Montauk is the place that inspired me to begin taking photos. Beginning in the late 1970s, my family and I spent entire summers in Montauk. Using a Canon AE-1 gifted to me by my favorite aunt, I captured 35mm images of fish, birds and many, many sunsets. These photos were early attempts at communicating my perspective of this magical spot at the end of Long Island.
Because my Dad was a pilot, my parents chose the site for our house based on its proximity to Montauk Airport (MTP). For several years, my Dad and a friend leased the airport from Perry Duryea and they also ran a small air charter business called Montauk Air using a Cessna 207 to ferry passengers to Connecticut or Block Island or wherever they needed to go.
Even though I spent a lot of time in small airplanes – I even worked at the airport every summer – I never did get my pilot’s license. But I still remember the view of Montauk from the co-pilot seat of my Dad’s plane. And my drone allows me to share that view with you.
I hope you like the images I’ve chosen. Take a look around the site and don’t be shy about reaching out with any questions.
I still have a few of those early 35mm photos of Montauk in a box somewhere or other. I think I’ll go dig out a few and reminisce.
Enjoy the magic!
~ Mike