Saturday, January 28, 2012

THE MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE'S FASHION SHOW

Phyllis and I were honored to be the photographers for the MDPL'S annual Art Deco Weekend. The Art Deco Festival was started in 1976 by the Miami Design Preservation League to attract visitors to Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District and to raise awareness and appreciation of the arts and culture of the Art Deco era (approx. 1925-1945).

Art deco weekend draws close to 300,000 people for the three day event (in the middle of January each year). It features more than eighty-five events, including: guided tours, film series, lectures, antiques, art and collectable vendors, a variety of food vendors and a classic automobile parade among others. This is the second year in a row that we have been the photographers for this event and it is a photographic highlight of the year for us.

The MDPL is a non profit organization devoted to preserving, protecting and promoting the cultural, social, economic, environmental and architectural integrity of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District and all other areas of the City of Miami Beach where historic preservation is a concern.

This year the fashion show was held at the Clevelander Hotel on Ocean Drive after sunset. Photographing a event like this is fun but challenging. We knew that it would be pretty impossible to move from a spot once we found one because the place was packed. We could not stand in the front of the stage because the stage was over part of the hotel's pool and if you were not on the stage, you would be in the pool!! 

When we arrived (about an hour before the show) we were lucky to find an empty table on one side of the stage. We had spoken to one of the men setting up the stage and found out where the models would be coming out. We based on which side we would setup from that information. 

Shooting after dark and without the opportunity to set up lights around the stage, we were left with on camera flashes. One of the problems shooting after dark with flash is making sure you do not get the 'black cave' look. This happens when person is well lit but everything around them is pitch black. The settings we needed to use created a challenge in getting sharp images but we pulled it off.
So here are some of the images of the fashion show.

We arrived about an hour early and as you can see the place was packed with people enjoying themselves and waiting for the show.


                            Here is the announcer of the event.


                                           
                                        The three judges.




                                    Now, the show begins.












This being a celebration of art deco, we tried to convey that era in some of our images.









          I love this image! The flash going off gives a real feeling of    
       excitement to me plus the back of the dress in wonderful!!


























         These were the three winners starting out with number three.


                              Then the second place winner...


   
    And finally the model and designer who finished in first place!!




We love our profession but on a night that we're on Miami Beach photographing beautiful women and handsome men, well it is hard to top a night like this!

                            We know the crowd loved it, too!!!


11 comments:

Motifs said...

WOW!!! Brilliant photography Jim,it must have been an evening to remember...I love the pictures.

fantasy in practicality said...

oh! Jim, i am so happy to see you back after so many days. even i am not that regular.

stunning catwalk pictures. i envy their vital statistics :)

your photography made them more powerful.

baldychaz said...

Wow sir very jealous of both your talent and who you got to photograph.

JIM said...

Alpana it was a great night thank you

Fantasy it was like a fantasy lol

Bald one it is great profession lol Especially with theses subjects!!!

The Poet said...

Hello Jim. Welcome back!
WoW! what an event & what great photos. I just don't know how those models keep their balance in those 6" heels!

Looks like you had a great time. These shots prove you're definitely THE ORIGINAL!
Thanks for sharing, my friend.

Melissa Tandoc said...

That was certainly a night to remember Jim. I loved how it turned out for you and Phyllis. It did look exciting! All the images looked great ~ not even the flashes of other cameras were obvious. They were sharp :) and somehow, I knew that the unique design of the first model would win :P...I enjoyed each and everyone of them.

YEY! Welcome back :D

photos by jan said...

Fantastic work Jim, beautiful girls, stunning photography. Looks like you had a ton of fun, the challenge worked out well for you too!
You have been missed, glad you are back.

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Oh, wow, Jim, these are absolutely stunning! And, such great subjects to photograph! You all did a marvelous job and these folks were fortunate to have you as professional photographers.
Blessings!

ben said...

It Should be a memorable night for you !! Still your rocking with your camera in Miami beach !! ways to go

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Tameka said...

This looks like a very fun event! I makes me miss Miami night life. You captured the models very well Jim! Welcome back!

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Rimly said...

What a brilliant it must have been and what photography Jim. Glad to have you back. Missed you a lot.