Montauk Pioneer - September 5, 2008

This past Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception of "Preserve, A Photography Exhibition" at the Collette Gallery in Bridgehampton. The show featured the works of three photographers: Linda K. Alpern, Emmett Shine and James Katsipis. It was curated by Tripoli Patterson and was presented in association with Save Sag Harbor.

Montauk native, James Katsipis had pieces of his "Water Show" on display. Each piece took up an entire wall, which really showcased the detail in his pictures. One piece I really liked was called "Firewater" and although it was water that was photographed, it looked more like shaving cream. It's amazing what the eye can see and what the camera can capture.

Photography exhibitions are interesting. There are so many factors that go into the photograph itself.

There's the angle, the perception, the lighting, the kind of lenses used and, of course, the subject matter.

The creative process comes when the photographer who is taking the picture sees something unique that the regular eye may not. It keeps you interested in what is going on around you, and it amazing to look at all of the details.

It's so much more that goes into it than just snapping a picture and putting it on display.

James has lived in Montauk his entire life and growing up in Montauk gives access to the ocean and surfing.

His work with water displays his love for waves and for the natural beauty of the ocean's formations.

Surfing the waves of Montauk also allows him to connect with the ocean and in turn connect with nature.

Surfing itself leads you to the feeling of freedom as you soar across the fluid beneath your feet. As well as being able to put you in a meditative state of mind.

Looking at the water works that were on display gave a similar feeling. You get lost in the water itself, having the feeling that your worries are washed away and everything is calm for that moment.

Katsipis is what I like to term as a rising star on his way up in the world of photography. He has been shooting covers for our own Montauk Pioneer and national surf magazines. This has given him the opportunity to get noticed by others and they are definitely taking notice. Many times I have witnessed people meeting James with the same words of, "So you're James Katsipis. I've been wanting to meet you." People in the local Montauk community along with many other areas, have taken notice to this talented photographer, and it's just the beginning of what's to come.

Friends and family attended the show on Saturday to support James as well as those who didn't know him personally, but knew of his work. There were some serious inquiries on some of his pieces by people who are interested in buying them.

In case you didn't get a chance to attend the opening reception, this exhibition will be on display at the Collette Gallery in Bridgehampton through September 20.

There are many more subjects that he shoots besides water. He's most famously known for his surfing portraits that capture the most unbelievable still shots of some of Montauk's well known surfers. He also does portraits, landscapes, nature and so much more. Color, black and white and even infrared are in his portfolio. He was born with a natural talent for photography and art in general. Time, experience and education have enhanced his skills and I have no doubt that in a few short years his images will soon erupt all over the world in a volcanic fashion.

Many talented and famous people have come from Montauk. These people make a big impact here and photographer James Katsipis is on his way to becoming the next one.