asheville

FASHMOB: A Brief History

If you are reading this blog, you may be thinking about attending the latest FASHMOB on September 26th at Sugar Britches (17 Foundy St - Asheville). This meetup has become very popular with models, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and designers. No matter if you are a seasoned professional or brand new to your craft, FASHMOB is a fun time. The time of the event will be from 5:30pm to 8pm.

FASHMOB II at Crow and Quill - Asheville, NC

Betsabe Fregoso and Ginger Wilde at FASHMOB III

The history of FASHMOB in Asheville is simple. Years ago, I had a burning interest to get into fashion photography. I realized that is hard to get into it when you don’t know where to start. Who is going to want to shoot with me? How do I meet the right people? Then, local photographer/film maker Rudy Aguilar, made a Facebook post for a meetup of local photographers and models. I jumped at the chance and met him at Wedge brewing. There was one model and four photographers. I couldn’t even stay long enough to shoot, but I thought that was the coolest thing. I kept asking Rudy, “When is the next one?”

The meetup at Wedge in 2013 that inspired FASHMOB. l-r Rudy Aguilar and Joe Longobardi

After about a year, I decided to start a meetup myself. In the fall of 2014. I created an event called Fash-Mob and we met on top of the Civic Center Parking Garage. It was cold and a total of 9 people showed up. It didn’t really matter to me how many people showed up, as long as someone did. The aim was to meet new people and make images. Since 2014, it grew and grew to what it is today.

The very first Fash-Mob 2014. Tommy Propest, Scott Duncan, Craig Burgwardt, and myself.

Amber Victoria at the very first "Fash-Mob"

FASHMOB VI - Royal Peasantry crew.

What is FASHMOB really? The best way to find out is to look at the past FASHMOB events. Look at the photos, read the comments, and read the “about” sections. It started out as a free-for-all where people just show up to mingle and create. It has evolved in such a way, where some people plan with a team weeks in advance for some elaborate shoots.

FASHMOB VIII at Salvage Station

Ivy Hawkins - FASHMOB XI

Ivy Hawkins - FASHMOB XI

Eric France getting creative at FASHMOB V

The meetup for FASHMOB XIII: New Beginnings will be at Sugar Britches in the River Arts District.
I chose this place for it's amazing dedication to fashion and local designers. The surrounding area is full of top-notch graffiti for an urban backdrop. Sugar Britches will have a dedicated rack of outfits that can be borrowed for this event! Photographers and models are encouraged to stop in the two weeks leading up to the event to reserve an outfit or available props. Another bit of exciting news is that The Cabaret at Sugar Britches will be available to makeup artists, hair stylist, and models from 4pm onward to prep for the event! This is the spacious area in the back of the store with many couches and chairs. Other businesses may want to participate. I will update everyone on the official Facebook event page with any updates.

Click here for the official FASHMOB XIII: New Beginnings event page.

Must watch video produced by Anthony Harden of Alt Media Pros

FASHMOB IX at Riverview Station

FASHMOB X

Chihuly at Biltmore Estate

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For months, I heard that Chihuly at Biltmore was a thing to experience. I really didn’t know what it was, until we went during the day and saw some of the glass artwork. After that visit, my wife and I made it a point to return to see the display at night. We kept it in the back of our minds, but time was running out and the Chihuly exhibit was ending soon. Finally, we found the perfect time to visit. With just two days left until the end of the exhibit, we decided to go. Here are some images that I was able to capture that night.

Asheville Headshot Photography

musician and hair stylist Holiday Childress

musician and hair stylist Holiday Childress

Over the years, I have tried my hand at a lot of different genres of photography. Most recently, I find that most enjoyment can be found in portrait and headshot photography. Asheville is a wonderful city to "get lost" in your craft and it is also a great place to find yourself. 

Whether a client is needing corporate headshots for business or theatrical headshots for acting, I spend the first part of the session just talking. I really, really don't like to get my picture taken, so I can assume that most other people don't either. One of the keys to great headshots is to put the client at ease from the very onset of the meeting. Sure there are technical aspects that are needed for a great shot, but getting the person to connect with you (and the camera) is very important. 

professional headshot will Noora

professional headshot will Noora

Most portrait sessions are taken at my studio, since there is so much equipment available and weather is never an issue. Sometimes shooting on location is needed. While shooting in the studio is very familiar, I really love shooting on location. Weather it be on a downtown street or in a law office, I love the challenge and the variety of options on each location. 

Magic, metal, and fashion

Last weekend was all hands on deck with all of the assignments to cover. At first, a portrait session on Friday and a band shoot on Saturday seemed like a nice calm weekend of shooting. Late last week, Kelsey Anne Carter asked If I was available to shoot photos and video at the Weekend of Wonder Magic Show at Asheville Community Theater. I said there was no way, unless someone else could work with me take over when I have to go do the other shoots. All in all, it worked out nicely, because Rudy Aguilar of Paper Street Fotography was willing to tag team the three day magic show with me. Last weekend I think I took the most images that I have taken at one time. Here are some of my favorite images from last weekend...

Magician Maxwell Blade

L.A. Magician Eric Stephens

Asheville Metal Band - Amnesis