Mermaids of Montauk, by James Katsipis

Montauk resident James Katsipis is an aquatic photographer, surfer, and outdoorsman actually prefers the winter season on The End [Montauk’s nickname]. But as the weather, and water start to warm, Katsipis looks forward to jumping in to continue shooting his ethereal photography series aptly named Mermaids of Montauk.  James takes KDHamptons readers under the sea in this NEW Featured Photographer Diary, below:

“There is nowhere I would rather be then swimming off of the Montauk Point Lighthouse with my camera in the middle of February after a fresh snow storm the night before,” says James.

KDHamptons:  What do you love most about Montauk and aquatic photography?

James Katsipis: I was born and raised in Montauk, NY.  As an avid surfer, shooting in the water came naturally to me.  Using Montauk, and the people who live here as my canvas really shows what local living is like year round.   In addition to the aquatic photography, I also shoot a wide range of subjects from landscapes, editorials, portraits and beauty.  After years of shooting wave riders, I am working on a new series called “The Mermaids Of Montauk”.

Amanda Beckwith

KDHamptons:  How would you describe your current photography series “The Mermaids of Montauk?

James: The Mermaids Of Montauk is an incredibly sensual and raw series of images that represents Montauk’s beautiful water lovers, or “Mermaids”.  These are not your typical   sea-shell wearing mermaids with a green spandex skirt tail.  Think Lana Del Ray meets Mythical Sirens — A bit cunning and definitely devilish.  The images show a more dark and gritty look than your typical pretty underwater shoots with girls that you would see in  Tahiti or Hawaii.  Montauks’ waters are not known for their clarity and vibrant colors and can be dark and gloomy.  You never really know what’s down there.  I love it.  Shooting in black and white compliments the moody feel.  I love to shoot surfing in the water with my water housing,  and also love to shoot beauty portraits so I decided to combine both  in this series.  I did a shoot with Amanda Beckwith and we swam and played around with a couple ideas.  Tried some different locations and we captured some amazing images [see above]. I guess it just evolved from there….

KDHamptons:  How did you find all of the Mermaids for the shoot?

James: I made a facebook page, an instagram account, and an exclusive email [Montaukmermaids@gmail.com] to ask if anyone wanted to be in my series.  After posting one of Amanda’s pics my email just flooded.  I had no idea how many girls would respond to that.  I had a long waiting list of models last summer.  It was crazy.  Girls were trying to fly in from California and England.  I told them that I didn’t know if it would be worth all the expense and to maybe hold off on that.  Ha! But I got to give it to them — that’s passion.

KDHamptons:  Will this photo series continue with more Mermaids this summer?

James: When the weather and water warms up we can start up again.  We still have a long list of models, so hopefully we can add some more Mermaids and see what other great images we can come up with.  It was such a blast last summer.  All the girls had such a great time.  A lot of the girls walked away feeling super confident after the shoot. That was really cool to see the transformation of this shy girl in the beginning of the shoot and then into this powerful woman just glowing and smiling after we were done.

KDHamptons:  Where can we view the images, or purchase works?

James: The “Mermaids of Montauk” had their first show last year at The Montauk Beach House.  All the Mermaids came to the show and wore elegant white dresses.  It really set the stage for all the viewers.  It was a beautiful evening.  I had About 18 pieces on display. Each were 16x24in Signed and Numbered Limited Edition prints [1 of 10 series].  I still have a few first editions left.  Not many, but interested collectors can email me to find out more about print availability and pricing.  I’m keeping production way down and exclusive.  [Montaukmermaids@gmail.com]

* Follow James on Instagram and Facebook at: Mermaidsofmontauk