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.
(click images to enlarge)
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.
(click images to enlarge)
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.
(click images to enlarge)
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.
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.
(click images to enlarge)
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.
(click images to enlarge)
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.
The dude behind the dude, who should be in front of the dude | DJ Endo | July 1, 2023
It was super cool to get the chance to shoot with Mike, a friendly face I always enjoyed seeing over the years of covering the nightlife world.
Mike Henderson is the legend you never heard of, unless you have. Not only has he taught and programmed the equipment for your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ, he’s truly one of the nicest people I have encountered in years of photographing the underground electronic music world, and an extremely talented musician.
I had the chance to have DJ Endo in the studio right before I was to head into surgery on my arm, which would sideline me for about 6 weeks.
I am glad we took the time to fit this one in before I went under the knife and Mike moved back to Spain.
(click images to enlarge)
"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 Long Overdue Hang with Ms. Mada | June 10, 2023
After years of waiting…. we finally got to make some dope s#!t.
As a photographer, every photoshoot is a new adventure, a unique story waiting to be captured through the lens. But my recent session with Rachel Tumada, the Miami-based DJ and rising star in the global underground electronic music scene, was something extraordinary.
I had crossed paths with Rachel a couple of times, but most of our interactions had been digital. There's something about her wry humor on social media that always struck a chord with me. We share a love for 90s hip-hop and a certain cynicism that only like-minded individuals can appreciate. This mutual understanding laid the groundwork for our collaboration.
Rachel has always been an enigma to me. Her beauty is effortless, almost as if she's unaware of it. Her talent as a DJ, particularly her residency at Club Space, speaks volumes, yet she carries herself with an unassuming grace. This humility, rare and endearing, is what I believe makes her truly special. I think she’s bad AF. “Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good!”#RunDMC
I'd been nudging Rachel for years to step into my studio. Little did she know, it wasn't just about capturing her through my camera, but also about sharing laughs and immersing ourselves in the music we both adore.
Coming off a workshop on frequency separation techniques in Photoshop, I was eager to apply my enhanced skills in editing skin tones. This shoot with Rachel was the perfect opportunity. The images turned out stunning, though reflecting on them six months later, I ponder if I might have gone a bit overboard. Well, there's always room for more shoots, right, Ms. Mada?
Spending time with Rachel wasn't just about the photographs. It was about creating a space where art met personality. Providing her with professional images to bolster her burgeoning career was rewarding, but the real joy lay in the experience itself. It was more than a photoshoot; it was a celebration of talent, humor, and music.
Looking back, this photoshoot with Rachel was not just a session; it was a celebration of shared passions. As she continues to rise in the world of electronic music, these images will stand as a testament to her journey, her talent, and the day we spent encapsulating moments in time.
As Rachel continues to blow the f**k up globally, I look forward to more opportunities to capture her essence through my lens. After all, every photograph is a story, and Rachel's is one that the world needs to see & hear.
(click images to enlarge)
Round 2 with Luke Alexander | June 2, 2023
Great conversation and powerful imagery with DJ Luke Alexander
---
I recently had the pleasure of working again with DJ Luke Alexander for another round of press and promotional photos. This being our second collaboration, there was a distinct sense of ease and familiarity that set the tone for the entire photoshoot.
From the moment Luke stepped into the studio, there was a palpable shift in energy compared to our first session. We were both more relaxed, falling into a comfortable rhythm as we set up for the shoot. It's amazing how much more fluidly things can go when there's an established rapport.
As the shoot progressed, we found ourselves delving into deep conversation. We spoke about the challenges we face as artists, particularly the tug-of-war between commercialism and passion. It's a delicate balance, trying to meet the expectations of the industry while staying true to our creative instincts. Luke and I shared our experiences and the pressures we feel about the expected output of our work. It was enlightening to hear his perspective, mirroring many of my own thoughts and struggles.
The most poignant part of our discussion was about pleasing everyone except ourselves. It's a trap many artists fall into, and hearing Luke articulate these feelings was both validating and sobering. These moments of connection are rare and invaluable – they remind us that beneath the facade of success and creativity, we're all grappling with similar challenges.
The photos from this shoot turned out powerful. There was a raw, authentic energy that came through, undoubtedly fueled by the depth of our conversation and the comfort level we'd reached. Creating images that not only serve a commercial purpose but also capture the essence of an individual is what I strive for. And with Luke, it felt like we achieved that and more.
This photoshoot was more than just another job; it was a memorable experience of connecting with someone who's not just a client but a fellow artist. Luke's trust in me to help shape his public image for the second time was not only an honor but a testament to the relationship we've built. It's these kinds of connections that make my work so fulfilling and remind me why I chose this path.
Looking back, I realize that this shoot with Luke wasn't just about creating images; it was about sharing stories, understanding each other's journey, and finding solace in the shared complexities of our artistic paths. I'm grateful for such experiences – they enrich my work and my perspective as a photographer.
(click images to enlarge)
The Mermaid | Megan Daly | May 27, 2023
Some simple press and promotional photos for DJ M DALY
I met Megan at Miami Music Week. She had a carefree style and was very kind. Turns out she’s a DJ and needed some simple promo photos to promote her local gigs. The vibe was to be simple, and feminine. If I remember correctly, she was promoting hotel & daytime parties, so it made sense to keep it simple, and go with the beach girl vibe. I hope we hit the mark. It was a fun and easy going experience.
I’m still waiting for you to reach out about this mermaid thing, Megan! ;)
In the studio with Natalia Roth | May 15, 2023
A long awaited studio photoshoot with DJ Natalia Roth
I’d been trying to get in touch with Natalia for a very long time. It didn’t make much sense that we’d never met. I covered underground music in Miami for half a decade, and she’s a hard working, super talented rising star both in Miami and globally. On a Monday morning at 6am, I went to Club Space to see my friend Dennis Cruz play, and I couldn’t take my eyes off this incredibly well dressed woman hanging out in the DJ booth. After enough staring… I had to tell her that I dug her outfit. I was definitely awkward, but then again, I’m awkward. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don’t remember the details of how I came to realize it was Natalia, but once I did, we briefly spoke about shooting together. I showed her my work, talked about our mutual friends and acquaintances, and within a month or so, she was here in the studio for a few hours. I think shot over 1000 images that day. I still feel like the set deserves more attention, so I may add to this post some day in the future when I have some time and need some inspiration. For now, here are the completed images from our day together. I hope we get the chance to collaborate again. She oozes style and musical talent. It would surely be an honor and a benefit… for us both!
(click images to enlarge)
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.
(click images to enlarge)
(all rights reserved: Stuart Tracte Photography 2023)
