Category: General Category (Page 1 of 2)

I recently shared a photograph I made for Corielle on the Jewelry subreddit, and it went viral. It always excites me when a photo resonates. This time, the platform itself made the experience even more rewarding. Reddit hosts communities with very specific rules, cultures, and posting styles. At first, that turned me off. I like the freedom to post what I want, how I want. But I quickly saw how these guidelines keep the communities genuine and spam-free. I respect that.

The photo remains a favorite of mine from the House of Hearts campaign I photographed for Corielle earlier this year. It shows Montana portraying Lauren (you can learn more about Lauren and the history of Corielle). She soaks up the Palm Beach sun by the pool, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a book in the other. Corielle’s rings and jewelry complete the scene. The image celebrates elegance, leisure, and the small, beautiful details of life.

Sharing this photo on Reddit reminded me why I love these communities. Unlike Instagram, where content is often driven by algorithms and entertainment reels, Reddit allows people to connect over genuine interests, photography, jewelry, lifestyle. You share work and people actually care. They critique, they admire, they inspire. For photographers looking for a space where your work is seen and appreciated for what it truly is, Reddit might just be the place to go back to.

This post is my little love letter to photography, to sharing moments that matter, and to the communities that make us better creators. And yes, it’s also a reminder that sometimes, the best responses come when you let people experience your work in its purest form.

Stay tune,

Introduction: More Than a Portrait

When I first met Gerri Koppelman, it wasn’t through a camera. I work as a caddie at one of Miami’s top golf clubs, and that’s where our paths crossed. Caddying isn’t my long-term goal, but it’s help me pay for photography, survive in an expensive city, and stay close to golf, my second love.

What I love most about Gerri is that she’s a real character. She has a lively soul, unmatched energy, and she’s unfiltered in a way that’s refreshingly honest. You always know how she’s feeling because she tells you, right then and there.

That kind of honesty feels rare in the world I move through, on the golf course and in the social environments I grew up in. That’s why being around Gerri feels so good. Even with everything she’s seen and all that she has, she’s grounded, kind, and genuinely herself.

The Plan: Photographing Gerri for Her 72nd Birthday

We got closer over the summer of 2023. She often played golf with a group of women I caddied for, and we built a connection. Around late November, marking one year since her husband Charles passed away, I noticed a quiet change in her. I could feel how much she missed him.

Months later, I kept thinking about photographing her. I’ve seen what my photography can do for women; it brings joy, confidence, and sometimes healing. That’s why I started my “Because You’re Beautiful” sessions, to show women how I see them through my lens.

Gerri had always been so kind to me, and I wanted to give that kindness back through the one thing I know how to do best.

No Crew, Just Connection

We planned the shoot around her birthday in May (It’s Gerri’s birthday again today! Happy Birthday Gerri!), but it wasn’t until the summer of 2024 that we made it happen. When I arrived at her place, I packed the gear I’ve come to trust: two strobes, a reflector, a Nikon with my 50mm, 85mm, and 105mm lenses, a five-foot octabox, a beauty dish with a honeycomb grid, c-stands, and a seamless backdrop. Thank God for push carts.

We set everything up in her living room. No GoPro, no behind-the-scenes videos this time (I think she or I might have gotten a clip for IG or something I remember a video when we shared there). I usually bring an assistant, but this session needed to stay personal and grounded. Sometimes the best energy comes when it’s just the subject and I.

Styling and Confidence: Gerri in Her Element

Gerri doesn’t need a stylist. She could style your favorite stylist. I already knew her nails would be flawless. She comes from a background in the beauty industry doing nails, and it shows. She had a few looks laid out, and together we made choices that matched the energy we wanted to create.

During the shoot, she showed me old photographs of her with legends like Frank Sinatra, Kanye West before he became Ye, Whoopi Goldberg, and I think JLo was in the mix too. It was amazing to see that part of her history. If you look up Charles Koppelman and what he accomplished, it makes sense why their lives were so full of those connections.

I’ve never been big on celebrity culture. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the Atlantis hotel, where it wasn’t unusual to see famous people at the same pool or walking through the lobby. I guess I became desensitized to the idea of fame. For me, what matters most is character. Gerri’s character is what truly stands out!

Moments That Matter: Food, Stories, and the Cigar

Midway through the shoot, Gerri prepared food and drinks, and we sat for a bit. She told me stories about Charles, their travels, and his love for desserts. It was one of those quiet, beautiful moments where the photos almost became secondary to the experience itself. Seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, and feeling the love she still holds for him reminded me why I do this work.

We used a cigar in one of the scenes as a tribute to Charles, who always had one with him. With a little editing, we made it glow like it was lit. It was subtle but meaningful, a piece of memory captured in the frame.

Closing: Your Beauty, Your Moment

This session reminded me why I do this work. Photography isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth, presence, and feeling seen.

If you’re reading this and thinking, maybe you’d like to feel that too, send me a DM on Instagram or leave a comment below. I’ll follow up with a DM / direct email. I don’t use a price sheet because every session is custom. We’ll talk about what feels right for you and build something meaningful together.

Because you’re beautiful.

Stay tune,

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,