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I recently shared a photograph I made for Corielle on the Jewelry subreddit, and it went viral. It always excites me when a photo resonates. This time, the platform itself made the experience even more rewarding. Reddit hosts communities with very specific rules, cultures, and posting styles. At first, that turned me off. I like the freedom to post what I want, how I want. But I quickly saw how these guidelines keep the communities genuine and spam-free. I respect that.

The photo remains a favorite of mine from the House of Hearts campaign I photographed for Corielle earlier this year. It shows Montana portraying Lauren (you can learn more about Lauren and the history of Corielle). She soaks up the Palm Beach sun by the pool, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a book in the other. Corielle’s rings and jewelry complete the scene. The image celebrates elegance, leisure, and the small, beautiful details of life.

Sharing this photo on Reddit reminded me why I love these communities. Unlike Instagram, where content is often driven by algorithms and entertainment reels, Reddit allows people to connect over genuine interests, photography, jewelry, lifestyle. You share work and people actually care. They critique, they admire, they inspire. For photographers looking for a space where your work is seen and appreciated for what it truly is, Reddit might just be the place to go back to.

This post is my little love letter to photography, to sharing moments that matter, and to the communities that make us better creators. And yes, it’s also a reminder that sometimes, the best responses come when you let people experience your work in its purest form.

Stay tune,

Introduction: More Than a Portrait

When I first met Gerri Koppelman, it wasn’t through a camera. I work as a caddie at one of Miami’s top golf clubs, and that’s where our paths crossed. Caddying isn’t my long-term goal, but it’s help me pay for photography, survive in an expensive city, and stay close to golf, my second love.

What I love most about Gerri is that she’s a real character. She has a lively soul, unmatched energy, and she’s unfiltered in a way that’s refreshingly honest. You always know how she’s feeling because she tells you, right then and there.

That kind of honesty feels rare in the world I move through, on the golf course and in the social environments I grew up in. That’s why being around Gerri feels so good. Even with everything she’s seen and all that she has, she’s grounded, kind, and genuinely herself.

The Plan: Photographing Gerri for Her 72nd Birthday

We got closer over the summer of 2023. She often played golf with a group of women I caddied for, and we built a connection. Around late November, marking one year since her husband Charles passed away, I noticed a quiet change in her. I could feel how much she missed him.

Months later, I kept thinking about photographing her. I’ve seen what my photography can do for women; it brings joy, confidence, and sometimes healing. That’s why I started my “Because You’re Beautiful” sessions, to show women how I see them through my lens.

Gerri had always been so kind to me, and I wanted to give that kindness back through the one thing I know how to do best.

No Crew, Just Connection

We planned the shoot around her birthday in May (It’s Gerri’s birthday again today! Happy Birthday Gerri!), but it wasn’t until the summer of 2024 that we made it happen. When I arrived at her place, I packed the gear I’ve come to trust: two strobes, a reflector, a Nikon with my 50mm, 85mm, and 105mm lenses, a five-foot octabox, a beauty dish with a honeycomb grid, c-stands, and a seamless backdrop. Thank God for push carts.

We set everything up in her living room. No GoPro, no behind-the-scenes videos this time (I think she or I might have gotten a clip for IG or something I remember a video when we shared there). I usually bring an assistant, but this session needed to stay personal and grounded. Sometimes the best energy comes when it’s just the subject and I.

Styling and Confidence: Gerri in Her Element

Gerri doesn’t need a stylist. She could style your favorite stylist. I already knew her nails would be flawless. She comes from a background in the beauty industry doing nails, and it shows. She had a few looks laid out, and together we made choices that matched the energy we wanted to create.

During the shoot, she showed me old photographs of her with legends like Frank Sinatra, Kanye West before he became Ye, Whoopi Goldberg, and I think JLo was in the mix too. It was amazing to see that part of her history. If you look up Charles Koppelman and what he accomplished, it makes sense why their lives were so full of those connections.

I’ve never been big on celebrity culture. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the Atlantis hotel, where it wasn’t unusual to see famous people at the same pool or walking through the lobby. I guess I became desensitized to the idea of fame. For me, what matters most is character. Gerri’s character is what truly stands out!

Moments That Matter: Food, Stories, and the Cigar

Midway through the shoot, Gerri prepared food and drinks, and we sat for a bit. She told me stories about Charles, their travels, and his love for desserts. It was one of those quiet, beautiful moments where the photos almost became secondary to the experience itself. Seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, and feeling the love she still holds for him reminded me why I do this work.

We used a cigar in one of the scenes as a tribute to Charles, who always had one with him. With a little editing, we made it glow like it was lit. It was subtle but meaningful, a piece of memory captured in the frame.

Closing: Your Beauty, Your Moment

This session reminded me why I do this work. Photography isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth, presence, and feeling seen.

If you’re reading this and thinking, maybe you’d like to feel that too, send me a DM on Instagram or leave a comment below. I’ll follow up with a DM / direct email. I don’t use a price sheet because every session is custom. We’ll talk about what feels right for you and build something meaningful together.

Because you’re beautiful.

Stay tune,