MasMiami5 was an event presented by the full cast of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz at the intersection of music, art, and sports to get a taste of Miami’s diverse culture. During this 5th year’s MAS, there was a buy-in domino tournament, Zoo Miami’s own Ron Magill, as he unretired his “Sex and the Animals” presentation, a live art installation featuring some of Miami’s most talented artists, and a live art auction, with proceeds from the auction going to the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

There were even performances but some great bands such as Les Greene And The Swayzees, whose fun Motown influence turned rock and roll into rock and soul, and the LeBatard Show’s very own Mike Ryan, whose DJ sets always swing between fun, funny and funky. The best part for me closing out the night was the one and only G Love and needless to say I have been a big fan of the man behind hip-hop blues fusion ever since I heard “Slipped Away” in 1997. Supported by South Florida’s very own Juke, G. Love did not disappoint. 

Now while I have been caught up with a few projects in these last few months, I didn’t want any more time to slip away (see what I did there?). Before I share with you this particular night and better yet, G Love. You know how I do. I share with you my final selection of images in an album on my Facebook page. Then, I will bring you my favorites here. I’m hoping that if you haven’t taken a listen to G. Love, this post inspires you to give him a try and let me also suggest that you attend the next MAS MIAMI so you can know what a great night of music, arts, and sports is all about.

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The goal that I set out for myself was to take the Beast out on a quick little walkabout with only a 50mm 1.4  prime.  That in itself is not the challenge as while I don’t really do it as often as I would like, I love shooting with my shorty. Using a prime lens encourages you to envisage the composition by the constraints of your focal length. You get set in place to take the shot even before holding the camera to your eye, whereas zoom lenses can make a person lean a bit towards the lazy side. 

The more you get used to using just one focal length, the quicker you’ll be able to visualize your final shot by looking at the scene (with your eyes, sans camera!). In my opinion, zoom lenses with their varying focal lengths options don’t encourage you to develop this skill as much. It can actually make a photographer lazy with their compositions and lazy is one thing I am not. 

While I do always visualize my final shot even with a zoom lens on Beast, there is something to be said about my feet being what brings me closer to my shot. It actually allows me to connect that much more to a subject allowing me to more accurately emote what I am seeing in my eyes. Let’s not even get started on the depth of fields these lenses with their wider apertures allow for.

While shooting with a wide aperture won’t make you a better photographer, it does allow a higher degree of creative control over your image. Being able to fine-tune what is and isn’t in focus in your picture using a wider aperture is just one other great way to take your photography to the next level. Now on this day, my real challenge was to not only visualize my final shot, it was to produce that final image with no cropping or rotation at all. I wanted simply produce my images exactly as shot with the only editing being by way of color, tone, etc.. 

That is exactly what I did. I met with my obligations as early as I could in the morning and carved out a bit of time at the Intermodal Center at Miami International Airport. I haven’t shot just for me in some months and I decided that while I was presently wrapping up a set for a client, I would take a little time to work on my craft. Yes, there is another bit of learning taking place for me behind the scenes in my photography, I needed to take the time and allow my eyes to create their vision.

That being said, I am bringing to you my top 5 images from this little project of mine. I did upload a few more to my Facebook page and as always, you are welcomed to click the link and have a peak. Let me know what you think. Are you able to see any difference between what I typically share and what turned out from my little project? 

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To those of you who know me on a personal level, you know how I am very much a fan of Rhye. If you don’t know me, then that was a little FY and I for you. From the moment I heard their song “Open”, I was hooked. So when I found out they were coming down once again for Art Basel, I had to put in my request for coverage. Yes, this one was ProBono and I regret nothing. 

In my last entry, I shared with you some images from Mons Vi which opened for them and now it’s time for my Top 10 favorites of none other than Rhye. Yes, I was in the feels this night without a doubt. They played quite a few of my favorite tracks included “Open”. This evening was absolutely perfect. They played North Beach Bandshell on a particularly cooler night. So you had the cooler weather, the beach, and the vibe. I really could not have been any happier that evening.

I did take both my 24-70mm lens as well as my big boy, the 70-200mm and I made use of them both. So yes, sweater weather, chill tunes and then there’s me working my way around the venue and just taking it all in. I didn’t shoot much but I did get together my favorites here with a few more images on my Facebook page. You know, just in case you wanted to see what I’m talking about. And if you want to be turned on to something new, check them out on Spotify. They are so mellow definitely on my playlists for when I’m relaxing and even editing. 

That being said, until next time. 2020 has begun and there’s a to-do list to be accomplished. Thank you all for your time and support. Happy New Year! 

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Well hello there everyone, it’s a lovely Sunday afternoon and it calls for a low key vibe. I think it’s the perfect time to share with you guys the mellow and chilled that was Mons Vi opening up for Rhye a few weeks back at North Beach Bandshell during Miami’s infamous Art Basel. 

Mons Vi is a Brooklyn artist and most certainly, a wordsmith. His arrangement is simple which only adds to the emotionality of the lyrics which you can’t help but connect to. With only a guitar and his words, he soothes and tugs at the heartstrings and I was happy to have been able to capture a few of his moments on stage prior to Rhye coming up for their set. I didn’t take a lot of images however I feel that it was more about the quality and not the quantity that mattered, especially to compliment the simplicity. 

With words he breathes, “It’s been a little too long to be biding my time/ Searching around between bottles of wine/ And the call of the wild/ Somehow gets lost in the dark of your eyes.” That ‘s just a little sample of one of his songs “Come on Violet”. I later learned that it was written after the passing of a friend and wow, yes, the heartstrings. Here are my favorites and of course there are a few more on my Facebook page but in the meanwhile, do give him a little listen if you have a moment so that you can see what I mean. Here’s a link to his tracks on Spotify.

Take a look at my top five and let me know what you think.

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This post has been a long time coming. It’s been several months, to be honest. Believe it or not, I have had a method to my madness. The first thing is first, I’ve had to get my clients their images. Secondly, I have been wanting to catch up on a bit of my backlog and wanted to be sure that I gave this post proper time and attention. After all, it’s about the details. 

Well, it is now that time and here I am sharing with you my last set of captures from when I was on assignment for I’m Music Magazine in August covering live and direct The Altimate Tour with dual headliners, LIVE and Bush. I have posted my set for LIVE on a previous entry however I had decided to hold off on posting Bush’s performance because as we all know, anticipation is 9/10th delight. 

While it was a bit of last-minute approval on our photo pass (the morning of to be exact), I was and am still incredibly thankful for having had this opportunity to cover this particular show. Both bands have had a special place in my heart since I was a teenager and I was thrilled to be in attendance. Not only was I going to get to see them perform their magic, but I was also able to get up close and personal from the photo pit. Yes, I love what I do without a doubt. 

I did pack my long lens should they have made a last-minute change in press credentials and have us shoot from the soundboard however thankfully myself and the other photographers on hand got to make ourselves at home in the pit and I love to get in close with my Beast. Now they say that when you shoot, you shoot from the heart and that is certainly where I was at this night. So much so that I had difficulty in picking my usual Top 10 for this particular entry and have opted to include instead 15 for this occasion. 

Bush has always been a particular favorite of mine and of course, there is no denying that I have a bit of fangirl side when it comes to the lead vocalist, Gavin. I’m sure my images will certainly give that away. If not, check out the quick photo I’m including (Taken with rather shaky adrenaline-filled hand) after the gallery and you will see how even my heart rate rose for these guys. If that wasn’t enough of a tell. 

As for the images, again, I was perfectly content on shooting through my 24-70mm lens alone. I have so many images that I was fond of so picking these 15 was rather difficult. To be honest, I even included more than my usual on my album on Facebook and I definitely would love for you to give them a browse.

I simply could not help myself. These guys have been rocking since the ’90s and they still do not miss a beat. Their energy was amazing and the passion they put into their performance left me high for days. So yes, that’s enough talk, let me give you time to check out my Top 15. As always, I appreciate your comments and feedback and thank you so much for stopping by. 

Until next time,

The Queen 

[See image gallery at throughtheeyesofaqueen.com]

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I suppose I can try to explain though I’m not sure how well that will turn out. I am over the moon. Yes, I am that thrilled to be coming to you with this installment of my most recent assignment with I’m Music Magazine. As I mentioned in my previous post, August 17th was an amazing night of music for me and I was more than happy to be covering this event up close and personal from the pit at Bayfront Amphitheater.

This particular collection I’m bringing to you today is my Top 10 favorite photos of the band bringing the night to a close, LIVE. Another amazing band from my youth, recently reunited and touring alongside BUSH and Our Lady Peace on The Altinate Tour. They went there separate ways back on 2009 and getting back together recently on 2016 although it’s as if they’ve never missed a beat. They are as amazing as ever and their set further drove that point home for me.

While I am posting this set first, they did close out the night performance wise having had BUSH hitting the stage in direct support. LIVE dotted every I and crossed every T this Saturday night and before I knew it, my first three song time limit was up and it was time to pack the Beast away. I was just having so much fun with their each members vibe and energy. You’ll have to check out one of their performances yourself if you want to know first-hand what I mean.

In the meanwhile I’m bringing you my Top 10 to try and illustrate just what I mean. Once again I packed light shooting only with my 24-70mm and the mood of this set made it difficult for me to narrow it down that much so of course there’s a few more to peep at on my Facebook page. Though if you’re pressed for time this should give you a fairly good idea of just how epic it was for me and all in attendance.

So go on, have a peek and maybe even leave some feedback or comments. You know they are welcomed and appreciated.

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Now I know that my last post mentioned having one of four sets to come, however I simply had to postpone sharing the remaining three for this next little collection I’m bringing you over the next few days. I just can’t help myself. After all, this is in essence, the beginning of what you will see in the next couple of posts as a bucket list item for me. 

I should explain. On August 17, 2019 I was placed on assignment by one of my favorite publications, I’m Music Magazine. The assignment was a tough one. I mean, I just didn’t know how I was going to convince myself to shoot, BUSH and LIVE at Bayfront Amphitheater. Wow, it even felt wrong typing out that blatant lie. How can I not have been beyond excited when asked to cover two of your bands from when you were younger? I know that I was.

So the day came and I made my way front and center to my home for the next couple of hours, the photo pit. I had never shot at this venue before and I absolutely loved how close the pit was to the artists. I made it so much simpler to just have one lens as a weapon for the duration. Especially being that it was a bit crowded in there this particular night and my packing light for the night fit just right.  

Opening this evening was Our Lady Peace, a Canadian born rock band from the early 90’s touring right alongside Bush and Live in this The Altimate Tour. It was still daylight out which was refreshing for me on account of it having been a while since I’ve shot live music with the sun still out. Did I miss having lights and shadows for me too work my mood in? Yes, that I did. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t still make each of these images have a feel to them. After all, you are seeing through my eyes. 

So here is my first of 3 sets, Our Lady Peace, kicking off an amazing night of live music. I picked my top 10 with just a few more on my Facebook page. You know you want to give them a look see. As always, feedback is always welcomed and I thank you for your time and your support.

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I remember when I first got a chance to check out Modern Mimes performing at Femme Fest a couple of years back. They immediately had my attention. I loved the uniqueness of their sound, the imagery they conveyed even though it was just the two of them. It was a breath of fresh air to be honest. I was impressed and immediately a fan. I also found myself thinking, I would love to have them in front of my lens at some point. Not on stage, but a little more personal. They are after all, a beautiful pair. That’s not to say I skipped out on seeing them perform when I could, it just meant that I had more in mind. 

Now I did begin this entry by stating how the Universe is listening. Here is why. They reached out to me for a shoot a short time ago. I of course said yes. I was automatically excited. Initially there was an idea being thrown around about a specific type of location and we scouted for just the perfect spot. I have to say I enjoyed the scavenger hunt though I’m very glad they elected to go a different route and decided to make it a bit more personal. It was what I had been wanting. The best part about it was that I finally had the opportunity not only to photograph Modern Mimes, the location was on my bucket list.

Have you ever been to the 1111 Lincoln Road Garage in Miami Beach? Do yourself a favor and look it up. It is amazing. I love architecture. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine and I’ve often gone to the garage recreationally just to snap away here and there for personal development. Imagine how pleased I was to be able to actually put in “work” there. It was great. And Modern Mimes, they were an absolute pleasure to work with. Humble, down to earth and very easy to photograph. Don’t believe me, check out my favorites of the day here or browse through a few more on my Facebook page. Oh and before I got, definitely give Modern Mimes a listen. I think you’ll dig them. You can find them on Spotify.

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I’m almost caught up which is a good thing. I’m down to two quick little test sets after this and I have to say that I am feeling fairly accomplished at this moment. The hours at work have picked up and while that means more coin (which is fitting in oh so nicely at the moment) it also means less time to work on my passion. Still, it is my passion and when you want something bad enough, you work for it. That’s exactly what I’ve done and continue to do. Yes, that means very little to no sleep but I have plans for myself. 

Let’s not digress though. It’s not about personal comings and going here, it’s about the photos and I am not keeping that from you. So let me share with you now a very small yet wonderfully simple little set I took a while back of Xperimento jamming out at Lincoln’s Beard. To those of you that know me personally, you know I’n all about simplicity and when I can keep the post down to a minimum in order to keep the full feeling available for your pleasure, I do just that. I truly do dislike taking away from the atmosphere with over edited or artificially lit shots. Lincoln’s Beard Brewing gave me the opportunity to keep it just the way I like it this time around. 

There aren’t very many shots to the set to begin with, 25 images to be honest but you know the routine, I pick my top few. The number of that final cut basically depends on how I’m feeling the whole set which can be found on my Facebook page.. This time around it’s a top 10 for your viewing pleasure. Nice, clean and oh so simple. What can I say, I’m a simple woman. So I hope you enjoy and as always, your feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for your time. 

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Now, here’s where the challenges and goals statement comes from so allow me to step away from the actual event for just a quick moment. You see, I’m a right handed person who is left-eye dominant. In other words, I’m cross dominant. Most people have one side of their body that’s stronger than the other. If you’re right-handed, chances are you do everything with your right hand — writing, brushing your teeth, eating, etc. That also means you likely have stronger sight in your right eye, stronger hearing in your right ear, and would react more with your right foot. When we write, hit, kick, or turn our head to hear, we’re typically doing it all with the same side. Not me. My brain tends to prefer my left eye when focusing which means when I’m shooting, whether its a camera or even a gun lets say, I’m using my left eye to aim. It can sometimes be awkward positioning wise and so, my goal is to strengthen my right eye.

Here is where that ties in to this set. I decided what better time than now to start exercising that lovely right eye of mine. So here I am photographing basically a sports event, catching myself constantly switching over to my left eye. Yes, I probably should have started easy with still objects, but I love a challenge. So there I was, absolutely loving being around the sound of sport bikes, hearing the clutch engage and the wheels come up, feeling the adrenaline of the riders as they performed their stunts and wowed the crowd time and time again. It brought back a lot of fond memories for me all while challenging present day me. Several times throughout the show I would get frustrated that I was missing shots or that they were out of focus. I even missed the money shot when Jason Britton aimed his bike as well as his skid in my direction. While that slightly disappointed me, all in all I am quite pleased with how the set turned out.

I upload my top 20 here with the full set up on my Facebook page. I will say that there are some out of focus ones. I’m sharing them with you regardless of the fact that they are not tack-sharp because I want to not only show you the good, you get to see my learning material as well. Let me know what you think.

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