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.
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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.
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.
The 2024 Hooters Calendar Reveal Party | Hooters Pembroke Pines | September 22, 2023
Who would have thought I’d be shooting the Hooter’s 2024 Calendar Release Party?
I had the opportunity to photograph the 2024 Hooters Calendar Release Party at Hooters Pembroke Pines. It was thanks to my cousin Jason, who's a manager there. I was expecting a lively event, ready to capture some great shots with my professional camera gear.
The place was buzzing with energy, and the Hooters girls, chosen for the annual calendar, were the stars of the evening. But interestingly, they seemed more interested in taking selfies and having their photos taken by friends with cellphones than by a professional photographer like me. It was a bit surprising, to say the least.
However, this didn't take away from the fantastic experience. The hospitality at Hooters Pembroke Pines was excellent, and those who did engage with my photography were a joy to work with. It was just an observation that stood out, especially considering the nature of the event.
This experience was a bit of a reminder of the generational changes in how people interact with photography. I walked in thinking these young women would be thrilled to pose for professional photos, but instead, I noticed a preference for more informal, personal captures.
It's fascinating to see how the times are changing. As a professional photographer, it's a reminder of the evolving landscape of photography and how different generations approach it. Makes you feel a bit old, doesn't it? But it's all part of the experience, watching and adapting to these shifts in trends and preferences.
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"How do I shoot nightlife photography?" "Ask Google." | VIP Room NYC | Opening Night (revisited)
I had never photographed a nightclub before this night. September 19, 2013. VIP Room NYC.
I sold Kenny a pair of Air Jordans in the 90s. We had many adventures. I’m quite sure there was a time we’d both had considered each-other among the best of friends, but lost touch. Fast forward, post-Zuckerberg reconnection. I’d literally only been taking photographs for two months, and somehow, Kenny thought I’d be good shooting a new club? Honestly, I don’t remember how it came about. But there I was, opening night. Meatpacking District, NYC. At the hight of the open format bottle club scene. I hadn’t even been in a club since the year 2000, I think with Kenny, as well. A Y2K party at Pacha, and nobody was there. Freaking Y2K.
I had no idea what I was doing. Armed with a 24mm-88mm kit lens, a 50mm 1.8, & brand new Nikon D600, and a SB-700 flash, I shot opening night for VIP Room NYC. VIP Room was kind of a big deal. I googled “nightlife photography,” had no real understanding of anything I read, and went to work. I remember being so shy. So hesitant to approach people and take their images. Its funny.. after all these years, it still takes me a little bit to settle in when shooting these kind of things. I remember not being able to capture the lights. The club would be thumping with colors and strobes, yet everything looked dark. At that time, I had no idea that the flash I had would overpower all the club lights, rendering the club to look dark in most shots. I had no idea about the little white bounce card in the head of the flash. I didn’t know how to use nor properly understand ISO. So I just took portraits of people I found interesting or attractive, that said yes when I hesitantly asked their permission; portraits and group shots of the staff. I also learned, that after an hour or so and everyone is well lubricated… I don’t have to ask.
No preconceived notions nor expectations of what the work needed to look like. I could do whatever I wanted.
Right place, right time. Turns out I was doing something different. These portraits are some of my favorites. To be honest, I don’t see this kind of stuff in nightlife photos anymore. Even in my own. I’ll have to run with just a 50mm sometime in the future. I really am happy that I went back and found/sorted through/re-edited these.
Many of these images were shot in black & white, colorized with Adobe Photoshop AI and then edited to my specifications.
If you know any of the people in this photo essay, please, send them here. They should see them, dont’cha think? I’m in three of these. I must have handed my camera to Kenny, because… I’m not insane.
Those were words. These are images.
All images © Stuart Tracte.
50 Cent walks into a nightclub... (revisited)
The night 50 cent hosted VIP Room NYC, back in October 2013.
I think this might have been the first big celebrity hosted night we had at VIP Room NYC, which means it was the first big celebrity night I photographed. 50 Cent. Not bad, huh? I went through all these images again, and cut the original set down to under 50 images. I also gave them a fresh coat of paint. There are a ton of these nights to sort though, and some truly iconic imagery to share with you.
A Tribe Called Quest x STÜSSY | July 18, 2015 (revisited)
A Tribe Called Quest x STÜSSY at the NYC Soho store. July 2015. All 4 members of A Tribe Called Quest celebrate 35 years of Stussy. Dave Chappelle pops in to take some selfies.
Photographed by Stuart Tracte
One day I might write about when I got a chance to meet & photograph a childhood musical legend, got my heart broken, and made an incredible lifelong friend… all in the same night. This day happened because of that night… my mom met A Tribe Called Quest.
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(all rights © Stuart Tracte)
1-800-LUCKY | Jarobi + Tillery + Talib | May 17, 2023
Hanging out with hip-hop legends at 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood.
Another post, and another opportunity to allude to a future post where I talk about meeting heroes, broken dreams, and making lifelong friends, but not doing it. One day, I will sit down, write the words, and publish the images of that unforgettable landmark evening.
But for now, I will just say, my friend Jarobi hosts a killer weekly old-school hip-hop night at 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood, Miami. Every Tuesday. I should be there significantly more often than I am. This week was special because another legend of the genre, Talib Kweli was going to be spinning for a portion of the night.
While I didn’t get the chance to meet Kweli this time, I did get some pretty damn good images of Jarobi, Tillery, & Talib doing their thing.
F1 Miami | Sunset Sessions | The Deck @ Island Gardens | May 7, 2023
Day two at The Deck at Island Gardens for Sunset Sessions, headlined by the legend himself. Kenny Dope
Night two at The Deck at Island Gardens celebrating F1 Miami, great music, great people, and great booze!
F1 Miami | The Kazbah | The Deck @ Island Gardens | May 6, 2023
Shooting The Kazbah party at The Deck at island Gardens for F1 Miami 2023.
After “leaving” the nightlife world, I typically only shoot music events two times a year. Miami Music Week, and Art Basel. That changed in 2023, with the addition of F1 week. Now we’ve got a third week of the year where the world flocks down here to Miami to party their asses off, and its totally worth my time, passion, and effort to participate and document the madness wherever I can. These are images from the first of two nights at The Deck at Island Gardens with great music, great views, beautiful people, and unbridled revelry.
I will admit, it took me a moment to re-acclimate to shooting outdoors, at night, with nothing to bounce light off of. I don’t know if you can tell, but the images get better (technically, at least) as the photoset and evening progresses. I have always said, and stick by it, that shooting nightlife is the best education for photographers. Shooting in ever changing conditions, in the dark, with unpredictable lighting…. if you can do that with any level of competence, you’ve got a head start.
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(all rights reserved: Stuart Tracte Photography 2023)
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.
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Pawsitive Beings + The Art Plug @ The Vagabond Hotel | April 27, 2023
Shooting to promote a charity event for animal rescue is a no-brainer. Yes!
When Marcel, The Art Plug, approached me and asked if I would like to help promote a charity for rescue animal adoption, my answer was an immediate yes. As someone who absolutely adores dogs, sometimes even more than humans, I saw this as an incredible opportunity. Not only would I get to collaborate with Marcel, a truly talented individual, but also have the chance to work with some of the most wonderful animals. And what made it even more special was knowing that this cause was dedicated to finding loving homes for these deserving creatures. Combining my passion for dogs with making a positive impact was truly a dream come true. Please support this wonderful cause by visiting Pawsitive Beings!
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 5 | Glitterbox | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 26, 2023
Day 5 of Miami Music Week 2023 - Glitterbox - Epic Pool Parties - Sagamore Hotel - Stuart Tracte Photography
What a week! 25,000 images taken, and about 3,500 edited. Five incredible parties, with countless incredibly talented artists, the best damn hospitality team in the business, and memories to last a lifetime. Epic Pool Parties' final event at The Sagamore Hotel was hosted by Glitterbox. From start to finish, old school disco vibes met new school house music, with some legendary performances.
An EPIC finale to an EPIC week!
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 4 | The Epic Pool Party | Sagamore Hotel | March 25, 2023
Day 4 of Miami Music Week by Epic Pool Parties at The Sagamore Hotel. Photos by Stuart Tracte.
Day 4 of Miami Music Week. My birthday always falls during this week of madness. This year I had a lot to celebrate, as I have rediscovered my enthusiasm for life, health, work, and more. Ya know, in all my years photographing Music Week, I’ve never had a birthday bottle parade. Its sounds awfully cheesy. But I admit…. I want one! LOL. Maybe someone will read this and make it happen next year? #HintHint
This party, from Epic Pool Parties, at The Sagamore Hotel, was our own curated event. No labels, just great music & some legendary performances.
Victor Calderone never fails to impress.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 3 | The Soundgarden | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 24, 2023
Day three of Epic Pool Parties’ Miami Music Week 2023 at The Sagamore Hotel, with The Soundgarden. Images by Stuart Tracte.
Day 3 of Miami Music Week at the Sagamore South Beach was truly a gift. Epic Pool Parties and The Soundgarden curated a magical day of music and incredible vibes. I’ve wanted to photograph a Soundgarden party for longer than I can remember. I think I made up for lost time.
Click images to enlarge.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 2 | Defected Records | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 23, 2023
Day two of Miami Music Week 2023, from Epic Pool Parties & Defected Records, at the Sagamore Hotel, with special guest Idris Elba
Day 2 of Miami Music Week at the Sagamore South Beach was a movie! The team at Epic Pool Parties and Defected Records put together an incredible lineup! Every single artist on that stage absolutely killed!
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Idris Elba, holding court.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
