Author: Dwayne D.C.Tucker II (Page 1 of 3)

As a photographer, I’ve always believed in capturing what I love. The things that inspire me, challenge me, and make me feel something, those are the moments I want to freeze in time. But my journey to discovering yoga wasn’t just about a new practice for my body; it was also about finding a way to connect my photography with something deeper, something that could help me heal and feel better day by day.

I’ll never forget the moment that changed everything. I was walking the fairways at Riviera Country Club (Coral Gables), caddying for clients in 2019, when I stepped in a hole and felt a sharp pain shoot through my knee. It wasn’t the first time my body had reminded me of the toll years of skateboarding, basketball, and other high-impact activities had taken on me, but it was the wake-up call I needed. I had spent years taking my body for granted, never focusing on stretching or caring for the muscles and joints that carried me through life. I was young, strong, and I relied on that, until I wasn’t.

In the aftermath of my injury, I found myself in physical therapy, working hard to regain mobility and strength. During these sessions, I began stretching regularly, and CJ introduced me to yoga taking me to my first yoga class. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had always associated yoga with flexibility, something I wasn’t sure my body was ready for after the injury. But CJ invited me to my first heated yoga class, and I was intrigued. Little did I know that yoga would become a turning point, not just for my body, but for my photography as well.

As I became more invested in yoga, I began noticing how it made me feel; not just physically, but mentally too. It helped me move with more awareness, it eased my pain, and it brought a sense of calm to my often hectic days. The more I practiced, the more I felt compelled to capture the beauty of it. Photography has always been my way of telling stories, and yoga presented an entirely new story to share. I wanted to document the peace, strength, and vulnerability I witnessed in the practice of yoga, capturing those fleeting moments that speak volumes.

So, I set out to photograph yoga in Miami, hoping to bring my newfound passion for the practice into my work. I was eager to share the authenticity of the practice, the dedication, and the beauty of each posture. Photography became a way for me to not only experience yoga in a new light but also to bring that energy to others through my lens. I began photographing yogis, capturing moments of stillness, focus, and strength. The camera allowed me to connect with my subjects in a unique way, and I soon realized that yoga wasn’t just a physical practice, it was a mental and spiritual one that deserved to be captured in its truest form.

However, my journey into the yoga community wasn’t without its challenges. When I first set out to photograph yoga in Miami, I assumed it would be easy to find the right teachers and students who were open to collaboration. But the reality was more complicated. While I encountered some incredible yogis, I also met a few who didn’t quite understand the value of what I was doing. Many were focused on the latest yoga trends, their outfits, and their Instagram photos rather than appreciating the artistry of a photographer’s work. It was a stark contrast to my experiences photographing yoga in places like Colorado, where the practice seemed to be more focused on inner growth than outward appearance.

Despite these challenges, I remained committed to capturing the essence of yoga, the raw, unfiltered beauty of it. Photography, for me, is more than just documenting what’s in front of the camera. It’s about telling a story, about connecting with the people and the practice I’m photographing. Yoga became a powerful tool for me to connect with my own body, and in turn, it gave me the lens through which to connect with others.

Through my experience with yoga, I’ve learned that the best work comes from a place of passion. Whether you’re photographing a yoga class, a fashion shoot, or a product for a brand, creating something authentic is what resonates most. For me, yoga has not only helped me physically but also deepened my appreciation for photography as a form of storytelling. It’s about capturing moments that speak to the heart, moments that inspire, and moments that showcase the essence of what we love.

I’m constantly reminded of the importance of shooting what you love, no matter what that passion may be. Whether it’s yoga, travel, or lifestyle, the key to creating meaningful work is to be authentic and true to your vision. Photography is my way of sharing what I’m passionate about with the world. And through yoga, I’ve discovered that there’s always room for growth, for connection, and for capturing the beauty of life in its purest form.

As I continue my journey as a photographer, I’m excited to keep exploring the world of yoga and to share that journey with others. Whether you’re a brand looking for unique content, a yoga studio wanting to showcase your community, or a fellow photographer seeking inspiration, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s create something beautiful together. A story told through the lens that captures the heart of what we do.

Stay tuned,

It was a Tuesday morning, the kind where the sun was just starting to rise, casting a soft golden glow over the fairways of Granda Golf Course. The air was still crisp, and the ground was dotted with morning dew, the kind that makes the grass shimmer in the early light. But as we made our way to the first tee, the sunlight was a bit more intense than usual. It beamed straight into my eyes, making the first two holes feel almost like a hazy dream. I could barely make out the flag, squinting into the brightness as I lined up my shots. It was one of those moments where everything feels a little off, but you keep playing because, well, that’s golf.

I glanced over at Tony Rodriguez, standing a few feet away, his eyes fixed on the green ahead, completely unfazed by the blinding light and the dew still clinging to the blades of grass. Tony isn’t just any model—he’s worked with brands like Nike, Dior, Puma, and El Palacio de Hierro. The kind of brands that make you pause when you see their name in lights. But for me, he’s not just the model; he’s a friend. A neighbor turned golfing buddy.

The hat. A Hat for Winners. A symbol of something bigger. As I write this, I’ve named the hat “Island Gold.” I had just received my new TuckerTookThat hats, representing my photography brand and my passion. I had wanted to shoot it for a while now, and who better than Tony, the guy who has always given 110% on and off the course?

Now, Tony might not have known it, but today he was wearing the hat of a winner. And, ironically enough, he might not have even realized how fitting that was because, for the first time in our golf history, he beat me. The tables had turned, and I was still a little bitter about the mistakes I’d made during the game. But that’s golf, right? Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and on this day, Tony was the one to walk away with the win.

I didn’t mind. After all, I win in my own way—through my photography. And Tony, well, he’s always been a winner. There’s no one else who works harder, who puts in the hours, who is so dedicated to being the best. And that’s why I knew this portrait session would be a good one.

After our game, Tony had a few hours to spare before his flight to New York for another shoot. I could tell he was in a rush, but I convinced him to swing by my home studio for a quick portrait session. “I’ve got some new gear to test,” I said. “A new lens, a new V-flat, and I want to make some photographs of you in my new hat and finally photograph you.”

This wasn’t just another shoot. This was my brand. My vision, my work, captured in a single frame. Captured with very little time and a look that I’ve done many times before, but looking to fine-tune it. We’d often talked about collaborating, whether for a commercial or a brand assignment, but today was different. This time, the brand was my own. And it felt right.

I couldn’t wait to share these portraits with the world. These are the world’s best shots—unplanned, we didn’t have a stylist, Tony was fresh off the golf course, and in the world of production, we were free-styling with all of this. But I’m glad we decided to create the shots because that moment will never be the same again. That’s the beauty in photography for me. The hat was more than just an accessory. It was a reminder that we’re all winners in our own way: through the hard work, dedication, and passion we bring to our craft. This ain’t Nike, but them checks come when you just do it…

Stay tuned,