Cryptids
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a Cryptid as : an animal (such as Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster) that has been claimed to exist but never proven to exist. Contrary to popular belief, cryptids don't have to be supernatural, mythical, or threatening (although many of these creatures acquire such characteristics as their legends grow.)
“Cryptids” is a documentary portraiture series aimed at exploring the most obscure parts of the Miami night life scene and it’s extravagantly eccentric patrons. Principal photography took place from 2018-2020 preceding Covid restrictions and thus captures an era of unrestricted gatherings before unexpected venue closures. The series was carried out with the use of a simple range-finder digital camera. This small unassuming device facilitated the inconspicuous approach needed to capture the community’s darkest (quite literally) and most “in the know” happenings. The method relied on speedy spontaneity. The resulting images are a veritable rendition of the subjects, achieved within one or two exposures. Candid moments, poses, ephemeral exchanges between friends, the embrace of a lover, passing glances.
The objective is to capture the inherent formalistic flair of the individuals being photographed. All light sources were ambient and provided by the vibrant Miami environment itself; vivid neon bulbs, laser machines, fluorescent lights, stage lighting, and on occasion, police car sirens. The vibrant colors casted on the models help to adorn their essence and provide compositional cues. The chosen subjects are outlandish, eccentric, and elusive. Akin to cryptids like Bigfoot, Lock Ness Monster, or Skinwalkers. Cryptids in a figurative sense. The resulting catalog contains photographic evidence of these wild mythical creatures in their place of dwelling. Not only of their existence, but of their peculiar grace.
