Award-winning photographer and bestselling author, Christophe von Hohenberg, began taking photos at the young age of fourteen. He was inspired by his stepfather, the photographer Wendy Hilty, who presented Christophe with his first camera, a Rolleiflex Twin Lens 2.8.
These days, Von Hohenberg is widely known for his photographs at Andy Warhol’s memorial service in 1987. In his latest book, “The White Album of the Hamptons,” he sets his sights on capturing the magic of a storied New York coastline.
In the book’s pages, Von Hohenberg’s black-and-white photographs of the Hamptons give the impression of squinting against the glaring summer sun — bleached-out details blur and faint gestures carve out the presence of painterly human figures against a vast expanse of ocean and sky. By allowing himself to be “blinded by the light,” von Hohenberg captures the harmony, stillness, and nostalgia of these shores.
These photographs — haunting and serene — are sure to evoke in viewers feelings of the sublime. Though a departure for an artist whose lens is typically focused on human subjects, “The White Album of the Hamptons” demonstrates Hohenberg’s mastery no matter the subject. By employing a style that plays with light and exposure he captures the dream-like beauty and breathtaking soul of these familiar beaches.
The book can be found locally at Southampton Books, Sag Harbor Books, and BookHampton. The photography featured in the book is currently on view at MM Fine Art in Southampton.