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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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?
Ridiculousness with Raven | Raven Riley | February 3, 2023
Get out there. Be stupid. Have fun.
I hadn’t seen Raven in YEARS. We had a brief shoot that went super well, and the vibes were fantastic. Sometimes you make new friends when you shoot. This was one of those times.
Then the world fell apart for a brief two years. It changed so many of us in so many ways. One goal of mine this year is to be prolific. To get back to getting out of the house and shooting for the love of it, not just the business. I knew this would be a sexy shoot, but when I arrived, we just started laughing and coming up with the silliest of ideas. So… join us, as we go from serious/sexy to silly/stupid. I promise… there will be more whimsical shoots like this in the future! (Be sure to browse through for the GIFs!)
Spontaneity with Sandy | Sandy Kacura | February 1, 2023
Spur of the moment photo shoots oftentimes result in magic.
I’ve been trying to develop new habits this year. One a month. January was all about sleep. Early to bed. Early to rise. I have come to LOVE the few hours at my desk before the sun rises. Everyone is asleep and I’m hustling. So, when Lee Dahlberg invited me to his home to watch the premiere of Gunther’s Millions at 7PM, I had to think of how to make that work. I’d typically be showering and getting ready for bed at that time. “Why don’t I come over now, we can shoot in your backyard, and then I’ll be there when the festivities start.” “Sure, but I will be preparing for tonight. How about you come by and shoot with Sandy?” “Sure! Be right there.”
We had such a fun time, with no preparation, fueled by he excitement of spontaneity. I truly hope this is the first of many times I get to collaborate with Sandy.
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.
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.
Motorcar Cavalcade | January 15, 2023
I had no idea that $1,000,000,000 of automotive artistry would show up across the street from my home.
Here are the wonderful images from the Motorcar Cavalcade. I wrote about this new and unique experience for me in a previous email newsletter, which you can check out here.
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.
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
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!
Heaven with Haven | Haven Star Ross | July 22, 2022
An impromptu shoot with a superstar, Haven Star.
Thank Haven! This was a somewhat impromptu early morning shoot at a lovely home in Miami Beach. Sometimes, its great to keep it simple and quick when you’re collaborating with someone for the first time. We got some great images, but also laid the foundation for future collaborations. Keep an eye on Haven. She’s a rising star! You can check out her music here.
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.
