MIAMI MUSIC WEEK 2024 | EPIC POOL PARTIES | DAY 5 | GLITTERBOX
Glitterbox | MMW Day 5 | Epic Pool Parties at the Sagamore South Beach, featuring Dames Brown, Girls of the Internet, Heidi Lawden, Jellybean Benitez B2B Layla Benitez, Melvo Baptiste, Rich Medina, Roger Sanchez, The Shapeshifters, & Yasmin.
All images © 2024, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
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MIAMI MUSIC WEEK 2024 | EPIC POOL PARTIES | DAY 4 | THE EPIC POOL PARTY
The Epic Pool Party | Miami Music Week Day 4 at Sagamore South Beach, featuring Danny Tenaglia, Damian Lazarus, Sidney Charles, Jonathan Cowan, & Siegel B2B Max Stern
All images © 2024, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
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MIAMI MUSIC WEEK 2024 | EPIC POOL PARTIES | DAY 3 | KNEE DEEP IN SOUND
The rain didnt stop us, but it stopped me…. Unfortunately, I couldn’t shoo=t the final set due to the torrential downpour. Day 3 of Miami Music Week at the Sagamore South Beach for Epic Pool Parties & Knee Deep In Sound, featuring Hot Since 82, Kerri Chandler, Alex Wann, Alex Kennon, & Mai Iachetti.
All images © 2024, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
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MIAMI MUSIC WEEK 2024 | EPIC POOL PARTIES | Day 2 | DEFECTED
Epic Pool Parties Day 2 of Miami Music Week 2024 at the Sagamore South Beach for Defected Records featuring Arielle Free, Eliza Rose, Ferreck Dawn, Low Steppa, Melé, Noizu, & Shermanology.
All images © 2024, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
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Miami Music Week 2024 | Epic Pool Parties | Day 1 | DJ Mag
Day 1 of Miami Music Week 2024 at the Sagamore South Beach for DJ Mag, featuring Antor, Aqutie, Chloé Caillet, Joseph Capriati, Louie Vega, & Ms. Mada
All images © 2024, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
(click images to enlarge)
Set 2
Set 3
Amsterdam | Jan 31 - Feb 5, 2024
The start of my adventure. Amsterdam. Everything I expected. Not what I expected. Photographing Europe might be a cheat code.
Amsterdam is interesting. I’m 47, single, 10000% having a midlife crisis, solo, lacking confidence in my ability to be a provider, and taking it all too seriously. …talk about throwing myself into the fire.
I’ve walked about 40 miles since Wednesday, around in circles, and I am overwhelmed by the beauty and age of this city, but completely underwhelmed by the commercialism.
What am I supposed to do? Saddle up to some random bar and just sit there, waiting to meet some people and be a social animal? (One of the goals of this experiment is surely to get back to having social confidence). It seems a bit too sloppy for me.
Would I have had some fun in red-light? I don’t think so…. It isn’t sexy. It surely was interesting and continues to be interesting to walk around in circles, looking at the girls in the windows, looking at the madness of it all? You’d think I would be chewing this up… but it just feels dirty… used. Unsanitary. But no less interesting. It’s like, I’m walking around that area hoping to find something to excite me… but it all just seems sad.
And then, of course… it feels gross to think about bringing this experience into whatever is next, in Paris & onwards. I absolutely wouldn’t want to share a bed with someone who “bought something” in Amsterdam’s Red Light District a few days ago.
The Anne Frank House was a powerful reminder of the evil that exists in this world. There were a few moments there where it might have been almost too powerful. Not something I care to get into here and now.
Rijksmuseum was pretty amazing, and I believe this should be the start of seeing some incredible classic works…. I had a few moments in there where I actually felt something. I can’t say I understood a lot of what I’ was looking at, both historically and artistically, but as my day went on, I was learning and noticing a lot more nuance. While I love the work, I wish I had more knowledge of European History. I think that would enhance anyone’s appreciation for these classic works. I have no context for a lot of it. But wow… I haven’t looked at art like this in years, and I have so many more of these incredible things to look forward to. At a few points I imagined these paintings would influence my photos. I like shadows, but these masterworks give me new appreciation for how to use light, and be more aware of it in every scene.
A bit disappointing about not having tickets for the Van Gogh museum, but I will get to see some of the best of his works in Paris.
I said this yesterday…. This city would be a ton more fun with a wingman. I’m not sure you come here with your girlfriend or wife unless you’re really looking for specific works of art. Pehraps there’s completely different vibe in warmer seasons. Probably. Smoking weed in public was something I’d have gone nuts over 30 years ago, and in the present day, it’s just not that exclusive anymore. It seems like the place to get wasted with someone having your back. Or someone to get arrested with. I couldn’t imagine being here alone and getting so fucked up… They sell shrooms everywhere. No fucking way I am I walking around tripping balls, alone, in this city. Maybe it’s the New Yorker in me, or all the fear-mongering about pickpockets in Europe… being alone walking around… I feel on alert, and even more-so when I have my camera around my neck. Even the small one.
Overall, I have’t found the food here to be anything exciting. It’s all hyper-unhealthy. (I mean, waffles, pancakes, potatoes…. all the things I try to stay away from.) It’s been challenge for me to find something that isnt directly marketed to the least common denominator of cuisine. There’s a vibrant Chinatown here…. with a nice selection of other Asian cuisine here. I had one of the best Ramen meals I’ve ever had, on my first night. Yesterday, I had “Amsterdam’s best burger,’” at Canibale Royale. It was pretty fantastic. I had a great omelette at Omelegg in De Pijp district for breakfast on Thursday. On the surface, this city doesn’t look like it has great food outside those before mentioned staples, yet I’ve had three meals that were quite good and none of them had powdered sugar nor mayonnaise on heaped on top of them.
You might notice that the images from day 1 look different from everythig else. I edited those the same day, and I definitely see this city differently today than I did when I first arrived. You might notice I added a blue cast to the skies, because I was surprised at how grey everything was here. I think I might have been a little aspirational? I now see and appreciate the beauty of the gray of this city. I left the first day images as they were edited on Wednesday, to illustrate this difference in perspective.
My walking mileage so far:
Wednesday: 10.89Mi
Thursday: 13.71Mi
Friday:13.77Mi
Saturday: 2.6Mi (so far)
Oh, I watermarked these images. Not sure why. I was playing around with my Wacom and signatures a few weeks ago, and I liked this one so I saved it. It feels weird to “sign” my work like this, but having seen some of the most famous works of art in the world, and they’re almost all signed…. maybe it’s rubbing off on me already. I wouldn’t sign a client portrait, and despite watermarking event images, I still find it cheesy…. let’s see how I feel after these have been up and watermarked for a while.
Isabel Hickmann | February 20, 2014 (revisited)
It’s been 10 years since I picked up a camera, and almost 10 since this shoot with Isabel. It deserved fresh eyes and fresh editing skills.
In 2014, my journey as a photographer was just beginning. It was a time filled with exploration, learning, and a bit of naivety about the depth of what I was diving into. That year was particularly significant in my career as it marked an unforgettable photoshoot with the dazzling Brazilian model, Isabel Hickmann.
I remember vividly how new everything felt at the time. I hadn't been shooting for a year when fate brought Isabel and me together. From the outset, she was a beacon of kindness and generosity. Despite my relative inexperience and her status as a seasoned pro, she graciously shared her time and talents with me.
Our shoot didn't follow a meticulous plan. It was spontaneous, fueled by the raw energy of the moment and whatever Isabel had brought in her suitcase. It was pure, unscripted creativity, limited to a couple of hours, a camera, and her collection of outfits. Yet, with these simple elements, we managed to create something truly special.
Looking back, it's evident how little I knew about photography at that time. My skills in editing were almost non-existent. However, Isabel's professionalism and poise made up for my lack of experience. The images we captured were raw and real, untouched by sophisticated editing techniques.
Fast forward to today, January 2, 2024. As I revisit and re-edit these photos, it's like uncovering hidden treasures. There's a profound beauty in looking at these images through the lens of all the experience and knowledge I've gained over the years. It's not just about enhancing the photos but about cherishing the journey that brought me here.
This exercise of revisiting & reediting old work is more than just a trip down memory lane. It's a reminder of how far I've come and a testament to the continuous learning path that is photography. It makes me wonder how differently I would have leveraged these incredible opportunities had I known then what I know now. But there's no room for regret, only learning and moving forward.
I share these reimagined photos with a heart full of hope and aspiration. Perhaps by revisiting these old shoots, I can now capture the love, respect, and success I've been striving for. It's a reaffirmation that every experience, every shoot, and every interaction is a stepping stone to greater things.
Photography is more than just capturing images; it's about capturing growth, moments, and the journey. As I continue on this path, I'm reminded of the importance of every shoot, every model, and every click of the shutter.
Stay tuned for more as I continue to explore and share this incredible journey with you all.
Finishing strong | Delaney Heinz | December 12, 2023
My final photoshoot of 2023, a sunrise shoot with Delaney Heinz.
As 2023 was drawing to a close, I embarked on what would be my final photoshoot of the year. The setting was Virginia Key Beach Park, and the time was early – 5:30 AM early. My subject for this shoot was Delaney Heinz, and the plan was simple: a sunrise shoot capturing the tranquil beauty of the beach.
There’s something quite special about shooting at sunrise. The world is quiet, the light is soft, and there's a sense of freshness in the air. Delaney, with her professional and easygoing nature, was a perfect fit for this environment. She adapted seamlessly to the changing light and the natural backdrop, which made the shoot go smoothly.
As we worked, the morning sun began to rise, casting a gentle glow over the beach. This natural lighting, combined with the calmness of the early hour, provided us with an ideal setting. Delaney’s poses were natural and unforced, blending effortlessly with the serene surroundings.
Although the shoot was shorter than some of our more elaborate setups, it was incredibly effective. Reviewing the images later, I was pleased to see that we had captured a series of fantastic shots. This shoot was a great way to round off a year filled with diverse and rewarding photographic experiences.
Reflecting on the year, I feel grateful for each shoot and every person I’ve worked with. Wrapping up 2023 with a successful, no-nonsense shoot like this one with Delaney was exactly what I needed. Now, as I turn my sights to 2024, I’m excited about the new challenges and opportunities that the new year will bring.
John Westbay Mural | Sagamore South Beach | December 6, 2023
Photographing and shooting time lapses for artist John Westbay, during Art Basel 2023.
I had the opportunity to watch and document an amazing artist, John Westbay, create a mural on a wall at Sagamore South Beach for ACED GALLERY. The dude is incredibly talented, and extremely humble. You don’t meet many people from Marine Park…. most people don’t even know where that is. When you say “I’m from Brooklyn,” they think of bougie Williamsburg or a Biggie song. Marine park is neither of those, but closer to the Biggie song.
The mural is amazing, John killed it, and you can go see it in person for at least the next year at Sagamore South Beach.
Art for Peace Gala | Sagamore South Beach | December 5, 2023
Photographs from the Art for Peace Gala at Sagamore South Beach
When the folks at Sagamore South beach asked if I would donate my time for a good cause, there was no way I was going to turn it down.
Warung Beach USA | December 3, 2023
Photos from the first Warung Beach USA event, held at Sagamore South Beach.
I had the pleasure and honor to shoot the first official Warung Beach event in the US.
Exchanging Energy | Diana Maybrook | November 20, 2023
A perfect example of when two people collaborate and magic happens.
In the world of photography, some collaborations are just meant to be. This was exactly the case with my recent shoot with Diana Maybrook. After months of playing tag, trying to sync our schedules, we finally managed to come together for a project that was a fusion of our mutual admiration for each other's creative energies.
From the get-go, Diana and I were on the same wavelength about what we wanted to achieve – something that was both classy and sexy, a visual narrative that spoke to our shared artistic vision. One of the things that stood out in our planning discussions was our conversation about reciprocity. It's not often you find someone who not only understands but also perfectly echoes your sentiments on such a fundamental aspect of collaborative art.
Working with Diana was a dream; she was completely in tune with the vibe and intent of the project. Her ability to give and match my energy made the entire process not just easy but truly enjoyable. It's this kind of synergy that turns a good shoot into something extraordinary.
We moved through the shoot with a fluidity that only comes when two creative minds are in perfect harmony. Diana's professionalism and natural flair in front of the camera, combined with a shared commitment to our vision, allowed us to create something truly special. Every frame we shot was a testament to what can be achieved when mutual respect and creativity collide.
Looking back at the images we captured, I can confidently say we aced the assignment. The photos are more than just visually appealing; they are a representation of artistic collaboration at its finest. This shoot with Diana was a reminder of what makes photography so fulfilling for me – the chance to create, to connect, and to bring shared visions to life.
I wish all my collaborations could echo the experience I had with Diana. When both parties are giving and matching energy in a creative space, the results are not just satisfying but also deeply rewarding. It's shoots like these that keep the passion for my craft burning bright.
Here's to more such collaborations, to the magic of reciprocity, and to the unending joy of creating art for art's sake.
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Mixmag Cover Shoot | Rodriguez Jr. | November 13, 2023
Shooting a Mixmag cover with my friend Rodriguez Jr.
What can I say about my good friend Olivier? What can I say? I can say he is a good friend. In every sense of the word. At a time in our lives as men (our middle age, perhaps?) its typically more difficult to find kindred spirits and actually give them time and a piece of yourself…. but Olivier did this for me. Hopefully I’ve done the same for him. I might have written about this before, but I’ll go for it again, and try to keep it short.
I met Rodriguez Jr. the first time I photographed him playing at Heart Nightclub, October 28, 2016. It might have been the first time I photographed and/or saw someone play “live.” It was on another level. I have the utmost respect for many many DJs and producers. I have always maintained that a proper DJ performance IS musicianship. Well, a live DJ set, as I already said, is something else. It’s on another level. I was immediately a fan.
Bastidas, Rodriguez Jr., Donnie Lowe, & Travis Rogers at Heart Nightclub. on October 28,2016
He asked me for my business card that evening, and I excitedly handed him one. He had mentioned he needed some process and promotional images, and that I might be able to help out. I never heard from him. Fast forward to the ill-fated BPM 2017 in Playa del Carmen Mexico… my final gig of the week was at a rooftop party where Olivier would be playing. (Here’s the dramatized version as I choose to remember it) We see one another across the room ,and he waves at me. I walked over, and he pulls my business card out of his wallet. This was almost 6 months later. “Stuart! I’ve been trying to reach out, and I haven’t heard back!” I asked to see the card…. /facepalm Moo printed my email address incorrectly on the card. instead of stuart@stuarttracte,photography, they left a t out. in Stuart Tracte. /facepalm. We shared a laugh, and immediately had a stupid moment to create a friendly bond. Olivier would play Heart Nightclub once more before it sadly closed in 2018, and I had the pleasure of photographing him yet again. We then scheduled a press/promo shoot and had not only a wonderful time, but our friendship was growing. I gotta say… its super cool when someone who’s art you respect so much does the same in return. Im still a huge fan to this day, but I can say with 100000% assurance, I’m a now both friend and a fan. I always look forward to my time hanging with Olivier, and even more so for the hangs in years to come. So, now that I’m done gushing…Here’s an image from the second Heart visit.
Rodriguez Jr. at Heart Nightclub. January 6, 2018.
We did one studio shoot that came out great and Olivier used for a few years. We’d become good friends in between those time, having a few meals, attending the christening of his newborn son, smoking cigars on the deck of his home in Miami…. Recently, he had mentioned he’d need another shoot for the cover of Mixmag. What an honor. Not only an opportunity to work with a friend &respected artist, but also to have another shot at a Mixmag cover., Without further ado, here are the images from the shoot, and the PDF of the final pages of the magazine.
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Liset Alea & Her Band | November 7, 2023
A photoshoot with Liset Alea and her band.
I got the opportunity to photograph a band. A girl-band. A badass girl-band. Liset Alea and her band. It was super cool and I hope I get the chance to shoot more stuff like this, and work more with bands. I was a true honor that Liset asked me to do this for her and her band. All three of these women are incredible musicians in their own right… together, they’re a force of nature.
Gisella Giurfa on percussion, & Niuver on guitar.
4 Days of Self Portraits | Years of Frustration | October 23, 24, 25, & 27
I embarked on a personal & creative journey that got cut short by COVID. I’ll pick it back up in 2024.
It’s been a truly fantastic year for me as a photographer, both professionally and creatively. I have a lifetime more to learn, but in year 10 of this journey, I think somewhere in the second half of the year, my work took a leap. I feel it. A new confidence and competence.
But this is exactly what led to a lot of deep frustration in the second half of the year as well. During my 6 weeks of rehab from elbow surgery, I took some time, did some research and upgraded some equipment as well as purchased some gear to begin a journey into filmmaking and videography. But… I couldn’t find people to experiment with! It’s extremely frustrating to be putting all of this love and energy into the world, knowing you have at the very least, some level of competence, yet can’t get people to commit to creating together. I love Miami for many reasons, but this city does not have the creative hustle that I felt and experienced before I moved here, back in NYC.
It’s also challenging, as I grow my business, to find the balance between collaboration and commerce. Potential clients rarely understand this. But, it’s like… some of this is for passion, and growth, and learning, and trying new things. Some of this is for the incredible and beautiful and powerful energies of true collaboration; when two or more people bring equal parts of their creative energy to create something together. This can surely happen and oftentimes does with my clients, but, I must admit, I’m having difficulty finding creative collaborators who aren’t just trying to get free photos… You know the type… they want me to do it all. Plan, moodboard, find hair and makeup people who want to work for free, direct the shoot, edit the photos…. THATS MY JOB. YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT. If you want to make cool shit with me, you’ve got to bring more to the table than just a pretty face. Bring the energy! Work WITH me. I don’t work for you in these circumstances. When it feels like work, it isn’t a creative collaboration, its my job. /endrant
I hate selfies. I don’t like to be in photos all that much. I’m insecure about my teeth. There’s a million reasons I would rather be behind the camera. But this has also been a year of personal growth for me. I lost about 50 lbs this year. I enacted an exercise regimen, that I didn’t miss a day from Jan 1 through my surgery on July 11. I changed my work/sleep habits to add strict discipline to my waking and sleeping hours. And I attended a handful of conscious events that made me realize I’m not the only weirdo in the world. That if I took the time to seek out approving people, I would find the welcoming approval I seek.
So, between this frustration in finding true creative collaborators and then having the YouTube algorithm fed me THIS video, from the extremely talented and equally thoughtful photographer, Taylor Pendleton, I knew I had to give it a shot. If there’s nobody to collab with... collab with yourself! I feel like this project has limitless potential. It also brought to my attention some of these aforementioned insecurities.
Unfortunately, after only 4 out of 5 days sticking to the commitment of shooting self portraits every day, and imagining how this would evolve both my relationship with myself and my technical skills as a photographer…. I got COVID again. I lost two weeks, then got insanely busy with client work, and therefore only have 4 short basic self-portrait sessions to share with you all.
One of my goals for 2024 is to do more of this, and gain the self-confidence and technical skills that come as a result of working on this project.
Without further ado… ME! 🙈 (I need to smile more. I know.)
Day 2
Day 3 (click images to enlarge)
Day 4 (click images to enlarge)
Exploring The Park with Alec Botha | October 26, 2023
A fashion photoshoot with model Alec Botha
My recent shoot with Alec Botha was one of those experiences that remind you why you love photography. Alec, a young male model from South Africa now living in South Florida, embodies what you hope for in a client: he's keen to create, patient, and values the importance of a professional photoshoot. This approach from Alec instantly infused the project with energy and excitement.
We spent the day at Oleta State Park, a place with a diverse range of backdrops that's just perfect for a variety of shots. Alec's adaptability and enthusiasm made the shoot not just productive but genuinely enjoyable. There's something about working with someone who's as eager to create as you are – it elevates the whole process.
The theme of the day was high fashion, and I believe we nailed it. The park's varied landscapes provided an excellent canvas for Alec's modeling skills, and together, we managed to capture some truly magazine-worthy shots. It's shoots like these that make you pause and appreciate the images in front of you, thinking, "This is the kind of work I got into photography for."
Alec is not just a good model; he's a great person to collaborate with. His professionalism and easy-going nature made the day both productive and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the possibility of future projects with him. Working with someone who's as committed to the creative process as Alec is a photographer's dream, and I'm eager to see what we can come up with next.
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The Second Time with Sainte Vie | October 12, 2023
A second photoshoot with the incredible electronic music producer, Sainte Vie
Teaming up with Sainte Vie for our second photoshoot was a great experience, especially after the buzz from our first Mixmag cover. There's a special kind of excitement in working together again, knowing what we achieved the first time and looking forward to possibly repeating that success.
Sainte Vie brings a unique energy that makes every shoot something to look forward to. This time around, we had a better feel for each other's style, making the whole process more streamlined and enjoyable. Our goal was to capture the growth and depth in Sainte Vie's music, translating those vibes into the photos.
The anticipation of possibly landing another Mixmag cover adds a bit of excitement, but it's really about the collaboration itself. It's rewarding to see how our artistic paths have intertwined and evolved since our last shoot.
Working with Pablo is always a rewarding journey into creativity. As we wait to see the outcome of this latest shoot, it's cool to think about the potential of hitting another high note with Mixmag. Here's to more collaborations, growth, and the fusion of visual and musical art!
You can purchase that dope AF shirt here.
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Getting My Sea Legs with The Yacht Trader | October 7, 2023
Learning how to properly photography boats and yachts with my good friend Dan Ribeiro, The Yacht Trader.
Diving into a new photography venture always brings a mix of excitement and nerves. This year, I've been stretching my skills beyond my comfort zone, branching into different types of photography. It's a slow journey, especially when you're used to delivering a certain level of quality. So, when my good friend Dan Ribeiro, known to many as Brazilian Dan or The Yacht Trader, needed help photographing boats, it felt like the perfect opportunity.
Dan's was my first friend since moving to Miami, and over the years, he's proven to be more than just a friend; he's a constant in a city that's always changing. Working with him on photographing boats wasn't just a favor for a friend; it was a chance for me to learn and grow in an entirely new field of photography.
The images we captured are my first attempt in this genre. They're not perfect, but they're a start, and there's something exciting about that. With Dan's growing expertise in the yacht industry and my willingness to learn, I'm confident that I'll master capturing the right angles, color palettes, and video styles that best serve his clients and the industry. I must say, the first time you fly a drone over water and around a moving boat…. terrifying. I’ve surely got a lot to learn. If you DO watch the videos, don’t laugh. I put these big orange pontoons on it because I didn’t want to lose the drone the first time flying over water, and the wind kept taking control.
This new partnership with Dan is more than just a business venture. It's about learning and evolving in a new genre of professional photography and videography. What makes it even better is the lack of pressure. Our friendship and mutual willingness to teach and learn make this collaboration something to look forward to.
I'm genuinely excited about this journey with Dan. It's not just about expanding my professional skills but also about spending more time with a friend who's been there since my Miami beginnings. Here's to new adventures in photography, learning from each other, and strengthening a friendship that's already stood the test of time.
If you’re in the market for a seafaring vessel, don’t hesitate to hit up Dan. You won’t be sorry.
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Portraits of Joshua | September 29, 2023
Finding commonalities and creating vibes with my new friend Joshua.
The Tantra Love Retreat was a transformative experience. I had the incredible pleasure and honor of photographing and participating in this beautiful, eye-opening experience. There was also a chance to offer some breakout portrait sessions with some of the others that were in attendance. The first one I did was with Josh. I hadn’t really felt like I was connecting with anyone until we took our hour long walk-talk-and-shoot together. What I learned about Josh was than in many ways we were kindred spirits. Men, in the middle of our lives, just trying to find connection, self worth, and comfort with ourselves and the world as a whole.
I had the feeling Josh needed to reclaim or find his groove, and these images were going to help him. I think we more than succeeded. I’ve rarely left Miami for shooting over the past years, (everyone was coming here during the pandemic… so, Its been quite a while) and even more rarely, shooting in the beautiful and majestic countryside on the outskirts of Austin, TX.
I’m truly glad we had this time to connect, and I hope that our work together not only resonates with you, but helps you regain that confidence and find whatever you are looking for. I kinda think we nailed it.
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Bastidas | September 23, 2023
Good friends are hard to find…. especially ones that go out of their way to remind you of their friendship.
Recently, I had the chance to reconnect with one of my favorite people and a great friend, Jose Bastidas. Our friendship dates back to the wild times at Heart Nightclub in Miami, where we got into more than our fair share of mischief. It was a bit of a downer when he moved away from Miami, but life takes us all in different directions.
So imagine my delight when Jose hit me up for a super brief press/promo photo shoot while he was back in town for just a couple of days. Time was tight, and he didn't need much, but for an old friend like Jose, I'd drop everything. It's not every day you get to work with someone who shares so many memories and good times.
The shoot was quick and to the point. We didn't have the luxury of time, but with Jose, things always seem to fall into place effortlessly. Maybe it's the history we share or just the comfortable vibe we've always had. Whatever it is, capturing him in front of my lens felt just like old times – easy and fun.
It's moments like these that remind me of the power of lasting friendships and the importance of staying connected, no matter where life takes us. Doing this shoot for Jose wasn't just about getting the perfect shot; it was about honoring a friendship that has survived the test of time and distance.
In a way, this brief session was more than just a press/promo shoot. It was a reunion, a chance to catch up, and a reminder of the unbreakable bonds we form along our journeys. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat for a good, old friend like Jose.
