Ben Watts Captures Montauk’s Magic at The Summer Edition
During a weekend takeover of the Crow’s Nest, the photographer and long-time East End resident snapped and scrapbooked on-site
Years before Montauk played host to such a lively summer social scene, the beach town was home to artists and creatives drawn to the natural beauty and remoteness—yet relative accessibility to New York City—of Long Island’s easternmost tip. And even as the lines at The Surf Lodge continue to grow and DJs at The Montauk Yacht Club rise in profile, an authentically bohemian spirit is still what unites the long-term residents of this edgier alternative to its glitzy Hamptons neighbors.
British-born, New York-based photographer and filmmaker Ben Watts, who played a role in Montauk’s initial cultural ascent as a co-founder of the annual summer party “Shark Attack,” has a deeply personal connection to this corner of the world. “Every aspect and corner of Montauk I can relate back to from childhood,” he tells Galerie. “When it rains, and it’s cold, it reminds me of my childhood in Wales, and when it’s sunny it reminds me of my amazing time in Australia.”
Having celebrated the launch of his book Montauk Dreaming at The New York Edition over a decade ago, the photographer was a natural choice for a two-day residency as part of The Summer Edition, which saw the chic hotel brand—founded by nightlife legend Ian Schrager—take over the scenic property The Crow’s Nest. “It’s always been a brand that I’m on a parallel with,” he says. “Not intentionally, but the universe has pulled it together.”
The Summer Edition concept first materialized last year at El Silencio Ibiza, when the brand introduced its culinary and beverage offerings and infamous party vibe to the hotel’s pool deck from August 15–31. For the second iteration, the hospitality group chose Montauk as the destination for a weekend presented by American Express, and brought in three-Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco over from its new Lake Como property to create the menu for dinner over two nights, July 24-25. Montauk gem The Crow’s Nest provided the perfect setting, with its expansive outdoor dining area and rolling lawn that backs onto the beach of Lake Montauk. The hotel is considered “a positive asset to the town and thoughtfully part of the fabric of Montauk, largely due to its integrity,” according to Watts.
Friday evening attendees included fashion designer Cynthia Rowley and actors Kate Mara, Anna Van Patten, and Naomi Watts—who happens to be Ben Watts’s sister—who posed together on the sand for the photographer at sunset, which is one of his favorite times of day to shoot. “It’s called golden hour for good reason,” Watts underscores. “Also, when the sun is high is when the water is at its bluest and clearest for shots. Whether you’re sitting under an umbrella or basking in the sun, people in Montauk are there to feel relief from the city, and Montauk is all there for enjoyment. And I’m there to capture it.”
Chef Colagreco’s four-course, family-style dinner of Italian dishes ranged from an heirloom tomato carpaccio served with seasonal peaches to ricotta, lemon, and zucchini cannelloni, followed by oven-roasted Chilean sea bass. A traditional vanilla baba and freshly picked cherries capped off the meal. The food was accompanied by a live performance from Grammy Award-winning producer, bandleader, trumpeter, and vocalist Brian Newman, whose renditions of jazz favorites had everyone dancing after dessert.
The following day, Watts set to work printing his photos on-site and began scrapbooking a collage of the best shots in his signature style. Guests could watch him in action and flip through a curated archive of his shots presented at his workstation. “I tried to edit down to the ones that give an all-around aspect of Montauk, whether it be from the beautiful and vast landscapes or the unique purpose of some fashion editorial projects or some of the cool signage and historical pop culture that’s been there forever.”
Meanwhile, a variety of wellness activities across the Crow’s Nest property offered guests the opportunity to get active with Barry’s classes, cool off in ice tubs from Remedy Place, play backgammon on custom boards in the sun, and mail postcards to their loved ones. Skincare lab Augustinus Bader’s signature blue gift packaging could also be spied in everyone’s hands. Watts continued to shoot on the beach throughout Saturday, ahead of the second dinner, and also added these photos to his scrapbook series.
“I sort of have a formula that’s based around energy and creating images of those experiencing high pleasure—capturing color, light and energy. Even my black and white photos have color, I always say,” he explains. “Energy and upbeat joy is the one thread of continuity that runs through my work, and Montauk is a special place to do it.”
Watts acknowledges that Montauk has changed over the years—and the role he played in that shift. But he hopes events like The Summer Edition will enable discerning visitors to experience the town’s unique charm, beauty, and spirit in a way that is both enjoyable and respectful. “As you get older, you understand how a small town works, and why they need to be protected,” he concludes. We’ll have to wait and see which destination The Edition chooses next year.