and striped bass, with occasional blowfish sightings. Cartwright Shoals at the southern end of Gardiners Bay is ideal for light tackle fishing.

Capture the Essence of the Hamptons

The Hamptons are not just a fishing paradise but also a photographer’s dream. Each location offers unique opportunities to capture the essence of fishing in the Hamptons. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, these spots provide the perfect backdrop for your next photo shoot. We have to include any crab fisherman too! Blue claw crabs love leftover bluefish parts. If you're not an angler with a pole, ask a friend to lend you some scrap bluefish and you'll have your dinner by sunset.