Iconic Sag Harbor photographer, Eric Striffler, has been living in the Hamptons for over 35 years. East Enders love Eric’s work and his photographs hang in many haute Hamptons homes. He tells KDH, “I love the Hamptons, as I feel it’s home, having grown up and gone to school here since the first grade.” Get to know Eric in his new KDHamptons Diary below, and enjoy his fantastic photography:

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What do you love most about the Hamptons?

Eric: I really love the beaches here, I feel we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here, and having been many places, I can attest to how amazing the beaches truly are. I also love the diverse countryside, and the abundance of beautiful idyllic landscapes, from the rolling hills of Noyac to the undulating dunes of Napeague.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How would you describe your photography KDHamptons readers?

Eric: Professionally [commercial and editorial] I shoot a myriad of subject matter, mostly focusing on interiors, food, lifestyle, entertaining, sports and fashion…..with a sprinkling of still life and product. When it comes to the fine art side of my photography, I’ve been primarily focusing on local landscapes, beaches, and bodyscapes in the sand or in the water ~ 98% of my work is shot right here in the Hamptons.

 

 

KDHamptons: Is there one element of photography you are most attached to?

Eric: Yes, one of the greatest things about photography is capturing space and time, which, in essence, is no different than physics and quantum mechanics, which I’m fascinated with as well. Playing with light is another aspect of both photography and physics. I’m intrigued with the fact that I can manipulate light, space and time by moving an inch, or waiting a second, or seeing things differently. How many people can say that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Why is the Hamptons sacred ground for a photographer?

Eric: We are blessed with incredible light here as well as stunning scenery, beautiful backdrops and four gorgeous seasons which give artists stunning canvases to work with.
Its also pretty cool to be around a copious amount of other artisans and fascinating cultured people to share thoughts and experiences with.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: I know this is tough, but do you have a favorite Hamptons photograph and tell us why?

Eric: I do not have just one, but if I HAD to choose one, it would be one of my aerials shot at dusk, perhaps Southampton Village [below]. Granted its not a fine art shot by any means, but these images truly have a Hamptons signature like no other photo. They are literally photographs OF the Hamptons from afar. The colors are stunning, everything is a rich, lush green. The viewer has a bird’s eye view of the lavish homes. You can see the gorgeous 7 p.m. light striking the trees and structures. And it’s quite a view!

 

 

 

 

I have several of these dusk aerial photographs of Southampton Village, East Hampton Village, Sagaponack and Meadow Lane, Southampton.

 

 

 

 

Eric: My other favorite Hamptons photograph would be the black & white image of a girl’s sand covered back [below], with her tuft of blond hair at the top. To me, this just screams: Hamptons beach, relaxation, emotion, solitude, peace, and a carefree attitude.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What camera do you shoot with most often and why do you love it?

Eric: I’ve mostly been using my new Canon 5d Mark 3 lately. I’m not concerned with any of the bells and whistles, or even megapixels. What I love so much about this camera is the accurate color rendition and highlight and shadow detail it captures. These things are of vital importance to me. I like manipulating color, but its crucial I start with a perfect, accurate canvas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Describe your perfect Hamptons day in detail?

Eric: I’m not one to lie around a pool or beach all day, so my ideal day would be pretty full:

I’d start my morning with a double espresso out on the back deck in the sun, and a good chat with my Amazing and insightful fiancée, Hannah. Then we’d take our two dogs for a long walk either in the neighborhood, or down at Long Beach. Then perhaps brunch or lunch at Pierre’s or Bell & Anchor. Afterwards, an afternoon at Flying Point Beach with the kids, Jacob, 9, and Gracie, 6. Then later, if we’re fortunate enough, maybe a twilight cruise in Peconic Bay on our friend’s boat, maybe even a little water skiing. Dinner would be at one of our favorite restaurants: Red Bar, Fresno [below], or Almond.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Do you like to entertain at home? Who cooks? What’s your “go-to” dinner plan in the summer?

Eric: We both love to cook. We just moved into a new home, and are still painting and arranging rooms, so its been difficult to do a lot of serious entertaining to date, but we have had people over for a couple brunches and a few dinner parties. Hannah is the star chef of the house. Everything she makes is usually from scratch and tastes dynamite. I really think she should do a cookbook.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant, got a favorite dish & drink you get every time?

Eric: This would be a toss up between the roasted Chicken at Red Bar [below] or the Salmon Tartare at Fresno. The grilled Octopus or Steak Frites at Almond would be my runner up.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Will you share a little secret about the Hamptons?

Eric: Well, I don’t feel there are too many secrets left out here, but here’s a couple:

1. Kayaking in Shelter Island, launching off Coecles Harbor Marina. Bear right and hug the shoreline and you’ll stumble upon one of the most remote areas of the Hamptons. I’ve been out here on July 4th weekend, and not seen a soul on the water. Just sailboats off in the distance. You can bring a picnic and pull your kayaks up on shore in a quiet preserve and enjoy some serious solitude and a world-class view.

2. Mid-week lunch and drinks at Sunset Beach, again when there’s not a soul around.

3. For dog lovers: The Dog Park in Springs, off Three Mile Harbor Rd.

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Please describe your Hamptons home and decorating style? What’s your favorite item in your home?

Eric: Our style would be simple elegance, and comfort. We are in love with greys and whites lately so several rooms have that theme, however, our master bedroom has a blue, white and brown palette. Aside from two dozen of my own personal framed photographs, my favorite decor item(s) would probably be a pair of dark grey upholstered “Elton” chairs from West Elm.

 

Also, in the living room is one of my great finds: a mid-century modern chrome coffee table base which holds a massive glass slab that I commandeered from my Mom, who had it since our apartment in Manhattan!

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: If you could photograph three people [dead or alive], whom would you choose?

Eric: Okay here goes…

Alive: Jennifer Lawrence, Aimee Mann, Bono

Dead: Keith Moon, Alexander the Great, Jesus Christ

 

*To see more of Eric’s work please go to: www.striffler.com

 

[All photos in this feature by Eric Striffler]