A Hat for Winners: From Fairways to Photos

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,

I’ve always loved being a photographer. But somewhere between turning professional and needing to make a living from it, the joy of photography started feeling exhausting.

From my perspective, I find myself constantly chasing deals instead of having clients come to me. It’s ironic how clients often praise my work after I’ve delivered, when all along I’ve been quietly confident in its quality.

Navigating this side of the photography world can be draining. However, I’m slowly figuring out how to streamline my workflow with my team, allowing me to focus more on shooting and less on the hustle.

Interestingly, I’ve realized I don’t always enjoy lugging around my bulky camera just for leisurely shots anymore. My initial love for photography began with disposable cameras and pocket point-and-shoots—capturing moments effortlessly with friends was what made it so enjoyable.

Exploring New Tools: The PhLow App

During a trip to Aspen in February, I stumbled upon some stunning photos edited with the PhLow app. Recognizing its potential, I reached out to them. I’m genuinely enthusiastic about this app—I wish they’d sponsor me considering how often I recommend it!

PhLow combines the power of Photoshop with the nostalgic charm of a built-in film camera, offering creative editing tools that fit right in your pocket. If I had the means, I’d buy them out in a heartbeat. It’s that good.

Capturing Lulu’s Essence

I’ve always wanted to photograph Lulu. She’s an incredible golfer who attended the University of Miami. Recognizing her potential appeal to the golf audience, I knew capturing her essence would be captivating—she’s both beautiful and a pro at her sport.

Approaching someone like Lulu in Miami, especially for a guy like me in his mid-thirties, can be daunting. I’ve been in the photography game long before the social media hype, back when connections were made face-to-face rather than through Instagram.

Months ago, at a golf event, I finally had the chance to introduce myself in person. What struck me most was Lulu’s down-to-earth nature. In Miami, many beautiful women can come off as aloof due to the city’s culture, but Lulu was refreshingly genuine.

Seizing the Moment with PhLow

We connected on social media, although I soon learned she doesn’t check her Instagram messages often. Nevertheless, that initial meeting laid the groundwork.

Recently, during an unplanned visit to the golf range, I decided to bring along my disposable camera, just in case. As luck would have it, I ended up needing it, but didn’t have it. Fortunately, I had the PhLow app on my phone, a tool I’ll explain shortly.

While winding down after my round, I noticed Lulu wearing her signature bucket hat during a lesson. Intrigued, I approached her and we caught up briefly. Later, she introduced me to two top Brazilian tennis players also practicing at the range, creating an impromptu photo opportunity.

Using the PhLow app on my trusty iPhone 14 Pro Max, I was amazed by its ability to turn casual shots into professional-quality images. As phone cameras advance alongside mirrorless technology, apps like PhLow represent the future of creative photography.

Despite my reluctance to upgrade my phone just for the camera, my current setup works well with PhLow, offering versatile cropping options perfect for both Instagram stories and feeds.