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.
F1 Miami | Sunset Sessions | The Deck @ Island Gardens | May 7, 2023
Day two at The Deck at Island Gardens for Sunset Sessions, headlined by the legend himself. Kenny Dope
Night two at The Deck at Island Gardens celebrating F1 Miami, great music, great people, and great booze!
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.
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(all rights reserved: Stuart Tracte Photography 2023)
The Transformational Encounter | Lana Shay | May 3, 2023
Meeting Lana changed my life. Then we had an hour to kill, and this happened…
Meeting Lana Shay was nothing short of a life-changing experience. It's one of those moments that you look back on and realize that the universe had something special in store for you. I can't help but be grateful for the day our paths crossed, for it introduced me to a world of acceptance and inspiration that I had been yearning for, for far too long.
First and foremost, let me start by saying that Lana is not just beautiful; she's absolutely stunning. Her beauty radiates from the inside out, and it's impossible not to be captivated by her presence. But Lana is so much more than just a pretty face.
Lana is brilliant. She possesses a mind that constantly astounds me with its creativity and depth. Talking to her is like unlocking a treasure trove of wisdom and innovative ideas. Her intelligence shines through in everything she does, whether it's discussing her work, sharing her experiences, or simply engaging in a casual conversation.
But Lana is not just an ordinary person; she's an inspiration on so many levels. Her journey through life has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges. What struck me the most is how she has faced adversity with grace and resilience, turning her hardships into opportunities for growth. It's no wonder that she decided to share her incredible story with the world in the form of a book. I highly recommend that you buy it, read it, and then tell both of us what you thought of it.
Lanas book about her life is a must-read. It's a captivating tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Her words have the power to touch hearts and inspire change in anyone who reads them. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on life's journey.
I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, Lana. Thank you for being a beacon of light in my life and for showing me the path to self-acceptance and inspiration. Our collaboration on the photoshoot was a dream come true, and I hope with all my heart that we'll have the opportunity to work together again in the future.
Meeting Lana has been a turning point in my life, and I'm excited to see where this newfound journey of acceptance and inspiration will lead me. Here's to the incredible Lana Shay and the profound impact she has had on my life. Until we meet again, my friend… hopefully sooner than later.
Unbound Ritual - BOUNDLESS - Persephone Empowered | April 29, 2023
A transformative and educational, spiritual experience for all involved… especially for me.
Photographing the Unbound Ritual event was an experience that reshaped not only my perspective on art and spirituality but also on my personal journey towards self-acceptance and community.
This event wasn't just another assignment. It was a Shibari and sound healing themed party, focusing on the dynamics between men and women, emphasizing conscious communication and consent. As someone who considers themselves open-minded and sexually liberal, this event presented an intriguing new angle to explore.
My social life and self-esteem had taken a hit post-divorce and during the COVID lockdowns. However, 2023 marked a year of transformation for me. I focused on my physical health, changed my eating habits, and quit smoking. I was on a path to rediscovery, and this event, suggested to me by Lana Shay, whom I’d met online, was a pivotal point.
Initially, I thought I was stepping into a typical sex party to capture. But it was not that. It was so different and so much more. The event was about trust, release of power, and exploring deeper emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives and ourselves.. My role was to set up a small studio for themed portraits and cover the event, discussions, and demonstrations. I was told “do what you do.” This creative freedom was both exciting and challenging.
The experience was transformative. Unlike other events I've attended, there was a deep sense of community here. The kindness and interest people showed in me, my story, and my talent was overwhelming. It wasn't just about capturing moments; it was about being part of them.
Midway through the event, I had a profound conversation with one of the organizers, Shane. We discussed the intertwining of spirituality, connection, and sexuality. Shane explained that it’s all about intention - by sharing what's most intimate to us, we commit to an experience that’s communal, personal, and spiritual.
This philosophy resonated with me deeply. I didn’t just photograph; I observed, absorbed, and reflected on the power of such openness. I returned the next day to help clean up, not because I had to, but to reconnect with this unique community.
This experience has been a stepping stone towards self-acceptance and trusting others. As I write this in December, I find myself revisiting those feelings of acceptance and connection. This journey has just begun, but it’s already making a significant impact on my life.
In essence, the Unbound Ritual event was more than a photo shoot; it was a gateway to a world I hadn’t explored, where acceptance and community thrive. It’s a journey I’m excited to continue, and one that’s already changing me for the better.
I also got to reconnect with my old friend Justin, which has had an increasingly positive impact on my physical and mental well-being. We’ll talk about that in another post.
From the deepest reaches of my heart, thank you to the whole team, specifically Samy, Stell, & Shane, for having me and welcoming me into your community. I hope this was only the first of our experiences working and growing together.
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Pawsitive Beings + The Art Plug @ The Vagabond Hotel | April 27, 2023
Shooting to promote a charity event for animal rescue is a no-brainer. Yes!
When Marcel, The Art Plug, approached me and asked if I would like to help promote a charity for rescue animal adoption, my answer was an immediate yes. As someone who absolutely adores dogs, sometimes even more than humans, I saw this as an incredible opportunity. Not only would I get to collaborate with Marcel, a truly talented individual, but also have the chance to work with some of the most wonderful animals. And what made it even more special was knowing that this cause was dedicated to finding loving homes for these deserving creatures. Combining my passion for dogs with making a positive impact was truly a dream come true. Please support this wonderful cause by visiting Pawsitive Beings!
"...en la mañana" con Stephanie Del Toro | April 26, 2023
A simple plan and a perfect morning. Who could ask for more? Shot by Stuart Tracte. The model is Stephanie Del Toro. Published in GMARO Magazine, September 2023.
Stephanie was a pleasure to plan and work with. We shared some wonderful Colombian coffee in Surfside, afterwards. It all happened so fast, and yet…
Stephanie was absolutely thrilled with how the shoot turned out. The lighting, composition, and overall aesthetic were all on point, making it the perfect candidate for submission to GMARO. Filled with confidence, we decided to take a chance and share our work with the renowned magazine. To our delight, GMARO not only accepted the submission but also featured it in their September 2023 edition. It's incredibly gratifying for us to see our work in print, and we couldn't be happier. Now, that magazine will proudly sit on my coffee table, a tangible reminder of our hard work and success for years to come.
Those are words. These are images. (click to enlarge)
Con Dai Salaberry | @dai.salaberry | April 20, 2023
A Miami Beach afternoon with Dai.
Dai is a force of nature. They say good things come in small packages, and that couldn't be more true for her. I first met Dai during Miami Music Week at The Sagamore, and I was immediately drawn to her vibrant energy. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and we found ourselves on Miami Beach for an afternoon shoot. Dai's presence was captivating, and her eyes were truly mesmerizing. Her infectious enthusiasm made every shot a delight to capture. Shooting with Dai was an absolute pleasure, and I can confidently say that she brings a unique and powerful energy to every moment. I hope we can work together again someday.
Dai es una fuerza de la naturaleza. Dicen que las cosas buenas vienen en paquetes pequeños y eso no podría ser más cierto para ella. Conocí a Dai por primera vez durante la Semana de la Música de Miami en The Sagamore e inmediatamente me atrajo su energía vibrante. Un par de semanas después, nos encontramos en Miami Beach para una sesión fotográfica por la tarde. La presencia de Dai era cautivadora y sus ojos realmente fascinantes. Su contagioso entusiasmo hizo que capturar cada toma fuera un placer. Filmar con Dai fue un placer absoluto y puedo decir con confianza que ella aporta una energía única y poderosa a cada momento. Espero que algún día podamos volver a trabajar juntos.
Sunrise with Katia | April 19, 2023
A long overdue sunrise shoot that moved from the beach to the pool, with Katia
I’ve been writing these things since 5am. (Dec 26, 2023) It’s now 130pm. I’m having a lot of difficulty putting into words how amazing this experience with Ekaterina was. I can’t tell if it’s because I’m exhausted and a little burned out from all the writing today, or because this shoot was so long in the making and so exceeded expectations on all levels. We’d been trying to do something for so long I can’t even remember how long it was from first contact to shooting. Every time Ekaterina would pop in my feed, I’d shoot a message. Maybe 2-3 times a year for a few years. It was worth the wait. These images are fantastic, and it was one of my favorite experiences of the year, for sure. I drove up to Delray Beach at 5am to catch a sunrise shoot, popped a black mist filter on my lens, and we went to work. I wouldn’t call it work, though. It was such a lovely day talking with and creating with Ekaterina. We finished up at the pool at her home, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the fruits of our labor. Calling it labor isn’t fair. It was fun and pleasurable from the moment we started. This is another one of those shoots that I truly hope we get to do it again, sooner than later. Hopefully it doesn’t take years, like it did the first time.
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Ann Atman | @ann_atman | February 26, 2021
A beautiful morning with Ann Atman. Photographed & edited by Stuart Tracte
A beautiful morning with Ann.
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.
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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!
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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.
Murals with Marcel | The Art Plug | E11even Vodka | March 10, 2023
A day documenting the creation of a mural for Miami & E11even Vodka, with Marcel Katz & team.
Marcel Katz, a.k.a The Art Plug, asked me to document the final touches of a mural outside E11EVEN Miami for E11EVEN Vodka. The team included Marcel, Jeronimo, & Jonathan. It was a beautiful day, and a perfect day for shooting these three talented artists at work.
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.
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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.
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