“There’s a reason we don’t see the world in black and white”
Collaborations seem to be a big thing nowadays, so I was lucky enough to get to work with two great brands at the same time. Lele Sadoughi is known for its fabulous headbands and now you can pair them with your favorite Lilly Pulitzer dresses. I photographed Lele founder, Lisa, and her cute-as-a-button daughter for this campaign and we had a blast. Sadly, I don’t look good in headbands….
“I like children. If they’re properly cooked.”
W.C. Fields is also famous for saying, “never work with animals or children.” I did both for Maisonette and their Easter campaign. It was a lot of fun, but I could probably wait until next easter to do it again. Luckily, I’ve been practicing with my own family for years on A Social Life.
One of the models was allergic to rabbits apparently, so my son Johnny made his modeling comeback
“I love the tabloids except for when I’m in ‘em.”
I ran over to Naples to do a story on Fox News anchor Brett Baier and his family. This was my first time working for People Magazine and I have to say its kind of a cool box to tick off my list.
“Luxury is anything that feels special.”
Loved getting a chance to photograph Aerin Lauder at my favorite hotel (The Colony) for my favorite magazine. Check it out in print and online now!
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good interview.”
I never miss a chance to talk about myself. Don’t quote me on that.
“Think pink. A better way of life.”
Maggie Wetenhall channeling Eloise at the Plaza
While the Wetenhall family is stuck quarantining at home like everyone else, their home just so happens to be a historic Palm Beach hotel. When the pandemic hit earlier this year, the Colony Hotel shuttered its doors in compliance with the nationwide shelter in place order and found themselves living by themselves in an empty 87 room luxury hotel. They asked me to come and bring a little bit of my A Social Life flavor to their family and the unprecedented situation they found themselves in. It was a fun experiment to try this style of photography on a family other than my own and it only worked because the Wetenhalls have a great sense of humor. Hopefully the series can bring a little bit of distraction to people during a very strange time. Check out the full story and all of the images on the Veranda Magazine website here
Bicycle races through the hotel lobby
Andrew Wetenhall playing valet to his children
Hide and seek in the ballroom
Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall enjoying their morning coffee
“One shoe can change your life”
I got bring Sam Edelman back to my stomping grounds of Palm Beach for the Spring/Summer campaign and this time they decided to make things interesting for me by adding a second model. It always becomes a little bit harder with each extra person you add to a shoot because you’re not only worried about how they are each interacting with their environment but also with each other. But on the other side, it allows you to move faster because you can shoot one girl individually while the other gets ready. I found on big campaigns like this, it helps to construct a story in you head, much like an actor preparing for a role.
“If they made films in Palm Beach, actors and actresses would be much better dressed”
Avenue Magazine was recently relaunched under the leadership of new owner Charles Cohen. The 44 year old magazine took nearly a year hiatus as it underwent a full overhaul, including a brand new Editor-in-Chief. Having photographed several articles for Avenue in its previous incarnation, I was beyond flattered when the new EIC, Kristen Stewart Ward, asked if she could run a feature on me and my family and our instagram photo project, A.Social.Life, in her debut issue. Hopefully you’re already following our adventures online, but if not, then this is a good jumping on point to see the tortures I put my family through in the name of art and social media fame. You can find the full article online here
“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”
I can’t tell you how much I love this brand and everyone who works there! In a short amount of time they’ve made me feel like a part of the family and I really think its help me do my best work. What do you think? For part 2 of the Fall campaign, we headed to the Catskills in upstate New York. I can’t say I ever thought i’d make it out there (and I’m not sure if I need to go back), but it certainly made for a fun shoot. There is nothing better than exploring a cool location and seeing what kind of crazy ideas you can come up with. It also helps when you have awesome props, great clothes and a gorgeous model.
“I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.”
My first billboard on La Cienega and Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood
Its rare that I find a brand that aligns with my own creative style and sensibilities as well as Sam Edelman. The brand has an “irreverent and whimsical style, inspired by timeless American elegance that bridges the gap between aspiration and attainability to define modern luxury.” That’s very similar to how I would describe myself. I feel very lucky that we found each other. Not only is Sam an amazing brand that I am honored to be associated with, but the confidence they have shown in my abilities has really allowed me to explore commercial photography in ways I never thought I’d get the chance to. Their desire to have me lean into my own photographic instincts has really pushed me to grow artistically. We tried to capture something that was at the same time effortless, elegant and timeless. I am super proud of this campaign and I hope you’ll look out for it on billboards, magazines, taxi cabs and, of course, your local Sam Edelman store.
“Life is a party. Dress for it.”
Click on the picture above to read the full article
I’m always thrilled to contribute to Vogue’s party coverage, especially when it comes to events in Newport. There is a classic elegance to the parties there, especially when they are hosted at one of the town’s historic mansions on Bellevue Avenue. As someone who grew up coming to Newport every summer, I am in the unique position to both be an observer and a participant in these grand events. I think it allows me to have an insider’s viewpoint that not many others can achieve and it certainly helps me put my subjects at ease. Another side effect (and I’ll let you guys decide if its positive or negative) is I am often included in my own coverage. Luckily, I know how to dress the part.
“The only thing I like about air travel is it gives me time to read.”
If you’re flying American Airlines this summer, pick up a copy of their in flight magazine to find the story I photographed on my favorite summer resort. I like it. You will too.
“It’s a family affair”
Ralph Lauren hired me to shoot their new spring line of kids bathing suits. And thanks to the power of Instagram and @a.social.life they wanted to use my son Johnny as one of the models! We had so much fun shooting at The Colony Hotel and all around Palm Beach. I think Johnny and I make a pretty good team ;)
Shot on location at the Colony Hotel
“Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.”
This year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House was amazing! Each year, celebrated interior designers transform a magnificent estate into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art and technology. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club. This was its second year in Palm Beach (its been going on in New York since 1973) and once again one of the decorators chose to use some of my work to adorn his walls. Billy Ceglia chose a whopping 48 images from my @a.social.life series and framed them up and down the hallways he was tasked with designing. In addition, I was given free reign to explore the house and take pictures of the designers and shoot more photos for my @a.social.life. Many of the designers hired me to shoot the rooms and my photos were featured by Veranda and Architectural Digest.
Bodhi and Johnny at the Dog Bar from @a.social.life on the walls of Billy Ceglia’s hallway at Kips Bay
Danielle Rollins in her room at Kips Bay
Meg Braff in her room at Kips Bay
My son Johnny for @a.social.life in Krista + Home’s bathroom at Kips Bay
“...the cognoscenti are calling him a modern day Slim Aarons ”
I often get compared to Slim Aarons (what a compliment!), but when a publication as esteemed as Veranda starts throwing it around I can’t help but be flattered…and honored…and grateful. Hopefully I can live up to the compliment. Check it out below.
Pg. 24 Veranda Feb 2019
“I don’t try to be original; I just always want to do something that excites me.”
I often tell young photographers that, as they try and develop their own style, they should actively try and shoot like some of the great photographers that they admire. In the process, they may find something about that photographers style that they like and want to pull into their everyday work. In this case, I did my best Jeurgen Teller impression for a fashion shoot with World Armarium at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. I tried to stay true to Juergen, while also adding my own flair. How’d I do?
“Bad design is smoke, while good design is a mirror”
It was an amazing experience to both have my work on display at the Inaugural Kips Bay Decorators Show House in Palm Beach and shoot some of it for Architectural Digest and House Beautiful. Each year, celebrated interior designers transform a magnificent estate into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art and technology. This year marks the first time it is being done in Palm Beach. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kips Bay and Palm Beach County.
Designer Philip Gorrivan used several of my pieces in his living room design. Above, my Lifeguard photo framed 30x40
More of my art on display in Phillip Gorrivan’s room.
Its always a pleasure when I get to photograph for one of my favorite designers, Caroline Rafferty
“If you contemplate your navel, you shall surely see the fluff that lives there.”
In the old days, a person of taste and class was only photographed three times: when he was born, when he got married and when he died. Unfortunately, nowadays its important to keep your name in the front of peoples minds if you’re running a business. Plus, I’m way too pretty to be stuck behind the camera all the time ;) My wife is ok looking as well. Check us out in this month’s Avenue Magazine
“Its nice to be wanted. That’s a really good feeling. I’m not immune to it.”
Its always nice when someone takes notice and wants to ask you about your work. I was honored to be featured on The Glampad and to be called the new Slim Aarons (a compliment that I always appreciate whenever it is given). Check out the article here:
“A mask you ask? Optional I find!
Masks lend appeal of a mysterious kind.”
I don’t shoot a ton of events, but when its something as fabulous as The Newport Art Museum’s annual gala I can’t help but say yes. It didn’t hurt that Vogue magazine wanted to post my coverage ;) Click the link to read the whole story (by the awesome Dodie Kajanjian I might add…)
