Montauk based photographer Ben Watts is a staple in the international fashion, art, and party scene.  Take a quick look at Ben’s Instagram and you’ll find nearly every supermodel and Hollywood cover girl posing for his lens.  An established commercial and editorial force in photography, Ben regularly shoots for publications including: GQ, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Elle, and the New York Times.  Watts gathers together an ultimate Hamptons photo album in his new book, BEN WATTS: MONTAUK DREAMING, which is being released with a major retrospective exhibition at the Milk Gallery in NYC called “WATTSUP MONTAUK”.  The exhibition will feature selected works from the book, as well as highlights from Ben’s personal archive which showcase the high energy images that are the hallmark of his twenty year career.  The exhibition will run from June 17- July 11, with a private opening reception on June 16th.

Primarily shot on an iPhone with Watts’ own photo APP and set of filters that render the beaches in hallucinatory, sun-drenched neon hues, MONTAUK DREAMING captures the lifestyle, spirit, and magic of a summer spent on the beaches of the Hamptons.  Go behind the scenes with one of Montauk’s most dynamic personalities in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary, below:

KDHamptons:  What inspired you to publish your latest book, “Montauk Dreaming”?

Ben Watts: I always wanted to do a book on Montauk, since it’s been my home since 1998.  It’s just so photogenic here.  The book is a collection of the photographs I take off of friends and family on my days off at the beach, and at our parties.

KDHamptons: How does the Hamptons influence your photography?  Do you live in Montauk year round?

Ben Watts:  I spend as much time in Montauk as I can, but I am constantly traveling.   Montauk offers a “calm” to my busy work schedule,  and it’s also such a great place for entertaining guests.  I try and convince my clients to shoot there at any opportunity.  They all love it!  I like to say that Montauk is a paradise just three hours outside the walls of the greatest city in the world.

KDHamptons:  What does a perfect Hamptons day look like to you?

Ben Watts: My perfect day would start with a bike ride to Gin beach with friends and family, everybody with their kids.  Then a massive late lunch at Inlet Seafood on East Lake Drive.  Afterwards, we head back home to hang by the pool and have a couple cocktails with tunes….and then bed early.

KDHamptons: You have branded yourself and your work with the catchphrase “WattsUp”,  and  produce a delicious vintage of rosé wine, aptly named WattsUp Rosé.  Where can we toast summer with your wine?

Ben: It will be in lots of Hamptons bars including Surf Lodge, Navy beach and several summer events.   WattsUp Rosé is available exclusively through Wine Awesomeness ($54 for a 3-pack).

KDHamptons: Your sister, actress Naomi Watts wrote the foreword for your book, can we share that with KDHamptons readers? 

Ben Watts:  Sure…see below.

KDHamptons: If you could photograph anyone in the world [dead or alive], whom would you choose?

Ben: Wow I don’t know??? So many – so, so many. This time I’ll say Winston Churchill…..with a massive cigar….chilling the fuck out…..Shhhh!

Purchase details:  BEN WATTS: MONTAUK DREAMING [published by Damiani] WILL BE RELEASED 5/26/2015. FOREWARD BY: NAOMI WATTS HARDCOVER, 8.75 X 8.75 IN. / 144 PGS / ILLUSTRATED THROUGHOUT. LIST PRICE: $45.00.  Click HERE to order.

For more information about the exhibition, please go to:
SONG CHONG
DIRECTOR, MILK GALLERY
SCHONG@MILKSTUDIOS.COM
(212) 645 – 2797