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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
(click images to enlarge)
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.
(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.
Finally, Nicole | September 14, 2023
Nicole Gazo finally showed up, we shot some amazing images AND had some really important conversation about the state of fashion, instagram, and modeling.
Nicole and I have been going back and forth for almost a year about shooting. It’s difficult when you cold solicit someone on Instagram, and hope they’ll give you a shot to work together. We’d talked for a while about shooting, and after too many misfires, I kind of gave up. I had a cancellation on a random Thursday, and thought I’d randomly pop in on her. I guess the timing was perfect, because within two hours, she was here at the studio. From a huge suitcase filled with options, this was the look we came up with. The idea was to not over-sexualize, and we had some truly interesting conversation about how young women are conditioned to do that, and how it is negatively affecting both men and women & our interpersonal relationships.
She also needed some classic agency digitals, which I was happy to help her with.
(click images to expand)
Portfolio building with Anja | September 5, 2023
Anja from The Source Models needed some basic studio work for her portfolio, and I needed to get back to work after 2 months of recovery after surgery.
I don’t think I’d mentioned this here….I had surgery on my left arm (elbow) on July 11th of this year. I knew it was coming, so I slowed down, in the weeks before, and cleared my schedule for about two months afterwards. I’m left handed, and edit with a stylus, so, I knew it would be a bit before I was able to get back to work.
It funny… you go from 0% to 80% post-surgery so fast! I was expecting to be out of commission through the end of September, but I got back to life much sooner than expected. So, I reached out to Jeff Fuller of The Source Models to see if he had anyone for me to shoot. He sent me a package to select from, and it was very clear who I wanted to work with. Anja had gorgeous images that I could tell were from a single shoot in South Pointe Park, and her limited portfolio was screaming for some studio work. I also needed to get back to work and stretch my lens and arms after almost three months off.
I must say, working with Anja was a wonderful experience; she even showed up early! We kept the styling simple & classic and I think that was the right move. Here are the completed images from our work together.
A great shoot & experience. I hope to create more with Anja in the future.
(click image to expand)
Getting my groove back | Cheyenne | August 14, 2023
My first shoot back after 5 weeks of recovery from elbow surgery.
Surgery is traumatic. I don’t know if you’d call what I had done “major” surgery, but they did knock me out, cut me open, and stitch me back up. I had a repetitive stress injury in my left elbow, likely from 25 years of sitting at a desk, being left handed, and more recently, ten years of editing photos with a stylus. I had an amazing surgeon, that I knew was the the one to pick, because he has Chad Pennington (my favorite NY Jets QB of all time!) on the front-page of his website. If he could fix Chad’s shoulder, and make him the Comeback Player of the Year, he could surely fix my elbow. Thanks Dr. Caldwell!
So, I hadn’t had anyone come to the studio since the first week in July. In hindsight it doesn’t seem like that long, but I was laid up, unable to use my left arm, and trying to plan for the rest of the year. I was hustling my ass off on the phone, on social media, to line up collars and paid work to make up for this time lost to surgery.
I also hired my friend Frankie, who has a fantastic company called Project Rags, to come to my home and completely renovate and upgrade the studio space so that when I DID get back to work, it had more room, better placement, and new equipment to experiment and create with.
What can a say about Cheyenne? Beautiful girl. Smart as hell. Easy to talk with. Chill. Trusting. All I asked her for was to come over and mess around with my new space and new gear. We had no plan, and that’s how we liked it. Spontaneous creation with people who want to put in as much energy as I do is truly the thing I love best, when it happens. I need more of this in my life, and my work with Chey was proof of this. This was one of those experiences that when it’s over, you get a little depressed, because you don’t have that energy in your life anymore. Selfless creative trusting energy. Thanks Cheyenne. I hope we can do it again.
(If you ever want to print a Cheyenne t-shirt, that last image is ripe for printing. All you gotta do is ask and I’m sure Chey & I will be ok, IF you cut us in on the profit.)
(click images to enlarge)
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)
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)
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.
(click to enlarge)
(all rights © Stuart Tracte)
Tara, Pandas, Great Vibes, Oh My! | @taraleightyler | May 29, 2014 (revisited)
I always revisit this shoot with Tara when I can’t navigate through the difficulty of reconciling my passions and the commerce of professional photography.
It’s May 2014, I’ve been photographing nightlife and people for about 6 months, to some level of success, and things are looking pretty damn fantastic. I’m still working 60+ hours a week at Ogilvy, AND doing all of this photography. I can’t remember exactly how it came up, but my friend W. Kamau Bell’s manager, Kerry, somehow had or had access to a panda costume. I don’t remember the exact inspiration for even asking, but somehow I wound up with this panda costume, sitting in my apartment.
”Anyone wanna shoot with a panda costume?!”
The response was almost immediate. Tara was in. While the details of how it all happened are a bit of a blur, the energy and vibe that day is one that I return to in my head over and over again.
I’ve been going through some kind of creative struggle lately…. What is my style? How can I reconcile my passion and my commerce. Without fail, my mind returns to this day. Tara and I made something together…. so much fun. Not for Instagram. Not for the likes. Not for anyone or anything other than us and for the sheer joy of making something. A pure energy of absurdity & fun. The rest was autopilot. We did a total of three shoots, and the others were similar in vibe (coming soon!) yet Tara always has & will always have a place in my heart and mind because of how fantastic this experience was.
THIS is the kind of work I want to do. There is so much beauty here…. but more importantly, there is a positivity. There’s fun. Nobody is taking anything too seriously, and you can feel it.
Hit me up if you can get together with me and just not give a shit what happens. Hit me up if you won’t worry that every shot has to be serious, or every angle perfect. Hit me up if you can smile, or act a fool, and still feel handsome or beautiful.
These 40 images are either re-edits (the original color palate I used was a bit more blue/gray) or edits of images I had overlooked the first time I went through them. Thank you, Tara. We’re way overdue for another care-free photoshoot!
Round 2 with Luke Alexander | June 2, 2023
Great conversation and powerful imagery with DJ Luke Alexander
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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! ;)
