The document summarizes an interview with part-time photographer Shawn Sachs about what inspires his photography in the Hamptons. Sachs finds the dunes along beaches transport him back to his childhood playing in the sand. He enjoys exploring new areas to photograph and finds beaches in Sag Harbor and retro spots in Amagansett provide the right atmosphere. Weekends in the Hamptons for Sachs involve long walks with his girlfriend, cigar smoking with his uncle, fishing with his dad in Montauk, and barbecues with loved ones, which provide a sense of peace that he seeks when visiting the area.

1. photographybyshawnsachs/weisskatzgallery
through
the dunes
the east end’s inspiring Drifts
help transport part-time
photographer SHAWN SACHS
back to his childhood.
as told to alexis bendjouia
“Something about dunes makes me feel like a kid.
Just glancing at them fleetingly transports me back
to the days of building sand castles, fishing, and
riding the waves. Maybe that’s because dunes were
always the first thing I saw when getting to the
beach growing up, but it’s a scene that continues to
grab my attention and bring back memories.
“As a photographer, I am still working on the
elements that combine to make the perfect
photograph. Most people say not to worry, to just
shoot what you love. For me, it’s all about the
exploration—half the fun lies in discovering a new
beach or town, or grabbing the perfect lobster
roll. It helps that there are countless places to take
pictures out East. I really love the beaches in Sag
Harbor and the cool retro spots like the Clam Bar
or Lunch in Amagansett. Those, coupled with
the sunrise at any Southampton beach, give just
the right vibe to inspire any photographer.
“Weekends out in the Hamptons are just
happy. To me, the equation is simple: Nothing
can top a long walk with my girlfriend, a cigar on
Uncle Jeffrey’s porch, fluke fishing with my dad
in Montauk, and a barbecue with the people I
love the most. There is a surrounding peace
here; you just have to look for it. You won’t find it
while waiting in line for a cup of coffee for 20
minutes, or while fighting for the last three berry
pies. My peace is found mostly at home, when I
wake up without a plan and sit on the porch with
friends and family—that’s what I seek when I
come out here.” H
A whirlwind of fences
at Gin Lane Beach.
112 hamptons-magazine.com
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