© Brian Smith
Actor Leslie Nielsen photographed poolside by celebrity photographer Brian Smith.
The art fairs are not Miami's only winter draw, however. The pristine weather makes the city a major destination for commercial and editorial production when much of North America and Europe is forced indoors, and the beaches, architecture, culture and wildlife mean there are abundant accessible locations for photographers to take advantage of. Though photographers who live in Miami say the photo community could use better networking and organization, many suggest the influx of shooters each winter ensures the city is production-friendly and resource-heavy.
Advantages/Disadvantages to Living/Working in Miami
The "million different locations," wide array of cultural influences, and beautiful winter weather are Miami's biggest pluses, but New York-based fashion photographer Jeff Olson warns that "half the world is there shooting jobs" in the winter, so finding unique locations can be a challenge. Outdoor shooting also becomes a hassle during the hot summer months, when editorial and advertising photographer John Loomis says that it can be "dead slow." Advertising photographer Pete Barrett praises the "abundance of first-class support crews" and resources that keep major national clients coming back to the "production- friendly town." Architectural photographer Matt Stock says the winter sky often looks like a "cerulean blue backdrop behind the buildings." Miami's location makes for easy travel access to the U.S., Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The photographic community could benefit from more sharing of ideas, says Barrett. Loomis agrees, pointing out that it can be difficult to find a good assistant. "The real strength of a community [shows] by how it produces and nurtures emerging talent." A "relatively high" cost of living and awful public transportation are other concerns.
Favorite Places to Shoot?
"The list is just way too long," says John Loomis of the shooting options in Miami. Some of the most highly recommended places to shoot were out of the city, however, starting with the Everglades. "Plan on visiting when things cool down at the beginning of fall or winter" to avoid mosquitoes, advises Matt Stock, whose favorite spot in the vast wetland is the Anhinga Trail. Stock also suggests a trip to the American Orchid Society, and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Palm Beach, an hour and a half north of Miami. For those interested in a trip to the Gulf Coast, Natasha Cuevas recommends Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Back in Miami, the beaches are, of course, a major draw: South Beach and Key Biscayne's Crandon Park were recommended by several photographers. Editorial and advertising photographer Gio Alma suggests shooting the art deco lifeguard cabins on the former. Pete Barrett says the sloping beaches and the color of the water are worth a trip to North Miami. Barrett adds that "Miami has old and funky and new and sheik" urban shooting options. "I tend to prefer the grittier areas like Little Haiti, Little Havana or along the Miami River," says celebrity shooter Brian Smith. Photographers also recommended the Art Deco hotels in South Beach and house locations throughout Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. Barrett also suggests South Point Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and the "great 'anywhere USA' locations" at Topeekeegeeyugnee Park.
Inside the Art Fairs
Marking its 20th anniversary this year, Art Miami, which takes place in the Midtown arts district, is the oldest of the shows. Art Basel, located at the Convention Center in South Beach, has a long waiting list for galleries hoping to exhibit there, despite its higher fees. "It's the most important venue for showing works in Miami," says Bruce Silverstein of New York's Silverstein Gallery, who will be exhibiting at Art Basel Miami Beach for the first time this year after previously exhibiting at Art Miami. In addition there is Pulse, Aqua and other shows devoted to cutting edge sculpture, paintings, art installations, video, and mixed media, as well as the photo-specific show Photo Miami.
The international crowd of collectors, particularly from Latin America, creates unique opportunities for art fair exhibitors. Missy Finger, co-owner of Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery in Dallas, which will have a booth at Art Miami again this year, notes, "Visibility is key to our success since we are located in Texas." Some photo galleries also like the opportunity to exhibit beside other kinds of art work. Catherine Edelman, who is returning to Art Miami for the second year in a row, says, "A lot of my artists are combining photography with other processes, so if I can be at an art fair that's not photo specific, I can expand our audience."
Some advice for photographers who want to tour the shows as a way to research the contemporary art market: "You have to have time and energy and a plan to see what you want. I would research each fair to see what galleries are exhibiting, then make a map of where you want to go," says Finger. But photographers beware. Dealers are there to sell, not to meet artists. Says Silverstein, "It's not the place to show your book, it's not the place to hand over your card; you're not going to be welcome. Dealers have to remain focused on the job at hand, and photographers can't take that personally."
If Someone Only Had 48 Hours To Spend In Miami, Where Would You Send Them?
Eating, drinking and lying on the beach are staple Miami activities. People watching on Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, where Jeff Olson says you’ll be “in awe of what people will wear,” was a widely recommended pastime, as was a trip out to the Everglades. John Loomis recommends an air boat ride over “thousands of alligators,” while Matt Stock enjoys renting a canoe in Flamingo to see the gators and osprey hunting for fish. Several respondents suggested a trip to Calle Ocho and Little Havana, and Brian Smith says one can “check out the homes of the rich and famous on Palm and Hibiscus Island.” Carlos Domenech says there are great boating options in the bay. When she’s in town for the art fairs, Dallas-based gallery owner Missy Finger likes to check out the art deco hotels on Collins Avenue or head to Lincoln Road for shopping, and portrait photographer Natasha Cuevas advises some shopping and a trip to the Design District. If you’re into clubbing, Smith suggests a trip to Pearl.
