2022

May 21, 2022

Asheville’s Fashion Photography Meetup

FASHMOB: A Brief History

August 06, 2019

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"

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.

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

Asheville Headshot Photography

February 14, 2017

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

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.

Royal Peasantry :: Dance of the Fools

April 05, 2016 in Fashion

Here is a quick recap of last Friday night's fashion even at New Mountain Asheville. Royal Peasantry :: Dance of the Fools was a tribute to local designer Michelle Ford.

FASHMOB VI - Review

January 19, 2016

FASHMOB VI - GROVE HOUSE Entertainment Complex

Well the doors have closed on the last installment of Asheville's seventh FASHMOB. Since I started holding these events in 2014, it sure has come a long way. In the past, each event has been held at a different location. This is to give a different setting for people to create and to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

Sarah Johns wearing Angela Kim Designs - hair by Jenna Wilson of Love, Daisy - makeup by Daneille Southcott

This was certainly the first FASHMOB where I have been able to focus on taking pictures (at least for a little while). The shear volume of people in all facets of fashion (designers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, clothing retailers, and jewelry designers) make me pause to think, as I contemplate the next Spring event.

I love the carnival-like / laissez faire atmosphere that the event boasts, but it is evident that some systems need to be in place to assist teams of people who prepare beforehand and designers who need help getting their clothing in and out of the event smoothly.

Terra Kohl Sisk wearing Maria Jose Jeria Llabres designs

Clothing and accessories by Royal Peasantry and Pearla Swank.

There were so many designers and hair salons involved in this FASHMOB. I should wait to give them a shout out, because I am still learning of new business that were involved in the fun. But I will give a big shout out to GROVE HOUSE Entertainment Complex for providing the space to promote local fashion, DJ Deven Balsam for the beats at this event, and Mamacita's Grill for the food.

If my intention hits the bulls-eye, the next event will not only have bigger turnout, but it will attract more attention from regional talent willing to make the trip to Asheville for a FASHMOB event. For the people new to their craft, I hope that these events inspire them to push harder and harder to achieve new heights and take on bigger challenges. If you are a model working on new posing skills, a designer trying to find new inspiration, or a photographer who's next goal is to tackle lighting techniques, just know that there is a community here with great people to help you find your way.

Jennifer Elliott at FASHMOB VI - January 15, 2015

See you all for FASHMOB VII in April 2015!

Aislin at the very first FASHMOB in 2014

Prepping for FASHMOB VI: Inferno

January 13, 2016 in Fashion

After hosting the past five FASHMOB events, the planning doesn't get any easier. As each event grows in attendance, I have to find new venues and businesses willing to help grow with the vision. The mission of FASHMOB is to bring regional photographers, models, designers, hair stylists, and makeup artists together. This is a great networking opportunity for beginners or industry professionals. It is also a fun time, since the event is one giant fashion shoot with tons talent. Here are a few images from past FASHMOBs. The next event is scheduled for Friday, January 15th at GROVE HOUSE Entertainment Complex.

(l-r) Joe Longobardi, Rudi Aguilar, and Jacqueline Lowe at FASHMOB II

Back to Blogging

December 01, 2015

It has certainly been a while since I posted a blog and I hope to be doing it more often. A lot has happened in the last week, that will change the dynamic of Studio 250. I have met a great hair stylist and makeup artist that is in the same building as the studio. Clients can now have a full beauty service option with their portrait sessions.

Monday was a busy day at the studio where I rented it out to Gustina Photography for a head shot session. Then we did a quick shoot with KatDog Couture / InTerGalaCtic Kitty.

Magic, metal, and fashion

May 09, 2014

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...