When you hear the name Miami Design District, a few thoughts may come to mind: the impeccable architecture of high-end boutiques, tourists (and locals) dripping in designer apparel, and bold, photo-worthy art installations on display in every corner. Although it's not uncommon to find a group of photo takers in a city like Miami (especially during Art Basel), it was a surprise to onlookers passing by to see a mob of photographers snapping away on a scorching hot summer day.

On August 10th, Shoot My Travel hosted their first-ever photowalk experience: Gathering a band of creatives together to get the best shots in Miami’s Design District. It was a day full of overwhelming colors and sensations. Raindrops luckily passed before any panic of a thunderstorm set in. Drones took to the sky while the Calle-Ocho pioneers from Shoot My Travel anticipated a growing presence in the local creative community.

As the group approached the first stop on the walk at the Museum Garage, a subtle soundtrack of shutters clicking away began to erupt. Everyone was quick to adapt and instinctively started picking different spots as their backdrops. The scenery was set, the models were chosen and the overcast weather would later become a highlight of the evening as colorful smoke bombs dissolved in the air.

The models, bright hues of pink and yellow, and ephemeral smoke bombs brought an artistic flair to the event’s overall vibe. This family-friendly affair was no stranger to kids either as they jumped around creating beautiful portraits. We even had one very large furry guest turn up: a gallantly gentle giant known as Chuleta the Great Dane.

Colorful umbrellas and muscle cars were the bread and butter to this beautiful dinner of telephoto lenses, drones, and (to our surprise) analog film cameras.

Fast-forward 10 minutes and the crowd was already being led to the front of the ICA MIAMI, where the north side of the garage displayed unique murals for the attendees to photograph.

Amidst all of the photo ops, the team orchestrated another highlight: the group shot taken from above. Every turn was an eye catcher, with solid textures, colors, lighting and even people themselves turning moments into memories.

Throughout the walk, Camilo Rojas, co-founder of Shoot My Travel, snapped and collected stacks of candid polaroids of guests like trading cards. His creative touch left a lasting impression on every attendee.

Taking the group of Miami photographers up the escalator towards the final destination, there were only a few sculptures left to pass. The pretty surrounding blue glass and good vibes emanating from the group were a sight to see as amateurs and experienced creatives made this event a remarkable day in the history of Miami’s Design District.

The route flowed smoothly until the group ended up the Jaffa food stall inside St. Roch Market. At the final stop, photographers and photography enthusiasts of all kinds chatted amongst each other and shared their experiences: Strengthening the photography community in the city.

Watch the full video recap of the event above!

Authors: Lucho Escobar, Jack Underwood, Nicole Plunkett