This wasn't two trips. This was one long run — Malaga to Dubai, then a 16-and-a-half-hour flight straight to Miami. Two clients, two cities, one suitcase with a portable studio in it. That's the life right now, and honestly, I wouldn't change it.
Dubai: Collectors Gallery
Dubai was all about Collectors Gallery. This was my first shoot with them — I'd met them at Dubai Watch Week a couple of months earlier, showed them what I could do, and now here I was, running their Instagram and building their visual identity. Three months in, and we're already seeing real results.
I was genuinely impressed by their inventory. I've seen a lot of watches through the years, but what they have — you'll see it in the photos. Serious pieces. I brought my portable studio, set up in their space, and just went to work. That's basically what I do: I fly in, I set up, I shoot, and I try to build something that helps them take the next step on social media.
One evening, Ramon — one of the owners — took me to Milos at Atlantis The Royal on the Palm. Michelin Guide selected, seafood, incredible setting. Worth every minute. I always enjoy being in Dubai — it's got a top-level energy to everything.
Miami: Watch Trading Co & Menta
Miami was the second half. I work with Watch Trading Co on all their content — social media, shoots, everything. Always good to be back with the team. The owner had just picked up a new Rolls Royce Cullinan with custom Watch Trading Co interior. Had to shoot that too, obviously.
I also stopped by Menta Watches — Adam and Jordan's "Man Cave" in Miami Beach. I'd met them at Dubai Watch Week and we clicked immediately. The team has serious taste, and the watches they had — an AP Royal Oak with a white Mother of Pearl dial that I genuinely couldn't stop looking at, plus a Patek that's going to turn heads when it comes out. Good to see how another content team operates — we learn from each other.
But honestly? Nothing on this trip beat a sunrise on Miami Beach. That one just hits different. I love the Latin energy of this city — the Mexican food from all the South American guys working there, the live music restaurants, the whole vibe. Not a single taxi driver speaks English, it's all Spanish, and there's something about that which just makes you smile. That's the Miami pull.
