Gray Malin was just in Westport, Connecticut, on a book tour. My friend Nicole and I decided to head on over and check out his newly released book, Italy. What we didn’t expect were the masses of people standing on line to get a copy. And we certainly didn’t expect them to announce that the books indeed have been all sold out. The store received 160 copies. And I was thrilled to get mine, and get it signed

I’ve been a fan of his for quite a while. Gray Malin is known for images that are vibrant, playful, whimsical, and wanderlust-inspiring. Dubbed as an Escapism photographer, his images quite literally pull you out of your immediate reality. Although known for his signature aerial beach photography, he magnificently captures, animals in the most whimsical of images and ordinary people dotted throughout the landscape. Although he may immediately remind you of Slim Aarons, he’s not a society photographer. Though his travels take him to some of the most exclusive and beautiful destinations in the world, the people captured - those who are visible, are as ordinary as you an I. Malin’s photographic style is meant to be inclusive - to appeal to those who know all about photographer and fine art as well as those who do not.

In Italy , his third book, Malin tells us that the images are a compilations of a series shot over the course of six years. We are taken to the Amalfi Coast by boat, to Capri with its rocky beaches and blue and white umbrellas. In Cinque Terre he focuses almost exclusively on his retro-vintage umbrellas. At Lake Como his focus shifts to the architectural details of the region’s historic villas. In Puglia we are taken to the sun-bleached beaches and white-washed buildings, to the white cliffs of Limestone in Sicily, to the beaches of Tuscany and lastly to Portofino, with its picturesque harbor and colorful homes. Italy is a magnificent vacation to the country’s magnificent coastline.

We caught Gray at the beginning of his Book Tour at Serena & Lily in Westport, Connecticut. Below is his schedule. If he comes to your neck of the woods, be sure to get there right on time. Our event sold out before everyone could grab a copy.

Malin is gracious, charming and affable. He took time to pose with every person there for photos. He is kind, affable, and incredibly talented. Below is a photo of myself, Gray and my friend Nicole from NS Lifestyles. Look at his smile, isn’t he just darling?!

For more on Gray Malin, his books and photography, hop on over to his website.