Making Art with Bari Friedlander | April 17, 2023
I got to shoot with a fellow artist, and I learned a lot. I want to do it all over again.
I want to do this one all over again. Not just for another experience shooting with Bari, but because I learned a lot that day and through the editing process. I’d been enamored with Bari since we first met online (I honestly don’t remember how… I think it was an app or something? Raya?) Who the hell knows how you meet anyone these days?! We’d had a long FaceTime call and I just remember thinking that this was someone I wanted to know better. She is so kind and positive minded. She is extremely giving of encouragement & support… and we hadn’t even met yet!
Over the course of, I don’t know how long, we kept in touch, talked about whatever, and I began to see what an incredible artist Bari was. Seriously… you should check out her work. She has a vibe, and it’s really good. I have no idea what good art is (I barely call what I do art. It sounds so fucking pretentious.) but when I look at Bari’s work, I can tell it’s made with talent, passion, attention to detail, and love.
Back to the shoot…. I think I was just a little too gaga that day and not really focusing on getting it right. Sometimes, when doing creative work, you’re too in the moment, and forget to make sure all the t’s have been crossed and i’s dotted. I look at a lot of the images we shot, and just know I could do better and that Bari deserves better. Also, when two confident creative forces come together, it can take time to settle in to a rhythm, and I think we were just a little short of that perfect synergistic moment. I guess that just means we’ve gotta do it again!
Regardless, there’s some truly incredible stuff in here, and I’m happy to be sharing it with you all.
(click images 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)
BMF | Caitlin Holt | March 1, 2023
It can truly be a shame when social media algorithms treat art as disposable. How did this one come and go so quickly?
Some people just ooze attitude and style. When I saw Caitlin at the Motorcar Cavalcade, I knew immediately she was the BMF of all the models working that day. I’m so glad I had an opportunity to talk with her, and even more so to work with her this March. Social media inadvertently makes these shoots seem so insignificant. One or two posts, and poof…. on to the next one. No real time to appreciate the incredible work we sometimes create. Not only that, photography is severely undervalued due to these stupid algorithms. Where does a photographer put an incredible shoot? Who gets to see it? If a tree falls in the woods….
So, as I sit here on Dec 26, 2023 and publish every finished photo created in 2023, I am taken aback by how incredible these images with Caitlin are. The final look, in the white ballerina tutu…. leaves me breathless. And, to be honest, I kind of forgot we did them. I’m soo glad I decided to make sure all the 2023 work is out there to be appreciated.
Cait, you’re a Baaaaaaaad MotherF**ker. If you’re reading this, text me. We must create more art together in 2024. And this time, let’s not let these stupid algorithms glance at them and then just move along.
(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.
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)
I Can Shoot Commercial Imagery Too! | Brenda Lowe, Sebastian Frings, & Jake | February 11, 2023
Thanks to Sebastian & Brenda, I got a chance to shoot some more commercial style imagery.
Action with Ariana | Ariana Buscaglia | January 25, 2023
Getting gritty with Ariana
Ariana & I have been talking about shooting for a LONG time. Years. Its oftentimes difficult to sync schedules, let alone in this laid back city we call Miami. We bumped into one another at Art Basel back in December, had our first in-person conversation about the shoot, and that was the push we needed to make something happen. We were overwhelmed with ideas as well as the excitement of finally being able to create together. Here’s a bit of the magic we created that day.
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.
Ashley | January 5, 2023
A $exy shoot to start off the year, with Ashley.
A great, quick, and awesome shoot to kick off the year. Thanks, Ashley!
Ashley’s Linktree
5 Looks with Cameron | 5 of 5 | Cameron Newbill | October 19, 2016
Cameron Newbill, Lauren Searle, & I made these images.
This was the last of 5 looks we photographed that day.
The final look was a simple cashmere hooded sweatshirt. We were quickly approaching sunset, and the wind was acting wild. Therefore, we only got a couple shots with this look, and I further proved to myself that using flash outdoors at this hour just doesn’t work for my style. The final image is proof of this, and is only here for narrative purposes. Cameron was and is a superstar. Her work is fantastic and deserves a look. The same can be said about Lauren Searle, who did hair and make-up for this shoot. We shot FIVE looks that day. This is the fifth.
5 Looks with Cameron | 4 of 5 | Cameron Newbill | October 19, 2016
Cameron Newbill, Lauren Searle, & I made these images.
This was the fourth of 5 looks we photographed that day.
Two more looks and we’re running out of daylight. The red bus seemed like a great backdrop for the green camo jacket. We were headed to the beach for the final look, and grabbed a couple more shots with this one before the wardrobe change. Cameron was and is a superstar. Her work is fantastic and deserves a look. The same can be said about Lauren Searle, who did hair and make-up for this shoot. We shot FIVE looks that day. This is the fourth.
5 Looks with Cameron | 3 of 5 | Cameron Newbill | October 19, 2016
Cameron Newbill, Lauren Searle, & I made these images.
This was the third of 5 looks we photographed that day.
Little Havana & leather pants. Seemed like a good idea. We were driving around and this spot screamed out to us. Cameron was and is a superstar. Her work is fantastic and deserves a look. The same can be said about Lauren Searle, who did hair and make-up for this shoot. We shot FIVE looks that day. This is the third.
5 Looks with Cameron | 2 of 5 | Cameron Newbill | October 19, 2016
Cameron Newbill, Lauren Searle, & I made these images.
This was the second of 5 looks we photographed that day.
I forget where the idea for the Sprite came from, but it was the perfect touch for this look. Cameron was and is a superstar. Her work is fantastic and deserves a look. The same can be said about Lauren Searle, who did hair and make-up for this shoot. We shot FIVE looks that day. This is the second.
5 Looks with Cameron | 1 of 5 | Cameron Newbill | October 19, 2016
Cameron Newbill, Lauren Searle, & I made these images. Karl Lagerfeld is on the sweatshirt. None of us made that sweatshirt.
This was the first of 5 looks we photographed that day.
Sometimes, I’m a stylist. I wish that Karl sweatshirt came in my size. I asked when I picked it. It was made of Neoprene too. So dope. Cameron was and is a superstar. Her work is fantastic and deserves a look. The same can be said about Lauren Searle, who did hair and make-up for this shoot. We shot FIVE looks that day. This is the first.
Making Memories with Marie for Montce | Marie Vigr | July 14, 2016
A truly magnificent shoot with Marie Vigr.
Sometimes friendships are made on photoshoots. This was one of those times. Marie and I had a wonderful day creating, talking, and setting the stage for a long friendship. She’s since moved back to France, but we keep in touch and I’m quite happy about that. Here are the incredible fruits of our labor. It was and still is some of my best work.
The swimwear was graciously donated by Montce. Michelle Lelia did the hair and makeup.
