We had the good fortune of connecting with Wellington Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wellington, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet- Thich Nhat Hanh. To me it means to stay grounded, leave only footprints, care for your environment.
It reminds me that I am just part of a web. And we are all interconnected.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart as a photographer is my ability to capture the essence of a moment and convey emotions through my photographs. And it’s almost always related to the music I listened to while growing up in the Dominican Republic, and in the 1990s Washington Heights, New York City. Whether it’s in fashion, portraits, or corporate headshots, I’m dedicated to finding the unique beauty in every subject. My journey to where I am today professionally began with a deep passion for photography and nature, and a determination to refine my craft. I started by taking classes at Syracuse university, reading everything I could find online including Strobist, all while continuously learning and networking with others in the industry. It isn’t an easy path, as I face challenges such as fierce competition, changing formats and securing clients. However, I overcame these hurdles through perseverance, adapting to industry trends, and evolving marketing strategies. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and adapting to the ever-changing photography landscape. Communication and building strong client relationships have been as vital as my technical skills. Collaborating with others in the industry has enriched my experience. Ultimately, I want the world to recognize my dedication to creating stunning visual content. My brand is about bringing visions to life, and I’m committed to delivering exceptional results through quality, creativity, and pushing boundaries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1-2: South Beach – Start with two nights on South Beach, staying in a cozy spot.
– Evening drinks at Mini Bar to set the mood.
– For Cuban cuisine, take my friend to Puerto Sagua for a nice dinner.
– Experience the lively nightlife on Ocean Drive at night.
– Enjoy some late-night cocktails at The ScapeGoat, and Broken Shaker for their awesome drinks.
– Wrap up the evening at Swizzle, a speakeasy.

Day 3: Key West
– Head to Key West for a memorable night.
– Embark on a sunset cruise and explore the vibrant bar scene.

Day 4: Everglades National Park
– Spend a day driving around Everglades National Park, particularly at the Flamingo entrance to safely see some gators and even crocodiles.
– Make a pit stop at Robert Is Here for delicious fruits and smoothies.

Day 5-6: Wynwood
– Wynwood
– Explore the nightlife by visiting Oasis Wynwood and Mad Wynwood.
– Savor a variety of international cuisine at Back Door Monkey.
– Enjoy craft beers at Veza Sur and J Wakefield.
– Delight in Asian food, music, and drinks at 1800 Lucky.
– Sip on cocktails and groove to the music at Coyo Taco and Miami Mojito Company.
– Wynwood Marketplace for any ongoing events.

Day 7: South Beach (Final Day)
– Wrap up our week-long adventure by relaxing on South Beach.
– Spend the day at the beach, enjoying drinks, music, and the beautiful Miami atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I got in invite to Mercedes Benz Miami Swim week by Nicole D and an invite to be part of Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week, and the rest is history! I started as an environmental biologist, with a camera. My first love is nature, but becasue of these opportunities, I also started to love team work and artistic expression.

Website: www.wellingtonguzman.com

Instagram: @wellington_miami

Linkedin: @wellingtonjg

Facebook: facebook.com/wellington.guzman.photo

Youtube: @wellington_miami

Other: Threads: @wellington_miami

Image Credits
Wellington Guzman

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.