THE OTHER HAMPTONS | 2024 -
"Perhaps no place in America is as perfectly Instagram-ready as the Hamptons, where striking natural beauty and extravagant wealth are juxtaposed in abundance. Lifestyle and fashion influencers spend their summers at the eastern end of Long Island, documenting their sumptuous lives." — New York Times 8/8/24 The Hamptons, a string of affluent seaside communities on Long Island's South Fork, are renowned for their picturesque beaches, historic homes, and luxurious lifestyle. This area is synonymous with exclusivity, opulence, and high-profile events, attracting wealthy visitors and celebrities alike. While the popular image of the Hamptons is well-documented through influencer posts, gossip columns, and glossy magazines, this project aims to capture a different perspective: The Other Hamptons. Focusing predominantly on the residents and village of Hampton Bays, this series reveals a more subdued innocence that lies beneath the frenetic social whirl. With its 16,000 full-time residents, Hampton Bays presents a stark contrast to its upscale neighbors. The community is a diverse mix of working-class families, retirees, and weekenders, with a significant Hispanic population. By documenting the everyday life of Hampton Bays, this on-going project offers a counterpoint to the Instagram-ready version of the Hamptons. "The Other Hamptons" invites viewers to reflect on the contrast between perception and reality, wealth and simplicity, and the diverse tapestry of American life that exists within an iconic American playground.