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)
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 5 | Glitterbox | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 26, 2023
Day 5 of Miami Music Week 2023 - Glitterbox - Epic Pool Parties - Sagamore Hotel - Stuart Tracte Photography
What a week! 25,000 images taken, and about 3,500 edited. Five incredible parties, with countless incredibly talented artists, the best damn hospitality team in the business, and memories to last a lifetime. Epic Pool Parties' final event at The Sagamore Hotel was hosted by Glitterbox. From start to finish, old school disco vibes met new school house music, with some legendary performances.
An EPIC finale to an EPIC week!
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 4 | The Epic Pool Party | Sagamore Hotel | March 25, 2023
Day 4 of Miami Music Week by Epic Pool Parties at The Sagamore Hotel. Photos by Stuart Tracte.
Day 4 of Miami Music Week. My birthday always falls during this week of madness. This year I had a lot to celebrate, as I have rediscovered my enthusiasm for life, health, work, and more. Ya know, in all my years photographing Music Week, I’ve never had a birthday bottle parade. Its sounds awfully cheesy. But I admit…. I want one! LOL. Maybe someone will read this and make it happen next year? #HintHint
This party, from Epic Pool Parties, at The Sagamore Hotel, was our own curated event. No labels, just great music & some legendary performances.
Victor Calderone never fails to impress.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 3 | The Soundgarden | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 24, 2023
Day three of Epic Pool Parties’ Miami Music Week 2023 at The Sagamore Hotel, with The Soundgarden. Images by Stuart Tracte.
Day 3 of Miami Music Week at the Sagamore South Beach was truly a gift. Epic Pool Parties and The Soundgarden curated a magical day of music and incredible vibes. I’ve wanted to photograph a Soundgarden party for longer than I can remember. I think I made up for lost time.
Click images to enlarge.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 2 | Defected Records | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 23, 2023
Day two of Miami Music Week 2023, from Epic Pool Parties & Defected Records, at the Sagamore Hotel, with special guest Idris Elba
Day 2 of Miami Music Week at the Sagamore South Beach was a movie! The team at Epic Pool Parties and Defected Records put together an incredible lineup! Every single artist on that stage absolutely killed!
Click images to enlarge.
Idris Elba, holding court.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
Miami Music Week 2023 | Day 1 | DJ Mag | Epic Pool Parties | Sagamore Hotel | March 22, 2023
Miami Music Week Day 1 by Epic Pool Parties & DJ Mag at the Sagamore South Beach. Photos by Stuart Tracte.
The first day of Miami Music Week 2023 for Epic Pool Parties! It was a truly wonderful day to kickoff our yearly celebration of house and techno music. As usual, our first party was hosted by the electronic music industry publishing giant, DJ Mag. It was a beautiful and cool Miami day, and the energy was electric! You couldn’t ask for a nicer day at the Sagamore South Beach. In years past, I have always spent more of my time focused on DJ performances. This year I really tried to be more immersed in the crowd, interacting with guests, and reacting to the vibes of the party. PLUS, those images tend to be more useful for marketing future events, so… lets see how I did!
Click images to enlarge.
All images © 2023, Stuart Tracte Photography. Please send an email to contact@stuarttracte.photography for high-resolution, usage. or for purchase/printed images.
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.
Moderat | Art With Me | November 26, 2022
The legendary supergroup Moderat plays the Art With me festival in Miami. I was there to capture it.
Incredible opportunity to photograph a fantastic performance from the legendary collaborative group, Moderat. Modeselektor + Apparat = Moderat. A VERY RARE appearance here in the US. Enjoy the images!
How the Heck Did I Get Here? | James Monroe Iglehart | Rehearsal | 54 Below | May 18, 2015
The incredible, Tony Award winning James Monroe Iglehart, rehearsing for his first concert at 54 Below in NYC, back in 2015.
The name of the show was How the Heck Did I Get Here, but I could also ask that question of myself. James Monroe Iglehart. Tony Award winning, JM Iglehart. I wasn’t prepared. This was an opportunity that I shouldn’t have said yes to, in hindsight. When all was said and done, I really only felt like three or four images were up to snuff, I was super embarrassed, and I think I just delivered those.
A shame. James and his wife and the whole ensemble were such wonderful and fun people and I just feel like I let them down. So, 8 years later, I dig in, and use the editing skills developed since them to put out this passable (I hope) set.
James! If you happen to see this post, I owe you a shoot, someday, somehow. You can call it in whenever.
Hijinks with Harper | Harper SEEN | May 7, 2015
Lana Haper SEEN is a force of nature.
Harper is a force of nature. This one was a bit of a blur. I just know she’s absolutely fearless & full of life. You can check out her music here.
