“They Eyes Have It” is a masked portrait series I photographed on Montauk’s beaches this summer. I wanted to see if I could capture some sense of emotion on the masked faces of people in a setting that is normally fun and carefree. I set up my camera on a tripod at a busy entrance to a popular beach in Montauk, NY. That beach has become much more crowded than usual as many residents of New York City have fled their urban environment for safer spaces.

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You can view more portraits from this series by clicking on this link.

I approached the most interesting looking people and asked if they would pose for me with their masks on. I was able to shoot at a socially safe distance using a long lens. Almost everyone was shot in bright sunlight with a scrim overhead to soften … — I approached the most interesting looking people and asked if they would pose for me with their masks on. I was able to shoot at a socially safe distance using a long lens. Almost everyone was shot in bright sunlight with a scrim overhead to soften the harsh natural light. The background was simple, consistent and out of focus to keep the attention on the subtleties of my subjects’ masks and eyes.

Photographing at Eddie Ecker Park in Montauk with wardrobe stylist, Veronique Zanettin and our model, Tanish.

What does a socially distanced photo show look like? Hero Beach Club helped me find out by generously hosting an outdoor art exhibition for my masked portrait series “The Eyes Have It” in Montauk. Despite appearances we had a pretty good turnout wit… — What does a socially distanced photo show look like? Hero Beach Club helped me find out by generously hosting an outdoor art exhibition for my masked portrait series “The Eyes Have It” in Montauk. Despite appearances we had a pretty good turnout with plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Our guests seemed to really enjoy getting together in a beautiful (and safe) environment. Thanks to everyone who came and also to Rich Silver and Lucy Geisinger for taking these photos at the show and to FotoCare for their support.

Whalebone Magazine ran an extensive article with some enlightening Q&A’s about how my subjects felt about their masks.

My portraits were eventually turned into a compelling bilingual public service ad campaign by a talented team of advertising professionals including Melissa Berman, Clio McNicholl, Lois Pyan, and Jen Maguire. The ads can be seen as posters and in pu… — My portraits were eventually turned into a compelling bilingual public service ad campaign by a talented team of advertising professionals including Melissa Berman, Clio McNicholl, Lois Pyan, and Jen Maguire. The ads can be seen as posters and in publications throughout the Hamptons thanks to the generous support of East End Cares and The East Hampton Star.

East End Cares even produced several mini-billboards and placed them in the Hamptons to remind everyone of the importance of wearing their masks.