Freelance Florida Photographer: Art Basel 2012

Art Basel 2012 . We survived. Barely.

The worst part about Basel is the experience of one big impossible task of chasing every show/event that's on your "must see" list. Alternatively, an opportunity to realize you can't be everywhere at once, so be complete in where you are.

If I look at it from the latter perspective, Basel 2012 was a personal success. 

While I was only able to make it to one evening this year, here's a look at just a few of the events/moments/people/ideas that kept me completely entertained:

Aly and I arrive at the NADA(New Art Dealers Association) Pool Party....

When our eyes started to blur from the seemingly endless halls of art, we headed from the beach, to Wynwood.

Stopping at Panther Coffee was a must for us. Plus we met up with a friend, Chad. SIDE NOTE: Panther was featured in this American Express commercial with music by Kishi Bashi, shortly after I got to photograph him. See the blog about it.

Cocktails and Coffee.

Adventures in Basel-land: Part I.

Adventures in Basel-land: Part II.

Woah.

Truck full of coconuts.

He's taking over the (art) world. Many congrats to fellow AIFL'er Sean Murdock!

Some dude.

I was taking a photo of this....

...when he jumped in and said he wanted a picture. This happens a lot. Usually they're drunk. Sometimes annoying, but he made me laugh. I especially like when this happens and they're SO stoked to have a photo taken then just walk away. I'd imagine at some point they realize, "Hey, I'd like to see that picture but I have no idea who that stranger was." If someone knows this guy, tell him you saw this photo. Thanks.

Sweet ride.

Eventually, it all starts to look like this.

Prom style.

Panache party! YES!

"Want me to do a freeze or something?"

Getting lit.

Crowd at Gramps.

Dent May was fabulous.

"It's a dance off!"

Miami "celebrity" judges. Liz Tracy, music editor at Broward Palm Beach New Times, and Gabe of Jacuzzi Boys.

Official "Soul Clap" dance winner! On the gravel...

Jonathan Toubin deckin' out the good cheer at Miami's most exciting new venue/bar GRAMPS. Shot with Polaroid Spectra on vintage expired film.

 For awesome Basel coverage by fellow photog and Bruise Cruise cohort, Rebecca Smyne, check out her party photos featured in PAPERMAG.

Art, Wine & Music: ANNIVERSARY WEEK

One year ago this happened:

TOP PHOTO: Credit, Steev Rullman BOTTOM PHOTO: Credit, JoMarie Porcelli

I exhibited a project that came to be known as the "horse in the house" party. It was just a few days before my wedding and in the middle of Loxahatchee. Initially my intention was to have the images placed in the trees and people to walk around the property to view the exhibit with live music happening too. Invisible Music was slated to play, along with Black Finger and the now defunct Northwood Social Club. We got rained out but people showed up anyway! (Much due to the support of Steev Rullman of theHoneycomb.com)

Some of the images from that series are on exhibit at Kismet Recycled Vintage and Designer Boutique in Delray Beach. In fact, Kismet is celebrating their 3rd Anniversary with an event this weekend. RSVP here. Live music, photobooth, amazing vegan treats, unique clothing and great art on the walls!! I'll be celebrating my one year anniversary that night as it falls on the 22nd, otherwise I'd be there!

Aly, photographed by Husband Liam. Owners of Kismet. Havers of fun.

So with my wedding anniversary rolling around, it also means the anniversary of me meeting some great new friends who have helped me share my art with the world. Tonight some of those very talented friends will be performing at South Shores. RSVP here.

AND in exactly one week I'll be displaying a fun new series at Harold's in Northwood. RSVP Here. The event is going on in conjunction with Northwood's Art and Wine Event. Lots to see and drink ;)

Also, fire Zuave will be playing live.

Chuck Zuave.

Did you know their "Starving Like a Pack of Wolves" track is featured on the WeMerge "Free Pizza" album? Look for it when you're out and about, wherever WeMerge is distributed. Or pick one up when you're at Harold's on the 27th ;)

I hope to meet you/say hello/catch-up soon!

Bruise Cruise Fashion: Part Two

Update: The passport has arrived.

I'm now official to travel internationally as Monica McGivern.

Yesterday was just an amazing day. I was wearing everything from Versace to vintage! Thanks again KISMET!

All Images by Liam Milano

You can view more of Liam's artwork here!! Including a Polaroid of our shoot yesterday.

And now, more photos! Please feel free to comment about which outfits would be best!

Outfit # One. With and Without jacket



Outfit #2
Classic tourist dress made hip with the cotton belt.



Me with a Flamingo



Aly & Me





I have to admit with my normally yogic balanced brain it's been quite some time that I've been this swept up in the current of excitement. An important lesson I've experienced through my practice has allowed me to recognize that it's not that yogis find a way to permanently relax, it's the the ability to create the capacity to relax DESPITE all that is happening. Exciting events and happiness can be just as (if not more) distracting as their opposites. No need to judge for or against that which arises. Enjoy each experience as it is, an opportunity to learn about ourselves. :)

Bruise Cruise Fashion: Part One

What a day! I am very grateful to Aly Gore and Liam Milano, as well as Daniel Millay. Today I relinquished my camera to "model" a bit. More photos soon, but for now enjoy this silly one from today's shoot:


Me photographed as I re-enact the "Jack and Rose moment."

In the Studio: Palm Beach County Music Photographer

I love the sound of the sitar. Yesterday Kevin R. Williams joined me in the studio for a photosession.

Free download of Kevin's personal project:

Download the whole album here.


First we hit up Kismet in Delray Beach to grab a few clothes options. I can't say enough about Kismet. While waiting for Kevin to arrive I enjoyed watching peoples' reactions upon entering the colorful shop. There's always so much to discover! Each piece selected is done so through the discerning and fashionable eyes of Aly Gore. In most stores you have to look for a particular style and then see if the size will fit. At Kismet there are so many beautiful pieces that it's really just a matter of making sure it fits, and then the trouble of not buying EVERYTHING!



Sorry if it sounds like I'm trying to "sell" anyone on this place, but as you might guess, I really like the place. Aly and I were chatting one day and came to the mutal agreement that we both try to make people look, and feel "cool." She uses fashion, and I utilize photography. Look forward to more photos with Kismet as we're planning a photoshoot around our preparations of our cruise attire. So excited for the Bruise Cruise! In fact, the next time I see Kevin it will most likely be on the ship as he's currently playing bass guitar for Surfer Blood and someday I hope they'll add sitar to the mix...


More sitar! Sitar is the new cowbell.