Calvin is the first PHOTO STORY by photographer koitz

It won’t follow a regular schedule. Every now and then, we’ll take a photograph—or a series of photographs—and tell the story behind them.

And we’re starting with Calvin.

Calvin reflected in the mirror inside the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitzCalvin reflected in the mirror inside the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitz

One very hot summer day, Calvin and koitz met at the Belvedere Guest House for Men, on Fire Island, for a photo shoot. The Belvedere is a fabulous place, and over the years, many photographers—including koitz—have used it as a backdrop for photographing beautiful male models.

Calvin on the roof of the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island the summer of 2016 | koitzCalvin on the roof of the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island the summer of 2016 | koitz

Calvin posing on the roof of the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitzCalvin posing on the roof of the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitz

Part Venetian palace, part theatrical fantasy, part intimate guesthouse, it seems almost to belong to another world. Its ornate rooms and extravagant details stand in striking contrast to the simple, laid-back character of the island.

Calvin on the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island the summer of 2016 | koitzCalvin on the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island the summer of 2016 | koitz CU Calvin shot by koitz at the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island the summer of 2016CU Calvin shot by koitz at the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island the summer of 2016

And yet, somehow, that sense of fantasy is exactly what makes the Belvedere feel so unmistakably Cherry Grove.

Calvin photographed inside the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitz photoCalvin photographed inside the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitz photo

CU Calvin reflected in the mirror inside the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitzCU Calvin reflected in the mirror inside the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitz

Calvin reflecting in the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitzCalvin reflecting in the Belvedere Guest House for Men on Fire Island | koitz