What we really love about photographer koitz’s stunning portfolio of Fire Island is that he sees the natural beauty of the place as well as the beauty of all it’s queer summer residents.

In July this year, the Community House of Cherry Grove mounted an exhibit of koitz’s work (he has an aversion to using capital letters in his name) called Gay Fire Island.  It was only on view for two days, BUT the great news is that it was also published in his book which has many other images he has taken over the past  decade

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From his first ferry ride to the island 16 years ago, koitz says he never intentionally tried to capture its character, “I simply started taking pictures of everything that interested me: drag queens (amateurs and professionals), go-go boys, beachgoers, the scenery, different events…. A few years passed, and I realized that I had a pretty nice body of work, and a couple of friends suggested I publish a book. That’s how koitz Gay Fire Island came to be.“

“Fire Island is a fascinating place where pretty much anything can happen—you just have to be careful not to lose your mind,” laughs koitz. “I have a pretty cool head, which I think has helped me photograph all kinds of wild events there while keeping my sanity.”

https://www.koitzphoto.com/

The book features both impromptu and editorial photos. The artist says he does both depending on his mood. Capturing parties, performances, and events is gratifying, “but I also like to photograph models in different locales on the island, like the Meat Rack, the Sunken Forest, and the Great South Bay.”