Tracing Capone

Al Capone found a winter refuge from Chicago’s chill and scrutiny. His presence still lingers in subtle threads of history. Discreet dinners, guarded estates, and the quiet complicity of a city that welcomed wealth without asking too many questions.

This curated walk follows a logical progression along the waterfront, inviting photographers to capture the interplay of glamour and shadowed past. Each stop offers a moment to compose with intention, revealing layers beneath the surface.

South Pointe Park Pier, 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The southernmost point where bay meets sea. Capone’s arrivals likely passed views like this, quiet thresholds for men who preferred unseen entries. Light rakes low across water and concrete, framing isolation and expanse. Best: 24mm, f/11, ISO 100, 1/250s – deep focus, crisp horizon, subtle wave motion.

 

Joe's Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave.

Capone dined here as “Al Brown,” arriving at 5 p.m. sharp, leaving flowers for Jennie Weiss on Mother’s Day. The restaurant’s restraint still feels like his own—understated power in a public place. Best: 50mm, f/5.6, ISO 200, 1/125s – clean separation of signage from street life, subtle fill flash on white walls.

 

Big Pink, 157 Collins Ave

Bubblegum pink and chrome catch the mid-century afterglow of Capone’s era—places where coffee cooled while conversations stayed low. The color pops against muted history. Best: 35mm, f/4, ISO 400–800 indoors, 1/60s – natural perspective, ambient energy with slight motion in light trails.

 

Playa Miami Beach, 465 Ocean Dr

Ocean Drive’s sandy expanse was the backdrop for Capone’s coastal escapes—waves that carried rumors of smuggled cargo and private leisure far from prying eyes. The beach remains a timeless stage for light and shadow play.

  • Wide zoom (16-35mm) to layer foreground sand with distant hotels and horizon.

  • f/8 for overall sharpness in bright sunlight.

  • Shutter 1/500s+ to capture dynamic surf and figures; burst mode for movement.

  • ISO 100; polarizing filter to enhance sky saturation and reduce glare on water.

 

The Colony Hotel, 736 Ocean Dr

Opened in 1935, this Art Deco icon stood witness to the tail end of Capone’s influence, its neon elegance reflecting a Miami.

  • 24-70mm zoom to frame the hotel’s iconic curves and signage.

  • f/2.8–f/4 at golden hour or dusk for creamy bokeh around illuminated elements.

  • ISO 400–800 for evening light; tripod recommended for longer exposures.

  • Shutter 1/30s–1/60s to soften pedestrian flow while keeping architecture crisp.

 

Muscle Beach South Beach, 873 Ocean

A symbol of physical prowess since the 1950s, this open-air gym echoes the era’s fascination with strength—qualities Capone valued in his circle, set against the ocean’s indifferent backdrop.

  • Telephoto (70-200mm) to compress scenes, isolating athletes against sea and sky.

  • f/5.6 for subject pop with blurred background.

  • Shutter 1/1000s+ to freeze dynamic motion.

  • ISO 200 for clean daylight; fill flash if needed for shadow detail.

 

What Sets Our Retreats Apart

01 / Premium Lodging

Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.

02 / Expert Facilitation

Led by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.

03 / Collaborative Energy

Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.

Where to Find Us

Shuttle transportation is available to and from camp. Participants can be picked up near the York Street Subway Station on the F subway line. Subway access to the F, G, A, C, 2, 3 and B67.

Demo Park
123
Demo St, New York, NY 12345

 

Where to Find Us

Shuttle transportation is available to and from camp. Participants can be picked up near the York Street Subway Station on the F subway line. Subway access to the F, G, A, C, 2, 3 and B67.

Demo Park
123
Demo St, New York, NY 12345

 

Where to Find Us

Shuttle transportation is available to and from camp. Participants can be picked up near the York Street Subway Station on the F subway line. Subway access to the F, G, A, C, 2, 3 and B67.

Demo Park
123
Demo St, New York, NY 12345

 

Where to Find Us

Shuttle transportation is available to and from camp. Participants can be picked up near the York Street Subway Station on the F subway line. Subway access to the F, G, A, C, 2, 3 and B67.

Demo Park
123
Demo St, New York, NY 12345

  
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