Some events are about one night. The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Sand In My Shoes Gala is about a lifetime of work, and the photographs have to carry that weight long after the room empties out.
This year I had the honor of covering the gala at Jungle Island for the third year in a row. It's one of the events on my calendar I look forward to most, because every year it's both inspirational and a genuine privilege to be the one documenting it.
This Year's Honoree: Cesar Alvarez
The 2026 Sand In My Shoes Award went to Cesar Alvarez, former Chairman of Greenberg Traurig. His leadership helped build one of Miami's most influential firms, and his impact on the city's legal and business community is hard to overstate.
The evening didn't stop with the SIMS Award. Mr. Alvarez was also presented with:
A Proclamation from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
A Congressional Declaration from Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart
Three honors in one night is rare, and capturing each presentation cleanly mattered. Moments like these happen once, they happen fast, and there's no asking the Mayor to hand over the proclamation a second time.
Photographing a Gala at Jungle Island
Jungle Island is a beautiful venue with real character, and that character comes with challenges: mixed lighting, open spaces, and a crowd that moves between the reception, the program, and the dance floor. Covering a gala like this means anticipating where the important moments will happen before they do, while still catching the candid conversations and reunions that give the night its energy.
For the Chamber, the deliverable isn't just a nice set of photos. These images become the record of the night for members, sponsors, the honoree and his family, and the Chamber's own communications for the year ahead. That's the standard I bring to every event.
Three Years with the GMCC
Returning to the same event year after year is something I don't take for granted. It means the Chamber trusts me to know the flow of the evening, the key people in the room, and the moments that can't be missed. Thank you to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for having me back, and congratulations to Cesar Alvarez on a well-deserved recognition.
Planning a gala, awards dinner, or chamber event in Miami? See my event photography work or get in touch to check availability.
Cesar Alvarez receives the Sand In My Shoes Award at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce gala at Jungle Island
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava presents a proclamation to Cesar Alvarez
Congressional Declaration presented to Cesar Alvarez by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart
