Photographer's decade-long portrait of a Hudson Valley swimming hole
Caleb Stein has spent more than ten summers photographing a communal swimming creek in Poughkeepsie, New York, capturing the people and atmosphere of the spot. His images, collected in the book 'Down by the Hudson', will be exhibited in New York starting 10 September. The project reflects his personal connection to the place and its community.
Stein's project began during his student years at Vassar, when a friend named Andrea first brought him to the creek. Over more than ten summers of return visits, he has documented swimmers, families, and friends at this communal spot in Poughkeepsie. The photographs span 2020 through 2025, capturing both quiet moments and dramatic scenes, including a rainstorm that damaged his camera.
The images feature recurring subjects—Shamus appears in two photographs, and Nate and his father have been known to Stein for over a decade. The book, published by Palo Press, pairs these portraits with Stein's commentary about each subject. An exhibition accompanies the publication, opening in New York on 10 September.
This project could offer a lasting visual record of a communal public space, potentially influencing how communities value and protect local natural gathering spots. As climate pressures affect water resources, such documentation may help residents recognize what is at stake. The personal, long-term approach could also inspire similar community-focused documentation projects elsewhere, though its direct policy impact remains uncertain.