Fire Island (Long Island, NY)

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Fire Island
(Long Island, NY)

Fire Island is a 32 mile long, 4-5 block wide, barrier island off the coast of central Long Island. It is accessible only by ferry (except for emergency vehicles, which can access the island by bridges at either end of the island), and it does not allow cars other than service and emergency vehicles. The primary modes of transportation around the island are water taxis between communities, bicycles and wagons. At the western end of the island stands the Fire Island Lighthouse, owned and managed now by the National Park Service, who also own other areas of the island. Beyond the lighthouse and national parks areas, there are 14 different communities on the island, each with its own very distinctive style and personality, from Norman Rockwell family-friendly, to young summer groupers, to proudly gay and socially aware. Barefoot children with lemonade, painted shells or crafts stands seem to wander free, and White-tail Deer abound everywhere.

I first went discovered Fire Island in college, when I stayed with a friend and her family who had a house out there. Since then, its come to be my favorite place in the world, as well as one of my favorite photographic subjects. I've vacationed out there many times over the years, and have often gone there for daytrips, as well. Nowhere else do I feel quite as at peace or as much authentically myself as I do on Fire Island.