an ode in words and photographs
by Lena Perkins & Margit Bisztray
There are as many impressions of Key West as there are people who love it. There’s no one way––certainly no single “right” way––to express Key West the place. There’s only a unique sense of place that’s felt by every individual. We use the word sense because Key West is best grasped through the senses. Once you let yourself know Key West through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, then you’re forever bonded.
This book shares a combined sense of place from one writer and one photographer. Between us, we have spent decades devoted to this island, our home.
Sense of Place, Key West is our love letter
About margit
Margit Bisztray moved to Key West in 1994 to work on a catamaran, because she'd read it was a good place for writers.
After reviewing restaurants weekly for Solares Hill newspaper, she served as cuisine editor for Florida International magazine and Modern Luxury, Miami, and wrote feature articles for Vogue, Gourmet, O the Oprah Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Islands, and Dwell.
She has written, hosted, and produced editorial dining content for Destination Network since 2005, including Key TV. Key West continues to inspire her––even as traveling the world remains her passion.
She hopes for Sense of Place to somehow capture this intangible allure.
About lena
Lena Perkins is a portrait and lifestyle photographer residing in Key West.
She’s been capturing the essence of this magical island for the past 11 years and gathered a great collection of captivating images, each one telling a unique story.
Featured in Condé Nast, Vogue.it, and the Columbus Museum of Art, she has also collaborated with countless local and international brands.
A Lithuanian native with a BA degree in Media Design from the University of Arts in London, Lena continues to be inspired by Key West — seeking out hidden lanes, quirky details, and unique perspectives to immortalize in her pictures.
This book is a testament to the island's myriad charming facets.
