/ Photograph of the Week

Sindy Ferreira by miami photographer Tom Clark

Sindy Ferreira by Miami Photographer Tom Clark
Sindy Ferreira by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Miami is home to many talented Latin American artists, models, actors, and producers. Local photographers can consider themselves lucky for the opportunities to meet and work with such talent on a regular basis.

Sindy Ferreira came by the studio this week to update her headshots in preparing for upcoming auditions with both Venevision International and Telemundo Studios.

Good vibes, energy, and personality were simple to capture in this shoot, as Sindy is a natural in front of the camera. Telenovela fans be on the look out for Ms. Ferreira’s soon return to your TV screen.

/ Photograph of the Week

Erick Morillo by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Erick Morillo at Arkadia in Fontainebleau Miami

As a local Miami photographer it’s always a pleasure to take part in creating artwork for the Winter Music Conference (WMC, one of South Florida’s largest music festivals), and having the chance to work with world-renowned DJ Erick Morillo makes this an even better experience.

This shoot took place inside Arkadia in the Fontainebleau Miami, providing both a natural and surreal setting for the top DJ in town.

A restful moment sets the stage for the inevitable explosion of energy, which will surely come from the speakers as Erick rocks the house.

/ Photograph of the Week

707 Boeing Interior and Exterior by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

707 boeing by Miami Photographer Tom Clark
707 boeing by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

This week’s photo is a two for one deal. After photographing the interiors and exterior of this 707 Boeing for Principal Air Services, I had a difficult time choosing which image to post.

It was a great experience working with the crew and staff at Commercial Jet in Miami, and these two images, when placed together help to provide an idea of what that experience was all about.

From a photographers stand point, an airplane like this is a sort of combination between a large product, and an interior shoot. It was an exciting challenge to light the massive exterior and to reveal the spacious and luxurious spaces inside.

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Close-up Photography of a Rose by Miami Photographer Tom clark

Red Rose by Miami Photographer Tom Clark
Red Rose by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

For the interested macro and close-up photographer, or photographers looking for an introduction to the genre, I am nearing completion of my latest project, Digital Macro and Close-up Photography For Dummies.

This image of a rose was taken to illustrate one creative use of a ring flash. The book will be full of photo examples accompanied by tips, techniques, and tricks used to produce beautiful images with aesthetics, meaning, and feeling.

If you’re looking to enhance your photographic skills as a macro photographer, then stay tuned for this title. And in the meantime check out Digital Photography Composition For Dummies, which is on shelves now.

/ Photograph of the Week

Whitney Cummings by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Whitney Cummings Money Shot

Spend New Year’s Eve with Whitney Cummings who will be hosting the MTV New Years Eve Bash live from Time’s Square. I’m confident she’ll tear a new one into 2010 just as she’s been known to leave celebrity guests stunned during her appearances on the Commedy Central Roasts.

It was recently a pleasure of mine to meet Whitney here in Miami as the album cover  photographer for her new DVD “Money Shot”.

Money Shot is the title of this comedienne’s one hour stand up special, which describes women as emotional ninjas,  and provides new and interesting takes on age-old topics.

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Raheem Malik by Miami photographer Tom Clark

Raheem Malik in Miami by photographer Tom Clark

In a recent Miami photo shoot with the South Florida up and coming hip hop artist Raheem Malik the looks were coming together with a smooth flow similar to his own lyrical style.

Of course this is expected with Emily Noe styling hand selected pieces from stash wardrobe in Miami.

Be on the lookout for Malik’s debut album, which is soon to drop and for the release of his website raheemmalik.com, scheduled to be live on December 20th.

Raheem’s character makes the job of a photographer seem easy.

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Red rose in Miami

red rose in Miami

While working on my most current project having to do with macro photography, I found myself in the yard photographing the roses that have done so well this year due to the amazing weather we’ve been having in Miami.

As a general rule among respectable photographers I tend not to beat the dead horse, but in this case, the creepy fence and rose combination was too tempting. I found myself getting pulled into the realm of “cliche” and enjoyed every second of it. Guilty as charged…

I hope you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed making it.

/ Photograph of the Week

Digital Photography Composition For Dummies

digital photography composition for dummies
Cover image for Digital Photography Composition For Dummies by Tom Clark

I am proud to present the cover of my newly released book, Digital Photography Composition For Dummies as the new photo of the week.

The skills, techniques and theories behind photographic composition are discussed in thorough detail with full color image examples provided by your very own Miami photographer.

With the help of the Wiley Publishing company’s experienced team I’m confident in saying we produced a valuable resource for photographers of all levels.

Get your hands on a copy of this book and give yourself a fresh perspective on how you see.

/ Photograph of the Week

Interior design by Miami photographer Tom Clark

Interior design by miami photographer Tom Clark
Designed by Janel Kuhl of the Coconut Grove Gallery

After studying under and working with some of the top architectural and interior photographers in Miami, I am excited for any chance to bring my own photogrpahy style to this genre.

This bedroom, designed by Janel Kuhl of Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors, provided a dynamic and interesting work space with fun geometric qualities and colors.

On top of practicing sustainable building and design techniques, Janel educates clients and colleagues on the matter so they may carry on the positive impact.

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Fashion Designer Benjamin Jay by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Benjamin Jay
South Florida's young fashion designer Benjamin Jay

From the young designer Benjamin Jay who told you to F your swagger comes a brand new line of high fashion pieces yet to be revealed.

His debut tee shirt line hit the states big and went international in no time at all. The newest line is expected to have even more success.

Benjamin’s experience working with photographers comes natural as he got started in the industry as a men’s fashion model.

In this shoot for Modern Luxury-Miami Magazine our goal was to capture the style and the man behind the designs. look for the full write-up and more images in the November issue.

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Fitness Model Photography by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Miami fitness model Jacqueline Rose

University of Miami runner and pre med student Jacqueline Rose will be entering the Wilhelmina fitness model contest held in Miami Beach on November 7. She wanted a photographer to capture images that displayed physical fitness, beauty, and gracefulness.

A variety of looks were covered in the shoot, including swim wear, athletic gear, and formal wear. This is one of the many images that stood out as having all of the desired elements.

I am looking forward to finding out how Jacqueline does in the competition.

/ Photograph of the Week

Erick Morillo Voodoo Nights by Miami photographer Tom Clark

Subliminal Sessions Voodoo Nights with Erick Morillo
Voodoo Nights by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

This Summer in Ibiza Subliminal Sessions presented Voodoo Nights mixed by world famous DJ Erick Morillo.

It was my pleasure to work as the photogapher on this campaign, which took place at Aperture Pro Studios in Miami, and involved giant boa constrictors, hand-made wardrobe designs by Maya Claughton, and beautiful makeup artistry by Autumn Suna.

The images created were used to promote shows for the entire Summer season, including posters, billboards, and flyers.

To see more from this shoot visit the editorial gallery.

/ Photograph of the Week

Mauro Guerra Financial Advisor in Miami

Mauro Guerra in Miami by photographer Tom Clark

Mauro Guerra with family members and business partners Jorge, Fabian, and Sebastian outside Versailles in Miami.

Mauro has over thirty years experience as a financial advisor, and plays a mojor role in the Latino community guiding individuals and families to make the most of life with a financial balance between resolving debt and saving for travel and leisure.

The Guerras know that family and community is important and that’s why they are trusted and welcomed throughout Miami.

Mauro Guerra is liked even in the toughest of crowds, such as this one outside of Versailles in the early morning.

/ Photograph of the Week

Unicar Motor Sports by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Unicar motor sports Doral, fl
custom car by Unicar Motor Sports in Doral, Fl

A great subject is one that offers photographers the option to go a step further in depicting it’s likeness. This week Unicar Motor Sports presented me with the opportunity to take my photography to the technical extreme.

Unicar is located just outside of Miami in Doral. They bring professional detail work, window tinting, dent removal, custom audio, and wheel service to south Florida. You can also find official Ferrari Merchandise there.

The grand opening is scheduled for August 21. If you are an F1 fan or are into custom rides Unicar is definitely worth checking out. The shop’s style is high end and is rivaled only by the product it produces.

/ Photograph of the Week

Miami Beach Art Deco

Art Deco scene from Miami's South Beach
Art Deco in Miami's South Beach

Miami offers many great locations for photographers to shoot at. One of the more well known areas is the art deco distrct in South beach along Ocean Drive.

As a professional photographer in Miami it could only be a matter of time before I went down there myself. The area has a much different vibe at five thirty AM than throughout the night.

Parking is never an issue this early in the morning, and the only partiers left are those who are truly dedicated to seeing the sunrise.

The early morning presents opportunities to a photographer such as this one in which time seems to stand still just for you.

/ Photograph of the Week

Mountains of Juneau, Alaska

Juneau AK
arial view of Juneau mountain

On a recent trip to Juneau, Alaska to visit two great photographers (and friends from school) Brandon Hauser and Kenneth Moriarty, I found myself reaching a realization:

Of the hours spent hiking up mountains, I could not find the right scene to represent AK the way I saw it. However, it was during a short helicopter ride that I grabbed this fleeting view with my point and shoot Canon G10.

The mountain’s size is as evident as the depth of the wilderness. The weather is as dramatic in this as my expectations were to capture amazing images in Alaska. Luckily for me, sometimes a snap shot is all it takes.

/ Photograph of the Week

Amy Larue of Momentum Dance Company in Miami

Amy Larue of Momentum Dance Company
Amy Larue in a vintage dress by Miami photographer Tom Clark

One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is helping other artists bring their visions to life. This week I collaborated with Miami wardrobe stylist Emily Noe in creating this image.

We had wanted to shoot at this giant tree for a while but didn’t get inspired until Emily came accross the vintage dress at Miami’s Atomic Wardrobe.

We were lucky to have the beautiful Amy Larue as our model who pulled everything together perfectly. Emily and Amy are both dancers with the Momentum Dance Company, which recently presented the local Miami Dance Festival.

/ Photograph of the Week

Cayo Costa Lagoon Off of Florida’s Gulf Coast

gulf coast lagoon

A big concern in Miami at this point is not whether the oil from the BP spill off the gulf coast will reach our waters, but when.

This photograph was taken on Cayo Costa off the west coast of Florida. It was chosen as the photo of the week to symbolize the ripple that this oil spill will cause in our history.

I am not a political photographer or a journalist. This image is simply a representation of the relationship I have with the natural world and an expression of my sorrow that eco systems from the carribean to Mississippi are being affected in a bad way.

/ Photograph of the Week

El Hotel South Beach, Caliente!

El Hotel South Beach, Caliente!
Wl Hotel South Beach, Caliente!

It was a pleasure to be on the set of El Hotel South Beach, Caliente! to photograph the show’s gallery images. The cast was great to work with. I sensed a fun and exciting energy that is sure to rub off on the show’s viewers.

Set to debut in the fall, this sprightly, comical, and sexy series is expected to heat things up before the snow birds can unpack their speedos.

From left to right:

Paulo Quevedo

Joann Polanco
Patrice Scemama
Javier Rescala
Glauber Barcelo
Jonathan Caballero
Alejandra Pinzon

Visit El Hotel South Beach, Caliente! for more information on the show.

/ Photograph of the Week

Downtown Miami by Local Photographer Tom Clark

Downtown Miami at night

This photogrpah was taken just before the bridge that leads from Brickell into downtown Miami. I rode the bike there from my Coconut Grove studio.

The goal was to capture an image with streaking car lights so I could use it for the photographic composition project I am involved in at the moment. When I composed the shot I noticed the light was reflecting off of the bricks on the ground creating a perfect chance to silhouette my bicycle.

I feel that adding the bike as the subject caused my photograph to take on a whole new message. It looks so peaceful compared to the heavy rush hour traffic in the scene.

/ Photograph of the Week

Portraits with a Holga by Miami Photographer Tom Clark

Holga Portrait
Portraits of Emily Noe shot on a Holga by Miami photographer Tom Clark

As a professional photographer I spend a lot of time following the rules of composition and exposure. It’s nice to give myself a break now and again by loading 120 film in the holga and  letting fate play a role in the outcome of my images.

The holga is cheap, lightweight, and easy to use so there is no real excuse for me not to bring it on bike rides through Miami or on camping trips.

I spend a lot of time being a commercial, fashion, and portrait photographer, but I hardly take any photos for myself that will be appreciated down the line as souvenirs. The holga helps record memories that look just like memories.

/ Photograph of the Week

Yosemite Park’s Tunnel View at Dawn

Yosemite National Park Tunnel View
Shot in the morning at Yosemite NP by Miami photographer Tom Clark

While looking through my archive of raw files I came across this image of Yosemite National Park’s tunnel view. This vantage point reveals El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridevail Falls.

I am aware that this view is one of the most photographed scenes in nature and has already been mastered by Ansel Adams. In face, there were many photographers standing by my side while taking this image. This is probably why it was sitting in my archive as a raw file for so long.

My current project on photo composition provided the perfect excuse for me to put this image to good use and I took advantage.

/ Photograph of the Week

Miami Grrrl

Miami Grrrl
Miami Grrrl

This photograph was taken with the intentions of using color to create balance in a composition.

I am currently working on a project that causes me to concentrate on the different aspects of photo composition. In this case the placement of colors in the frame determines how the image is viewed (or at least that was my original goal.) Most often I am met with surprise between starting to compose a shot and finishing.

I feel that the color in this photograph creates balance but it is not the only compositional element that has a strong presence. I chose colors that would stand out, but the lines in this image compete heavily to control how it is viewed.

/ Photograph of the Week

Broad Rembrandt Lighting Pattern

Emily Noe Portrait by Miami Photographer Tom Clark
black and white portrait by Miami photographer Tom Clark

Creating this photograph took me back to the days of photography school, in which I spent hours in the studio perfecting the various lighting patterns. The one shown here is a broad Rembrandt.

A current project that I am working on (one that cannot be named yet) required that I provide examples of the differnt styles of lighting and different lighting patterns. It was a good time working with Emily and a great refresher course for me.

We went through the Paramount, Loop, Split, and Rembrandt. I also, threw in a few of my own. As the project is closer to being completed I will tell you guys all about it.

/ Photograph of the Week

Miami photographers have a short trip to an expansive wilderness

expansive wilderness not far from Miami
Florida trees

South Florida provides a photographer with an expansive wilderness, and taking the time to explore it can be very satisfying. Just be sure to check the weather reports or you may end up dealing with extreme heat and mosquitoes or heavy rain.

Jonathan Dickenson State park is located just over an hour North of Miami and has primitive campsites that get you pretty far away from it all. It provides a nice setting for setting up camp and taking some nice photographs.

For me the trees are the most interesting aspect of the Florida wilderness and I hoped to capture that appreciation in this photo of the week.