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.
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.
(click photos to enlarge)
That time Banksy took over New York City (revisited)
Banksy took over New York City in 2013. Here are my images of the crowds gathered to see the work.
Another strange benefit of working at Ogilvy was the random proximity to this important piece of modern art history. Banksy took over NYC for 31 days in NYC, with a piece of his artwork appearing each day in new, different locations, without warning. Dudes were charging admission at some spots. Covering the work with cardboard until someone paid them. Aahhh. New York.
Those were words. These are images.
Unbound Ritual - BOUNDLESS - Persephone Empowered | April 29, 2023
A transformative and educational, spiritual experience for all involved… especially for me.
Photographing the Unbound Ritual event was an experience that reshaped not only my perspective on art and spirituality but also on my personal journey towards self-acceptance and community.
This event wasn't just another assignment. It was a Shibari and sound healing themed party, focusing on the dynamics between men and women, emphasizing conscious communication and consent. As someone who considers themselves open-minded and sexually liberal, this event presented an intriguing new angle to explore.
My social life and self-esteem had taken a hit post-divorce and during the COVID lockdowns. However, 2023 marked a year of transformation for me. I focused on my physical health, changed my eating habits, and quit smoking. I was on a path to rediscovery, and this event, suggested to me by Lana Shay, whom I’d met online, was a pivotal point.
Initially, I thought I was stepping into a typical sex party to capture. But it was not that. It was so different and so much more. The event was about trust, release of power, and exploring deeper emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives and ourselves.. My role was to set up a small studio for themed portraits and cover the event, discussions, and demonstrations. I was told “do what you do.” This creative freedom was both exciting and challenging.
The experience was transformative. Unlike other events I've attended, there was a deep sense of community here. The kindness and interest people showed in me, my story, and my talent was overwhelming. It wasn't just about capturing moments; it was about being part of them.
Midway through the event, I had a profound conversation with one of the organizers, Shane. We discussed the intertwining of spirituality, connection, and sexuality. Shane explained that it’s all about intention - by sharing what's most intimate to us, we commit to an experience that’s communal, personal, and spiritual.
This philosophy resonated with me deeply. I didn’t just photograph; I observed, absorbed, and reflected on the power of such openness. I returned the next day to help clean up, not because I had to, but to reconnect with this unique community.
This experience has been a stepping stone towards self-acceptance and trusting others. As I write this in December, I find myself revisiting those feelings of acceptance and connection. This journey has just begun, but it’s already making a significant impact on my life.
In essence, the Unbound Ritual event was more than a photo shoot; it was a gateway to a world I hadn’t explored, where acceptance and community thrive. It’s a journey I’m excited to continue, and one that’s already changing me for the better.
I also got to reconnect with my old friend Justin, which has had an increasingly positive impact on my physical and mental well-being. We’ll talk about that in another post.
From the deepest reaches of my heart, thank you to the whole team, specifically Samy, Stell, & Shane, for having me and welcoming me into your community. I hope this was only the first of our experiences working and growing together.
(click images to enlarge)
Making Art with Bari Friedlander | April 17, 2023
I got to shoot with a fellow artist, and I learned a lot. I want to do it all over again.
I want to do this one all over again. Not just for another experience shooting with Bari, but because I learned a lot that day and through the editing process. I’d been enamored with Bari since we first met online (I honestly don’t remember how… I think it was an app or something? Raya?) Who the hell knows how you meet anyone these days?! We’d had a long FaceTime call and I just remember thinking that this was someone I wanted to know better. She is so kind and positive minded. She is extremely giving of encouragement & support… and we hadn’t even met yet!
Over the course of, I don’t know how long, we kept in touch, talked about whatever, and I began to see what an incredible artist Bari was. Seriously… you should check out her work. She has a vibe, and it’s really good. I have no idea what good art is (I barely call what I do art. It sounds so fucking pretentious.) but when I look at Bari’s work, I can tell it’s made with talent, passion, attention to detail, and love.
Back to the shoot…. I think I was just a little too gaga that day and not really focusing on getting it right. Sometimes, when doing creative work, you’re too in the moment, and forget to make sure all the t’s have been crossed and i’s dotted. I look at a lot of the images we shot, and just know I could do better and that Bari deserves better. Also, when two confident creative forces come together, it can take time to settle in to a rhythm, and I think we were just a little short of that perfect synergistic moment. I guess that just means we’ve gotta do it again!
Regardless, there’s some truly incredible stuff in here, and I’m happy to be sharing it with you all.
(click images to enlarge)
Murals with Marcel | The Art Plug | E11even Vodka | March 10, 2023
A day documenting the creation of a mural for Miami & E11even Vodka, with Marcel Katz & team.
Marcel Katz, a.k.a The Art Plug, asked me to document the final touches of a mural outside E11EVEN Miami for E11EVEN Vodka. The team included Marcel, Jeronimo, & Jonathan. It was a beautiful day, and a perfect day for shooting these three talented artists at work.
