Graintauk Captures Montauk’s Essence Through Film Photography

James Katsipis’ newest series of work and exhibition entitled ‘Graintauk’ at The Lucore Art at 87 S Euclid Ave in Montauk Opens this Saturday, July 1st from 5pm – 8pm. The show will run through Tuesday, July 25th. ‘Graintauk’ captures Montauk’s essence through analogue photography shot on 35mm and 120mm film. Katsipis’ photographs showcase Montauk’s natural landscape, vibrant community and coastal charm. You will be treated to a visual journey through Montauk’s hidden gems. Shooting on film allows Katsipis to capture a scene’s unique texture, tones, and nuances. 

James Katsips shared “With the way the world is advancing with Artificially Intelligence (A.I.)  I thought it would be a good time for me to slow down and look back at where I came from – which is Film Photography. While the emergence of artificial intelligence (A.I.) has revolutionized the world of digital photography, there remains a profound appreciation for the distinct qualities that make film photography an irreplaceable medium.

Film photography is renowned for its ability to produce images that possess a genuine, organic quality. The grain, subtle imperfections, and natural color rendition of film lend an authentic and nostalgic feel to photographs. These characteristics contribute to the uniqueness of each image, adding an element of unpredictability that cannot be replicated by A.I.

In the digital age, where instant gratification is the norm, film photography demands a patient and deliberate approach. The limited number of exposures per roll requires photographers to carefully consider each shot, leading to a more thoughtful and deliberate creative process. This mindful approach enhances skills such as composition, exposure, and manual camera control, fostering a deeper understanding of the art of photography. Film photography is not a competition against A.I., but rather a medium that offers a distinct and timeless experience.”

When asked to elaborate on his favorite photograph from the collection, James chose Slaters and said, “Slaters is named because growing up in Montauk, this storefront was its original name. And I still refer to it as that at times, depending on who I’m taking to. I spent my all quarters on matchbox race cars there any chance I could get. It was about 4:45am and only a few workers were up and on the road. The stillness of town and the glow of the street lamps set for a moody scene out of an Edward Hopper painting. I set up my tripod and loaded my FujiGWS69ii Medium format camera with some 120 Portra800 and metered for the lights in the windows. I took 3 shots. One at 3 seconds, 5 seconds and another at 8 seconds. I had it right the first time – but can never be too careful and wanted to make sure I got what I was looking for.”

This upcoming exhibit promises to be a celebration of the enduring allure of film photography and a testament to Katsipis’ exceptional talent. Whether you are an avid photography enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of Montauk, this exhibit is not to be missed. Prepare to be transported to a world where film reigns supreme, capturing the soul of a place like no other.