The East End Through the Lens of David Vaughan

After decades as a professional photographer, including a 30-year career in New York City and years photographing for Vanity Fair at Condé Nast, David Vaughan has found his greatest inspiration much closer to home. Today, located at his gallery on Skimhampton Road in East Hampton, he creates striking landscape and seascape photography that captures the quiet beauty, changing light, and natural rhythm of the East End.

Known for his ethereal, slow-shutter photography, Vaughan’s work blurs the line between photography and painting, inviting viewers to experience familiar landscapes in an entirely new way. His limited-edition pieces are inspired by the beaches, dunes, grasses, and waters that surround him, with many of his images created during the quieter months of late fall and winter.

This summer, David Vaughan will exhibit his work at the Southampton Fine Art Fair, taking place July 9–12, where visitors can find him at Booth 307. He spoke about his career, creative process, East Hampton gallery, and the inspiration behind his distinctive photographic style.

Can you share the story of how you first got into photography and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?

DV: Both my father and my older brother were interested in photography as an early family hobby—film, of course, back in the day. They built a wonderful darkroom in our basement, and I have a lot of positive memories from those early years.

Looking back on your career, how has your work and artistic perspective evolved over the years?

DV: My business was based in New York City for 30 years. I worked at Condé Nast for a number of years, mostly with Vanity Fair. As I got older, though, I found myself preferring landscapes and seascapes—less drama than people! All kidding aside, I’m really enjoying this chapter with my small gallery in East Hampton on Skimhampton Road.

How would you describe your photographic style, and what continues to inspire you creatively today?

DV: I create slow-shutter landscapes and seascapes, all locally sourced. I wish I could paint, but this is my answer to that. My images are quiet, ethereal, and driven by light. Everything is produced as a limited edition, which many clients appreciate. From a creative standpoint, it also keeps me fresh because I know I need to create new work each season. I actually prefer gathering new imagery during the off-season, especially late fall and winter.

Are there certain subjects, locations, or moments that you find yourself returning to again and again?

DV: Yes—grasses, in particular. I’ve also been working on a newer series called Atlantic Edge, which explores where the land meets the water. I photograph from inside the trough of the waves, handholding the camera while standing in the ocean. I’ve also been an ocean lifeguard during the summer for the past 10 years, and that experience has given me a unique perspective on weather, tides, and the changing conditions of the sea.

Your East Hampton gallery has become a destination for art lovers. Can you tell us about the gallery, how it has evolved, and what visitors can expect to see this season?

DV: The gallery at 45 Skimhampton Road in East Hampton is a unique space. My wife runs her year-round Pilates business, Rasa Pilates—she’s also a physical therapist—so she has the floor for her reformers, and I have the walls. It’s worked out well so far! She’s very patient with me, which I truly appreciate. I rotate the artwork each season, and all of the printing and shipping is managed by me and my small team, who are terrific.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the East End’s artistic community, particularly during the summer season?

DV: It’s always great when people visit from outside our immediate area. I enjoy sharing local images they may not otherwise see. My slow-shutter photography has a painterly quality, and that’s always been my goal—to make people stop and wonder, Is it a painting? Is it a photograph?