Capturing the Soul of Cloud Kent: A Glimpse into The Sky Fall Solo Exhibit

There's a certain magic that comes with witnessing a master's passionate work, and this past weekend, I was given the opportunity to experience this magic firsthand. The event was Cloud Kent’s solo exhibition, 'Sky Fall', held at the AC Hotel Marriot Tampa Airport. As an artist, Cloud Kent is a fascinating character, and as a Latino American, like myself, I felt an instant comradery with him. This blog post is an account of my experience photographing this talented artist amongst his creations. The atmosphere at the exhibition was electric. Cloud, a well-known figure in the Tampa and New Yourk City art scene, was busy hosting the event. He was surrounded by his family and friends, all there to support and celebrate his artistic journey. Despite the whirlwind of activity, I was able to steal Cloud away for a quick moment and capture an intimate portrait of him. Photographing an artist, especially amongst their work, is always a challenge. You need to capture not just their physicality, but also their creative aura. I was determined to do this justice, so I directed Cloud to stand in the middle of the gallery room. 'Stand right there, bro,' I said, setting up my portrait light on a stand in the perfect spot to make him pop. Cloud was a natural in front of the camera. He adopted a modest, yet dignified stance, his eyes reflecting the blend of emotion and humility that comes with hosting your own exhibition in full support of his entire family and closest friends. I quickly shot off my camera, ensuring that he could return to his guests and continue the celebration in his honor. The resulting photograph was more than just a portrait. It was a testament to a man who has poured his loveand loss into his craft. Every art piece in the room was a statement to his life journey – his childhood upbringing, his love for his family, and our Latino American culture. Looking at the portrait now, it's clear that the photograph captured more than just Cloud's physicality. It captured his spirit, his dedication, and in particular his emotions. It served as a reminder of the power of art and the impact it can have on the people who experience it. As a photographer, being able to document such an intimate moment was an honor. The 'Sky Fall' exhibition was more than just an art show; it was a celebration of Cloud Kent’s journey as an artist and as a person. It was a celebration of his talent, his dedication, and his ability to create something truly beautiful. In my career, I have had the privilege of photographing many humble artists, and a few flamboyant ones also, but this experience was a standout. It was a reminder of why I love doing what I do. It's not just about creating beautiful images; it's about capturing the essence of people, their life journeys, and their passions. And in the case of Cloud Kent, it was about capturing the soul of an artist shaped by his Latino American upringing. So, here's to Cloud Kent and his incredible 'Sky Fall' exhibition. Thank you for allowing me to document this moment in your journey, and for reminding us all of the power of art and the lasting emotions it can elicit. #cloudkent #tampaartist #yougestintheyachtclub #achotel #artexhibition #vibewithvillage #soulcapturebychavez #tampaportraits