Fashion Photographer Miami – Art Photography – Model with Alligator.

In October 2009 I took my second trip to Miami. Funny! Miami, Florida is a haven for fashion photographers and somehow I managed to escape the charm of this beautiful city by the Atlantic. The weather was amazing and I worked with a few lovely models while I was there.

My reason for traveling to Miami was to shoot a swimwear campaign but I knew that I wanted to take some fashion photography images for my book. I wanted unforgettable images and came up with the idea (although I am sure it has been done a million times) of shooting a model with an alligator on her shoulders. I had no idea how to pull it off and I only had 1 day to do so. We had just a few hours to photograph this vision and it could not have gone smoother from start to finish.

I asked around Miami and a few locals suggested trying “Alligator Alley.” Alligator Alley. The thought sent shivers down my spine. I figured that the model would probably have to have a stuffed alligator on her shoulders and I told myself as long as I did not get in the swamp I would be ok. Guess what? I got in the swamp. And Summer, the model, had a live alligator on her shoulder.

I found Summer through a local modeling agency. I knew she was the right girl when she said, “Sure, I love alligators.” : ) We drove around the region and finally found a spot on the side of the road where they had live baby alligators in a fish tank. Summer had to hold his jaw shut so she didn’t get her hand bit off. The rest is history.

Ps. The reason I got in the swamp was because I wanted the best angle. There were reeds in the picture otherwise. Yeah, i know, stupid. The alligator handler said, “Don’t worry, as long as I watch the water you’ll be ok. I’ll tell you if I see Bessie comin.” Special thanks to Trevor Godinho for assisting me on the shoot, being a great friend and videotaping me in the muck! Makeup by Stephanie Flores.

Posted by: Fashion Photography Blog