James Katsipis – The Pig-Owning, Montauk-Dwelling, Exceptionally Talented Photographer that You Must Meet

I am an Outer Banks girl because I grew up going there. Montauk, however, definitely comes in as a close 2nd of all my favorite beach destinations - particularly because it holds so many unique qualities unlike anywhere else.

For one, the creativity and inspiration found at “The End” is unparalleled. From fashion designers to entrepreneurs, Montauk really is a hub for the creative mind. Whether it be those who were born and bred there or those who have migrated from another area, Montauk cultivates the inspired mind and is no stranger to the dreamers. In my opinion, one person in particular embodies all of the qualities I love so much about this place. His name is James Katsipis and he is a born-and-bred, hard-loving Montauk native who has made a career of his gift in capturing moments and the world around us.

From working with him for the beloved non-profit, A Walk On Water, I am lucky to have become friends with James. Following his photography, I am constantly inspired and thrilled that someone feels so passionate about life by the sea and nature enough to capture it the way he does. Having continued to nurture his talent from his teenage years, James now travels the world, shooting a wide range of different subjects and escapes. With summer being a high season for him, James was nice enough to take time and chat with us about life, the importance of light, and what he loves most about his craft.

Now, enough of me explaining who he is, get to know him yourself and read up below!

The Tidalist: Tell us about yourself. Who are you and where did you grow up?

James Katsipis: I’m James Katsipis and I’m a surfer/photographer. I was born and raised in Montauk N.Y.

TT: How did you get started in photography?

JK: Haha! Well I wasn’t a very good student and I saw that the photography class could roam the halls if they had a camera in their hand. So I figured I could skip other classes if I got my hands on a camera. It worked. But I also learned how to shoot and develop my own film and inevitably fell in love with it. Jokes on me.

TT: What’s your favorite element of photography - how has photographing the ocean/surfing differed from other subjects?

JK: My favorite element is 100% light. Photo in Greek means light. I love chasing it. I’m always watching it. The way it hits at certain times of the day. Whenever I’m giving a private lesson I don’t even let them take out their camera for the first half of the day. We drive and I have them point out light and the way it hits poles and trees and buildings. You have to really SEE it. The ocean and surfing have always been my number one passion when I pick up my camera. It drives me. I have a very special connection with the ocean growing up on it my entire life. As a surfer, you have a bond with it. It’s my church. It’s given me a lot.

TT: How have technology advancements changed photography?

JK: Well we don’t have to sit in the darkroom for a half a day developing 36 frames at a time now! I can shoot 3K photos in a session, edit them and have them put them o a mag the same day. Everything is instant. Which is great to get content to people very quickly. But The moment you post something it’s old. People’s attention span for photography and Art has dwindled. You get 15 seconds of people’s attention on Instagram. Before you would wait all month to get a magazine and when it arrived you sat with it. Read it. Took in all the art and photos. Even went back and read it all again. I still have a few mags I do this with.

TT: Best advice for those looking to get into the art of photography?

JK: Yes. Get obsessed with it. Eat sleep and breathe Photography. Chris Burkard said find one aspect of photography and excel in that one field. Become the best at that one type of photography instead of ok in all fields. I would have to agree with him.

TT: What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself, life, art through photography?

JK: I learned to be ok with wherever I am in my journey of art. To not beat myself up for not being further along in my career and to not compare. Growing up I was always on a mission to accomplish so much. And when I was accomplishing my goals I set I would barely even notice or enjoy my achievements. Iv learned to sit and enjoy the moment now. Whether it just be taking in a sunset or on a shoot for a client. You have to be happy with what you’re doing. Or you’ll miss out on life.

TT: Who would say you look up to professionally, personally - and why?

JK: I have a bunch of photographers iv looked up to since I was really young. Walter Iooss has always been my leading idol. His way of seeing and using light is beyond. Peter Beard for his sense of adventure. Chris Burkard for always having a smile on his face. And guys like Matt Clark and Nelly who paved the way for the NY surf scene.

TT: Favorite camera, location to shoot, subject to shoot?

JK: At the moment I’ve been shooting with an old 35mm Pentax câmera. Iv just been shooting a ton of film. But my favorite camera is my Sony A9. Location would have to be Montauk in the winter. Favorite subject would be my boys on the outer bar when it’s big. Swimming out there with them and having a front-row seat to that show is amazing. We have such talented surfers out here.