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)
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.
Sasha Atlas | Press Kit & Promotional Photos | May 9, 2023
Promotional and press kit images for DJ/producer/vocalist Sasha Atlas.
Working with Sasha Atlas on our recent studio photo shoot was a refreshing experience. Sasha, a DJ, producer, and singer, has a story that's particularly resonant for me. We both left stable corporate careers to chase after our artistic dreams. Her presence on social media, with her Instagram and her website, is a window into her evolving career in music.
Our paths crossed again at the Art With Me festival in December 2023, seven months after our initial collaboration. Catching up and exchanging stories about our progress since then was a real pleasure. It's impressive to see how much Sasha has achieved in such a short period.
The aim of our photo shoot was to create images that would serve as promotional and press material, capturing the essence of her as an artist. Sasha's energy in front of the camera was undeniable, making each image a truthful representation of her artistry and character.
Helping artists like Sasha visually narrate their career journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I'm looking forward to seeing where her talent and determination take her in the music industry. Our future collaborations, I anticipate, will continue to showcase her growth and success.
Sasha's journey is a reminder of the rewards that come with pursuing one's passions. Documenting these pivotal moments in her career is an opportunity I value greatly. Keep an eye out for more from Sasha Atlas – there's much more to come from this talented artist.
30 Minutes with Vanjee | May 8, 2023
A few moments to chill with my friend Vanjee.
You might not think it, but I’m pretty insecure. I know I work my ass off. I know my work is good. I know I treat people with kindness and respect. But can’t say I move through the world with that confidence. That’s why it completely took me by surprise when Vanjee extended his friendship to me completely selflessly.
I knew him and his brother Nadav from shooting Space Ibiza NY. I was closer with Nadav. To be honest, we weren’t more than cordial acquaintances, but two days before I was making the move to Miami, I bumped into Nadav on the streets of Manhattan. We had a brief chat, and he mentioned that his brother was down here in Miami very often, and had a good rep in the city. He’d pass along my number/info and maybe I’d hear from him. That was it. September 2015. I moved to Miami at in October and didn’t think again about that encounter.
That December, I received a call from a number I didn’t have in my phone. “Hi Stuart. Its Vanjee. I’m playing in Miami very soon, and you should come out with me. I’ll take you around and introduce you to everyone.” That’s exactly what happened. I didn’t know anyone down here, and hadn’t gone out anywhere yet. In one night, Vanjee took me to Story for Music On, Treehouse, and then Club Space. At each spot he took the time to not only introduce me to all the right people, but to also talk me and my work up. Because of that night, I was shooting underground music in the best rooms in Miami within 3 months of that night.
Im not sure that’s exactly how it happened but that’s how I choose to remember it, and because of that generosity, I would take a bullet for Vanjee any day. He’s a true friend, and treats me the way I expect friends to treat one another. I hope I do the same for him.
I’ve had Vanjee in the studio before, but this time was for a quick social pop-in before he caught a flight back north. It’s always great to see him. I still don’t think he loves any of the images we’ve made together, but I do. So, once again, sorry dude… but here they are. Love you.
Jesse Kirshbaum | The Coach, The Professor, & The CEO | March 5, 2023
I got to work with my old friend and colleague, Jesse Kirshbaum, in my second life, as a photographer.
Jesse and I have known each other in two of my lives. We first met back in the early Web 2.0 days, before social media screwed this world up beyond repair and I was a strategist at Ogilvy. We were both regulars in the corporate advertising and digital media scene in NYC (Yes. That was a thing. Look it up. It’s interesting AF. In fact, Taylor Lorenz recently wrote a book about all of it)
Jesse is an innovator. The dude has been bringing digital and social marketing to hip-hop since the jump. Look at me; thinking about my life in NYC, talking about NYC and hip-hop, and I’m already code-switching. So, it was a real honor and premium assignment/opportunity to update his headshots and social imagery for his move to Miami. We discussed the looks, came up with a handful of concepts, and did the thing.
Jesse is an inspiring guy to me. I see his hustle, his appreciation for art and technology, and more than anything, his overwhelmingly positive attitude and outlook about everything. Everything. You will never see him sweat… unless he’s on the tennis court.
(click image to enlarge)
Posing with @pineapplepey | Peyton Bell | February 12, 2023
Peyton Bell is top notch. Great energy, enthusiasm for creativity, and fearless. Can’t ask for more. I look forward to shooting more with @pineapplepey
It’s always great to find new collaborators. Oftentimes, creative or spontaneous shoots are like dancing. Not only do you need to find a good partner, there needs to be a good rhythm. I met Peyton at the Motorcar Cavalcade, and we set up a simple shoot. We spend Super Bowl Sunday doing what NY Jet’s fans do…. not watch the game. Peyton has truly great creative energy. We had only a simple plan and creative chemistry, and I’d say we nailed the assignment. These are the results. (click image to enlarge)
The Macallan | Ambassadors Katie & Goose | January 24, 2023
Assignment: Crisp black & white images of Miami based brand ambassadors for The Macallan.
Result: Success.
I am thrilled to share that I recently had the incredible opportunity to photograph Katie and Goose for The Macallan, as they are the esteemed brand ambassadors of this global legacy brand, based here in Miami. The assignment was to create a series of photographs that embodied simplicity, cleanliness, and captured their unique personalities, all while presenting the images in a striking black and white format. It was an absolute pleasure working with Katie and Goose, as they effortlessly exuded charisma and charm. With careful attention to detail and a keen eye for composition, I believe we truly captured their essence and successfully delivered the desired aesthetic. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of our collaboration - we undeniably nailed it.
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.
Why So Serious, Jeffrey? | Jeffrey Hayzlett | August 18, 2015
A brief photoshoot in Financial District, Manhattan, with Jeffrey Hayzlett.
I met Jeffrey Hayzlett at a networking event back in the early days of Twitter & businesses trepidatiously dipping their feet into unknown waters. He was the first Fortune 500 CMO to invest company time and money into social marketing at such a high level. You might recognize him from his myriad television appearances. Over the years, Jeffrey has been a friend and truly magnanimous supporter of my work and career path. From my old fledgling podcast, to my advertising career, to my life as a professional photographer, Jeffrey has always been supportive, to say the least. I can’t believe I’m sharing this, but here is the first on-location podcast interview I ever did, with Jeffrey and my good friend and ex-cohost, Ohdoctah. Here are small handful of images we briefly shot, back in 2015 for his upcoming book release. I look forward to more great images and projects with Jeffrey.
