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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
Testing an idea with Holly | Holly Ridings | February 8, 2023
Creative experimentation with Holly Ridings. B&W studio photography experiments.
I had a concept I wanted to test out, and Holly was there to help out. We knew we were on to something. I’m going to play with this idea for a while. Different light. Different colors. I’m excited to explore something so simple, yet unlimited in its potential. It all started here. With Holly. What do you think?
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.
Driss | January 19, 2023
A quick portrait session with my friend Driss.
I met Driss at Treehouse many years ago, when the concept of shooting SXM Festival first came up in our conversation. Unfortunately, that opportunity never materialized as I found myself in a dark period the following year. And just when things were starting to look up, COVID happened, putting a halt to all plans and dreams. Throughout those challenging years, I would occasionally run into Driss, and he always remained a good dude, someone I enjoyed interacting with. As 2023 rolled around, a year of renewal and positive energy, I couldn't help but think of Driss. So, I extended an invitation for him to visit the studio for a quick portrait session. The shoot itself lasted no more than 45 minutes, nothing groundbreaking, but it was a pleasant time spent with Driss without the overpowering thump of house and techno music forcing us to yell in each other's ears. It was a simple yet meaningful moment of connection in a year that had been filled with so much hope.
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.
Testing with @bbytwee | Theresa Grant | 1 of 2 | February 17, 2017
Once upon a time, I had the opportunity to photograph @bbytwee
Theresa was incredible, as you can clearly see below. This was shot as part of a test for Ford. The incredibly talented and severely underutilized Michell Lelia did the makeup/hair. You’ve gotta check out Theresa’s stuff. She’s out there kicking ass, it seems. There are so many dope shots here that I had to split this session in to two posts. Stay tuned for part II.
Lavishness with Liv | Liv Jaeger | July 12, 2016
I got to style and photograph the absolutely incredible Liv Jaeger. Here’s what happened:
I didn’t know Liv, but my good friend Andrew Gifford had the idea and made the introduction so we could collaborate. I did all the styling on this one, with a combination of clothing from Adidas, Calvin Klein, and Marciano. Michelle Lelia did the makeup. Sometimes, when editing images, its so difficult to decide which color palate to go with. I couldn’t pick which blue I liked better. You’ll see here that I couldn’t choose on many of these wonderful images of Liv. Posting this reminds me that I need to reach out to Andrew. He’s always been a fan and supporter of my work. Since I moved here to Miami, I just don’t talk with him as much as I should. (Those are really Liv’s eyes. These images are absolutely retouched, but the eyes are all her.)
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.
Candice | Candice Kilpatrick | February 8, 2015
A quick photoshoot with Candice Kilpatrick from February, 2025.
We didn’t shoot much, but these few images, edited three ways each, are pretty damn cool,
