Marko Dimitrijevic: Staying Put in Miami

Following my accident, I wanted to revisit an article that I had published back in September. The piece drove quite a bit of feedback for the interest in "staycations" during these unique and travel-limiting times. As such, I wanted to republish the article. However, due to popular demand, I am adding new insights that focus specifically on Miami, Florida. We all have a nice local bias in this community and hoping that this can give an extra boost to those southeastern staycationers. New comments below are in italics.

You aren’t likely to end 2020 with hundreds of digital photos from exotic or faraway destinations. But that doesn’t mean you can’t document a staycation and explore new areas and aspects of your city. Here are some tips how you can capture the excitement and beauty in your hometown.

Focus
These days, we are all learning how to be tourists in our own familiar territories. Pick one nearby district that you haven’t visited and spend some time there. Do a bit of research to learn about the historical and modern sites, and begin by just walking through them. As you allow your senses to take it all in, decide which “untold” aspects of the venue(s) you’d like to capture. Don’t try to get it all on camera. The results will be disappointing and minimize your experience. While there is definite beauty in architecture, taking too many pictures of buildings is boring. You don’t want to end your summer with an album full of dull structures. Think through your shots and consider how you want to add interest in advance. Catch the details, textures, colors, shadows, and reflections. And most importantly, try to add a non-architectural detail to your picture of buildings. It could be as simple as having a dog or a cat wander in front of the building or taking a slow-speed photograph that blurs passers-by.

In Miami, the beaches are so vast that they are practically sites on their own. I therefore picked a specific piece of beach real estate and just dove into it. Really, really took it in. I have to say, when you concentrate, even the simplest things are beautiful.

Be Flexible

Be ready to get bendy and employ unusual perspectives. Whether you are capturing an iconic building or snapping a blooming flower, take the picture from an unusual angle. You may want to lay down on the ground, climb up on a tree, or stand on a ladder. These vantage points will frame the image differently and yield a more exciting picture.

I went to town on this advice. Took pictures from angles that I didn't know existed and the beauty of Miami just gave each shot even greater perspective.

Keep it Real

Remember that even though you might be on vacation, you are visiting a fully functioning and busy city. Let the locals show you their ways and wares. Even if you are a “tourist for the day,” don’t do the (obvious) posed pictures. The most memorable photos are those that capture real life
stories and lives.

This is so true and, once again, perfect for Miami. The busy lifestyle combined with the warm climate gives a perfect blend of seemingly "calm chaos." There is nothing like people watching in Miami.

Don’t Be Shy
When you are taking portraits, don’t be afraid of getting close to your subject. Introduce yourself and get their permission to photograph them. People like knowing you are interested in them. Share with them why you find them (or what they are doing) so fascinating and encourage them to
go about their business as if you weren’t snapping away. Capturing images of motion- a bike rider, dancer, or pizza being thrown in the air- steady your camera with a tripod and employ a very slow shutter speed. The contrast between sharp and blurry images will be dramatic and
story-worthy.

A follow up to this: you'd be shocked how many random people on the streets of Miami are happy to be photographed. The pictures were fabulous and, as a bonus, the people were wonderful.

Find the Food

Every city and every culture has its picture-worthy cuisine. Try to include people in these food images to fully capture the experience. Go to local eateries and ask the chefs to show you their skills. Street vendors and their local delicacies make fascinating photo subjects.
Being a resident tourist means that you can revisit places multiple times to fully explore and capture the beauty in your own backyard and neighborhood. Unlike a faraway vacation, there is no time restriction.

I have to be honest here. I've eaten so much during the last 10 months that I really didn't want to remind myself with pictures. Just rest assured the food was all delicious:)

You aren’t limited to a flight schedule or travel plans. Don’t feel pressure. If you liked the scenery, plan to return. By giving yourself the freedom to have fun and following these tips, the resulting album will be a pleasure to scroll through.

....especially in you live in Miami!!!