From breaking Guinness World Records to directing edgy punk-rock photoshoots, Stephen Rafferty is a multi-media visionary carving a unique path in South Florida's creative scene. His journey, an “odyssey” as he calls it, has taken him from his early days as a YouTube comedian, honing his comedic style and on-camera presence, to his current status as a sought-after creative force. Rafferty's presence is a fixture at high-profile events, serving as both a media spokesperson and capturing the energy as a photographer. He's been seen on-site at Art Basel Miami, Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week, and Miami Swim Week, among others, lending his creative eye to these influential gatherings.

Most recently, he brought together a diverse group of models and creatives in the heart of Wynwood, Miami, for a creative photoshoot highlighting the raw, edgy exploration of punk rock and graffiti art. This aesthetic, a departure from the typical polished fashion shoot, perfectly aligns with Rafferty's own artistic sensibilities, as noted by artist and producer Karla Sro: “I loved the vision he had for this photoshoot with the alternative aesthetic; I’m all about that as a rock artist myself.” Sro also highlighted Rafferty's professionalism and organizational skills, noting: “He’s really good at bringing people together and being a leader.”

Rafferty's photoshoots have garnered international recognition, with his work appearing in prestigious publications like Milan Weekly, Untold Magazine, Davinci Magazine, Moevir Magazine and Vigour Magazine, respectively. He excels at translating personality and style into compelling images and has a keen eye for spotting up-and-coming talent. When asked about this special knack of his, Rafferty revealed, “The talents featured here in this shoot are prominent talents in their respective fields of fashion, media, podcasting, music and more.” Elaborating on the selection process for the punk-rock shoot, he said all talents were selected based on past collaborative projects, making this shoot feel like “a homecoming and full-circle moment.”

Furthermore, Rafferty’s keen ability to connect with his subjects and translate their essence onto film is evident in the feedback from the models on the punk-rock shoot. “It was a great experience working with everybody,” said model Lina Wolf. “We all meshed really well together.” Skylar Bitzer echoed this sentiment, saying, “Stephen is the sweetest human! He is such an amazing photographer, and every experience that I have had working with him was wonderful. He makes you feel so confident during photoshoots, while also feeling very comfortable.” Even seasoned actor and model Michael J. King was impressed; “This experience was such a joyful experience,” he remarked.

As Rafferty puts it, “When I work with talents, it’s more than participation; it's about paying it forward, empowering them to shape their own artistic destinies. That's always been my driving force.” His background in career coaching and development, where he inspires local college students to pursue their artistic passions, has instilled in him a deep understanding of human potential and creative expression. This empathy translates seamlessly into his work behind the camera, where he creates a safe and supportive environment for his collaborators. This commitment to fostering creative growth extends beyond his work with models. Rafferty's multi-media talents shine through in his creation of web shows, short films, and podcasts. Moreover, his diverse portfolio speaks to his boundless creativity and his passion for exploring different avenues of artistic expression.

Stephen Rafferty is a true creative force, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining the landscape of visual media. His ability to seamlessly blend his diverse skills, from photography to filmmaking to comedic writing, has made him a unique and valuable asset to the creative community. Follow Stephen Rafferty on Instagram @raffnation and visit his website at www.srafferty.com to see more of his work and connect.

Crew

Main Photographer: Stephen Rafferty

Cover Shot Photographer: Mitchell Rivera

Assistant Photographer: Lisbeth Flores

Crew Assistant: DOM

Crew Assistant: Jaime Camino

Talents

Lina Wolf - Model

Skylar Bitzer - Model

Michael J King - Actor & Model

Angelina Matos - Model

Lexis Casiano - Model

Vicky Salas - Host & Model

Karla Sro - Artist & Producer

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