Geoff’s Photos

Behind the wheel of his trusty Volvo, Leica M6 around his neck, we asked our friend Geoff—who also happens to appear in our latest lookbook—to capture his version and vision of The Hamptons. From his home in Queens he joined our convoy (well, a single rental SUV) out of the city, up to Greenport, a car ferry to Shelter Island, and onwards to Sag Harbour and Montauk, just before the swell of the summer holiday season. A bit of overcast atmosphere surrounding the privileged enclaves that jut out towards the Atlantic.

Below, we asked Geoff a few questions about himself to accompany his brilliant series of photos.

Drake’s: Hi Geoff, where did your love of photography come from? 

Geoff Hagray: My love for photography started in high school. I took a darkroom photography class that was very eye-opening. I also had a photographer friend who showed me the way. We had tons of old National Geographic Magazines in the art room at school that I started to save from the collage box.

Drake’s: Can you tell us about your Leica? And where has it been with you? 

GH: Early into my photography studies, I would come to learn that many of the photographers that I admired (Fred Herzog, William Eggleston, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, to name a few) were shooting with rangefinder cameras, specifically made by Leica. I picked up my silver “Big M6” in 2017, and it has been my baby ever since. It has been with me on trips to Hong Kong, Japan, India, and London!

Drake’s What is your favourite subject to photograph? And how would you describe your style?

GH: I love to photograph everyday moments, especially ones that I would like to look back on in the future. I tend to be a very nostalgic person, and a lot of my work acts as a personal diary. 

Drake’s: What were you drawn to in the Hamptons? How did the setting/landscape differ from what you’re used to? Any highlights from the trip and the photos you took?

GH: For the Hamptons, I believe I was drawn to the place as a getaway from the city. It’s a leisurely way of life that makes one photograph at a much slower pace. 

Drake’s: There’s a lot of romance surrounding the idea of the American road trip. Do you like to get out and explore the country? 

The American Road trip is still this elusive fantasy to me. I’ve done road trips up and down the East Coast, primarily in the South. But I have yet to do a road trip from East to West. That is something I am saving to do with my partner.

Drake’s: Do you have any photography idols or people whose work you particularly admire?

I named a few of my favourites earlier, but I would be remiss not to mention other favourites like Josef Koudelka, Stephen Shore, and Joel Meyerowitz! Gordon Parks would have to be one of my biggest inspirations, seeing as he had such an illustrious career.

Drake’s: Does escaping the city feel essential during a New York summer? Where are you drawn to when you leave town?

GH: Taking a break from the city is definitely important during the summer. I try to seek out casual local spots like diners and drive-ins. Although few and far between, these places can still be found in The Hamptons, along with occasional antique stores and local beaches.

Drake’s: How do you feel now looking back on the photos and the memories from the trip?

GH: These calm Summer moments I will look back on for years to come! I look forward to doing another such road trip when I find the time. It’s always a pleasure!