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.
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.
(click images to enlarge)
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)
Two Days With Heather | September 8 & 9, 2023
I got to spend two days creating beautiful imagery with the legendary Heather Payne!
I met Heather about 10 years ago, and, despite only meeting in person that one time, we’ve kept in touch with an occasional message here and there. You know what they say… “timing is everything.” They also say, “location location location.”
If you put those two things together…. magic can and will happen.
So, we put those two things together, and magic happened.
Heather Payne, Founder and Creative Director of Emerging Heroes, is a renowned former model. She has worked with top designers and appeared in magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Collaborations and tests never go exactly as planned, and that’s part of the beauty of the process. I like to keep my collaborations rather simple, as I get most of my creative energy from spontaneity on the day of the shoot. Its great to set guidelines, create mood boards, pull wardrobe, etc, but in that moment…. I’m always going to follow my gut, if there’s not a specific deliverable or goal to achieve. We had a plan, and surely followed it, but what you’ll see below is us not worrying about coloring within the lines we created before we started actually shooting.
This was a truly wonderful partnership. Heather is incredibly energetic, organized, and determined. I am very fortunate to know her and to have had the opportunity to create these beautiful images with her. I truly hope this is just the beginning of a long lasting and fruitful creative partnership.
Here are the stunning fruits of our labor. (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)
Kwadwo in Color
We started writing this story in 2013, and only finished today.
Here’s another one of those times. You know… when you go back through a decade or more of images, with a decade older eyes, experience, editing prowess, style…
… and create something you never saw before. By ‘saw,’ I mean when I looked at these images back in 2013, I saw 2 or 3, and considered them individual compositions. Yet, looking at the photoset in Lightroom earlier this week. I saw a story I hadn’t noticed before, and went right to work.
I keep thinking about where to put these images, and wind up never showing them to anyone. I’m hoping this ends that trend. I really need to dive into the archives, delete wasteful 1s and 0s, and properly treat images that may have been overlooked over the years.
So, I wasn’t even done with the set, and I HAD to hit up Kwadwo.
Gotta say…. that felt good. Glad to have made this incredible set of images with you, old friend. This dude was always working on something good for the world. We shot an ill-fated but wonderful intentioned campaign for an clothing idea, proceeds of which would go to anti-bullying organizations, and now he’s traveling the world spreading positivity and good vibes. You can check out some of his work here.
OK. Those were words. These are images.
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!
Creating Magic with Agus Maders | May 19, 2023
A great day of shooting with DJ & model Agus Maders
I had the incredible opportunity to work with Agus Maders, a well-known, rising star DJ and model from Argentina. We came together with a simple goal: to create fashionable and unique images that would not only highlight Agus's style and beauty but also capture her infectious smile.
From the get-go, Agus was an absolute delight. Despite being our first time working together, she brought a kind and spirited energy that made the whole experience feel more like a collaboration between friends than a formal photoshoot. There's something about her that's so genuine and down-to-earth; it's refreshing, especially in someone as popular as she is.
Our theme revolved around fashion, but with a twist. We wanted these photos to scream personality and authenticity. And let me tell you, Agus didn't hold back. Towards the end of our shoot, she suggested we try some things she'd never done before with a photographer. I was honored and excited to dive into this new territory for her.
I'll admit, I was a bit nervous. I had this idea to use a mirrored background, but things didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. We tried to rig up this whole setup using mirrored adhesive paper and cardboard boxes, and well, it was more of a challenge than I anticipated. But you know what? It didn't matter. It was all part of the process, and it didn't take away from the shoot's success.
This photoshoot was all about having fun, pushing our creative limits, and, hopefully, giving both of our careers a little boost. Despite the mirrored background not turning out perfectly, the day was filled with laughter, experimentation, and art. Working with Agus was a joy, and the connection we forged through our creativity was something really special.
In the end, the photos turned out great, but more importantly, the experience was unforgettable. It's not every day you get to work with someone as talented and genuine as Agus, and I'm already looking forward to our next creative adventure.
(click images to enlarge)
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)
"...en la mañana" con Stephanie Del Toro | April 26, 2023
A simple plan and a perfect morning. Who could ask for more? Shot by Stuart Tracte. The model is Stephanie Del Toro. Published in GMARO Magazine, September 2023.
Stephanie was a pleasure to plan and work with. We shared some wonderful Colombian coffee in Surfside, afterwards. It all happened so fast, and yet…
Stephanie was absolutely thrilled with how the shoot turned out. The lighting, composition, and overall aesthetic were all on point, making it the perfect candidate for submission to GMARO. Filled with confidence, we decided to take a chance and share our work with the renowned magazine. To our delight, GMARO not only accepted the submission but also featured it in their September 2023 edition. It's incredibly gratifying for us to see our work in print, and we couldn't be happier. Now, that magazine will proudly sit on my coffee table, a tangible reminder of our hard work and success for years to come.
Those are words. These are images. (click to enlarge)
У фотостудії з Оксаною | In The Studio With Oksana Butovskaya | April 13, 2023
I got to hang out with my friends Nick and Oksana, and we took turns shooting her in my studio.
Oksana & Nick came over to hang out and to shoot together in the studio. Nick and I took turns shooting Oksana. Here are my images from that day. I never saw his. If he shares the link with men I will post it here. SEO!
Hey Nick! Can I see what you shot & edited?
Guys! We’re long overdue for another session. Let’s go!
(click images to enlarge)
Зйомка, яка переросла у справжню, фантастичну дружбу | Oksana Butovskaya | March 9, 2023
What started as a photoshoot became an opportunity to make new friends.
I used to be a card carrying member of the Anti-Photographer Photographer club. For some stupid reason, I, and many of my colleagues, don’t talk. We don’t support one another. We feel like we’re competing for the same eyeballs and dollars. Being a freelance artist is difficult and if you’re in my way, you’re my enemy. This is a terribly stupid and limiting way of thinking. Maybe it comes from shooting music events? Everyone is jockeying for the same spot, for the perfect shot in the DJ booth, or at the center-back of the venue…. I don’t know. Once again, it’s stupid, and a very antiquated way of thinking.
But I digress…. Oksana posted in a Facebook group that I am a moderator of, for Miami based photographers. Her work was incredible, and she has a very respectable social following. It has become extremely difficult to communicate with potential collaborators in this day and age of social communications. Models are getting hundreds to thousands of random request from random photographers of varying levels of talent and experience an it has to be excruciatingly difficult to choose, and follow through with anyone, especially those that are just trying to make something cool, for the sake of it.
She was super easy to talk with, so we planned our shoot. But, she said she could only do this if she could bring her boyfriend, who is also a photographer. Typically this would be a dealbreaker for me. Both for the bullshit egotistical reasons I stated above, and because, in my experience, unless there’s a whole team and large production, these small creative shoots go off best when attention is focused between photographer and subject. I have had more than one shoot that I felt went south because the subject (both male and female) were playing to their friend and not me. (Those clients probably don’t know… its just a creative preference)
But 2023 was a different year for me. It was all about giving, not taking. It was all about putting positivity into the universe, whether or not I got it back. (I’m writing this on Dec 26, and I can surely say IT WORKED. This year has been fantastic) So…. I said yes, bring him.
I could keep talking about this, and listing all the details. but I will skip to the gist of it…. She brought Nick, and the two of them became my friends. And I don’t mean the bullshit “friends” like social media has devolved the word. I knew these people for less than one month, and they showed up to my birthday (during Miami Music Week) with a cake for me! I have friends I have known for 20 years that would never have thought to do something like this.
Time to wrap it up. They are both incredibly talented and I am very grateful and fortunate to have them as my friends. You MUST check out Nick’s work too.
There are more images from this shoot that I might add at a later date. I still have this shoot in my “unfinished” folder.
(click image to enlarge)
Crushing on Kate | Kate Makiela | February 26, 2023
Shooting with my friend and wonderful multi-faceted human, Kate.
This is the second time I am shooting with Kate, on the same beach, one or two years apart. We always seem to want to get together and create, but it's always last minute and on a trip that isn't intended for shooting. Kate is one of a kind. There aren't enough words to express how I feel about her as a friend and collaborator. However, I will admit, I hope that one day we can plan something more deliberate. She is such an amazing model, and we both deserve more than just the spontaneous "show up at the beach with what's in my bag and shoot" approach. Although, what the f**k am I complaining about? I have the incredible opportunity to shoot and hang out with Kate, and that in itself is something truly special.
(click image to enlarge)
7 Looks With Katie Cook | February 25, 2023
Almost a year in the making, here’s what a day with Katie Cook, her suitcase, and a gorgeous South Beach home looks like.
I met Katie at Miami Music Week 2022, and it took almost a year to finlly get the chance to create with her. She brought everything I’d imagined; beauty, experience, style, confidence, and generosity of spirit. We had a gorgeous home to use as our backdrop, and here are the fruits of our labor.
Sometimes, when you’re being spontaneous & testing, you create something amazing. Sometimes you find things you didnt expect. Sometimes, you miss the mark, and what was in your head just doesn’t materialize. This shoot was all of those things. I don’t know if it was what either of us expected, but I am grateful for the experience, and home for the pleasure of creating with Katie again someday.
(click images to enlarge)
Josephine | @joeelaz | February 23, 2023
I talk too much. We only got to shoot a single look. It’s pretty incredible, but I wish we did more. Perhaps one day in the future.
I talk too much, and I realized it when I met Jojo at Art With Me 2022. We were both passionate about photography, and we quickly got into a discussion about shooting ideas. However, looking back, I think I spent too much time talking instead of shooting. While I still appreciate & love the shots we managed to capture, I can't help but feel that we didn't quite hit the mark we were aiming for. Perhaps, in the future, we'll have the opportunity to collaborate again, and I'll make an effort to let Jojo's vision shine through rather than dominating the conversation.
Run Sandy Run | Sandy Kakura | February 19, 2023
Sandy loves to run. I never shot someone running. She rarely, if ever, had been photographed running.
So, here we go…
When I first met and shot with Sandy, she mentioned that she rarely got to shoot herself doing her favorite thing... running. Intrigued by the challenge, I responded that I rarely shoot fitness content. Nonetheless, we decided to embark on an experiment together. With cameras in hand and determination in our hearts, we set out to capture Sandy in her element. The results were beyond my expectations. Sandy's passion and joy for running radiated from every image. Through her graceful movements and fierce determination, we were able to freeze moments of pure athleticism and appreciation for the sport. It was a reminder that sometimes the best results can come from embracing the unexpected and stepping out of our comfort zones.
Man in Ocean in Suit | Sebastian Frings | February 11, 2023
Man. Ocean. Suit. Sebastian. Me.
Here's another one of those photoshoot ideas and plans that got completely delayed by the damn pandemic and the following depression that stopped me from being both social and creative. I had talked with Sebastian perhaps 2 years prior about this idea of a man in the ocean in a suit. Between COVID, difficult coordination of schedules, and my own demons, it took a long time to get this one shot and done.
While I love our results, I think we can do better. It was difficult to coordinate for a golden hour shoot, so we did the best we could when we finally got together to make this happen. One day, we'll reconvene and shoot this idea with even better light. I imagine the sun casting a breathtaking glow on the ocean surface, highlighting every droplet of water as it cascades off the man's suit, creating a mesmerizing effect. The perfect blend of warm hues and gentle waves will elevate this concept to another level. Despite the hurdles we faced, the passion and determination fueling this project remain unwavering. The pandemic may have forced us to take a detour, but it has only fueled our resolve to capture this vision with absolute brilliance. Stay tuned for the day when we bring this concept to life again, and the results will undoubtedly be extraordinary.
Adam Wayne | @Aydamn | January 13, 2023
I met Adam at a time I was not at my best. Shooting with him years later helped me get there.
At a time when my spirit was burdened by struggles, I crossed paths with Adam, a remarkable individual who had recently relocated to the vibrant city of Miami. Our chance encounter was infused with possibility as we discussed the potential for friendship and creative collaboration. However, hindered by my own lack of self-assurance, I regrettably allowed this budding relationship to fade into the background. It was a mistake that I now acknowledge wholeheartedly.
Years passed, during which missed opportunities to foster a genuine bond and produce exemplary work haunted me. Until the turning point arrived in 2023. In that pivotal year, fate intervened, and Adam and I once again found ourselves united. This reunion led to the birth of breathtaking creations that I now proudly hold dear to my heart – some of my favorite work to date. Moreover, this collaboration acted as a much-needed booster to my wavering confidence, igniting the flames of inspiration to kick off the new year in the most invigorating manner.
Working alongside Adam on this endeavor was an absolute delight. There was an undeniable chemistry between us, a synergy that permeated every moment of our collaboration. Together, we unleashed our artistic prowess and pushed the boundaries of our respective creative capabilities. The result was an extraordinary outcome that surpassed our wildest expectations.
My gratitude towards Adam knows no bounds. To my dear friend and collaborator, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. Thank you, brother, for rekindling the dormant ember of our friendship and for helping me regain my self-assurance. This shared experience was more than just the culmination of artistic vision – it was the reemergence of a connection that should have never been neglected. As I revel in the triumph of our creativity, I eagerly anticipate the future endeavors that await us – boundless opportunities to once again make magic together.
First Collab with Lee | Lee Dahlberg | June 29, 2017
The first time I collaborated with and photographed Lee Dahlberg.
I’m very fortunate to know and call Lee Dahlberg a friend. This was the first time we shot anything together. I showed up with a camera and strobe. The rest is history. You’ll see him again.
