With all that's going on in the Miami, it seemed inevitable that the region's stable of talented photographers would begin to rival the most varied and talented across the globe. In 2011, local talented photogs will continue shooting a variety of subjects, styles and situations. Maybe, it's time you became familiar with them, even if chances are you've already seen their work. Consider this your primer on South Florida's photography scene.
5. Derick G.
Derick G photographs all corners of the
entertainment world. This Miami born and raised artist documents the
lives of the people who reign supreme on the radio, clubs and iPods.
He began shooting in middle school and transitioned to a professional
five years ago. Self taught, he successfully turned a hobby into a brand
that can be seen all over the internet and MTV.
By documenting the behind the scenes action of stars like Lil Wayne,
Birdman, DJ Khaled, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias, Rick Ross, and Nicki
Minaj he has been able to build a database containing some of music's
biggest stars. His photos capture the lives and moves of artists and
people who will be cherished for generations. His journalistic, candid
style allows him to bring the viewer into his world, which is what he
prefers. "I capture things as they are happening. I stand back and let
people be them(selves) and I capture them in their essence, in their
humanity."
The year 2011 promises to be just as busy for this jet-setting photographer as he will
be traveling to Qatar, Dubai, Egypt, and Australia in January alone.
Keep an eye out for the signature Derick G shot this year. It will be as
captivating as the moments and music his subjects create.
4. Michael Raveny
This photographer has a way of making lust seem less dirty. He creates
images that allow your eyes to feast on a scene and subtly communicates a
story to your senses. Michael Raveney has built his style around the
idea of eliciting a concept through understated, yet powerful, artistic
expression.
Coming from artistic roots, Raveney took to photography with ease.
At 21, he was headed to Bosnia to deliver food to the war ravaged
country, when someone dropped a camera in his hand. The photos he took
there were published in several publications and this experience
inspired him to continue shooting and creating images that pull emotion
from the viewer. Since Bosnia, he has shot worldwide.
His work is sensual and surreal, but he likes to steer away from the
overt. Raveney prefers to work with people on a personal level. "I am
able to bring a different side out of them. It helps to communicate
through the camera."
The new year brings a big workload to this eclectic artist. He will be
keeping up with his usual clients, but is going to focus on his own
projects more. He hopes the new decade will be one filled with true
artistic passion. "I am going to be pretty busy."
3. Javier Sanchez
Some artists deal with finding their voice their
entire careers. And though Javier Sanchez claims he is still searching,
his work hardly reflects such fecklessness. With bright sheets of light and stunning
figures, Sanchez allows his passion to shine through his photographs.
The Cuba-born photographer only recently started to seriously pursue the art.
He quickly began studying and researching the craft. Sanchez continues
to build a style and message uniquely his own.
He plans to bring a new level of commitment to the art in the upcoming
year. He will be launching his website and begin producing at a much
higher capacity. "My mindset and approach have been changing." The
photos that are coming from this artist continue to catch the eye. It
will be interesting to see how this obsession with growth shows through
his work in the near future.
2. Alex Dumas
This seasoned vet has surfaced all over town lately, and promises to be
even more visible in 2011. Shooting in a style that reflects the old
masters which inspire him, he creates images that are soothing and
classic. By being versatile and open, Alex Dumas is a photographer that
allows the subject to create their own statement.
Dumas comes from a rich photography background. He began shooting when
he was 10 years old, and studied the art at the New School in Manhattan.
Commercial and fashion are his main areas of expertise, and it's easy
for novices to see he knows what he's doing. This Haitian-born
photographer prides himself on listening and being open to suggestions.
"Every time I shoot something, whether it's big or small, it's the
feedback that I get from them, they're always happy with the work, and
it's actually a blessing."
Easy to work with is his style. He says that this year he will be
emphasizing his work on high fashion and will be launching a new media
site. Reflecting on his past art shows that the New Year's improvements
should be monumental.
1. Shayna Batya - Visual Tension
This new kid on the scene is all about variety. Her style ranges from
candid photo shoots, street scenes, to people in their natural swag.
Shayna Batya finds her inspiration in so many places its easy to see why
her photos have such a range in character and content.
She has been shooting since she was six years old and recently began
transitioning into a professional only three years ago. She's still in
school at the University of Miami but is already committed to her chose
profession, claiming that her camera never leaves her side. She
documents her life and creates photo shoots from scratch.
"I pay attention to light, natural light is so beautiful and such an
inspiration to me." Batya shoots with a large aperture allowing her to
capture a lot of light in her images. Her style aims to capture movement
as well as moments in time.
This year promises to be full of even more transitions as Batya has begun
studying art at UM and graduates in the spring. Her love for Miami and
eye for light will continue to show as she grows as an artist
and shares her vision.
--Joy Taylor
Follow Cultist on Facebook and Twitter @CultistMiami.