Q + A with Asheville Commercial Photographer Erin Adams

Meet Asheville Commercial Photographer Erin Adams

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Among leading creatives in Asheville you’ll find a certain pattern. They’ve grown up somewhere in the South. They’ve gone off to build their careers in LA or SF or NYC. And then something — be it family, friends, the opportunity to have studio space — pulls them to Asheville. And in this small town they find community support at a level that’s unheard of in a town this size (or maybe any size). 

Commercial photographer Erin Adams fits right in. She grew up in Savannah, then established herself as a commercial photographer in Los Angeles before moving to Asheville. “I'd sensed the strong community while visiting friends in Asheville, and [when I moved here] I felt it,” she explains. “I didn’t fully trust it in that initial time, but as I’ve lived here it’s proven itself to me time and time and time again. I’ve never lived anywhere that really cares this much about keeping a healthy sustainable community going, which is awesome.”

Erin took a few minutes out of her busy schedule (she was on her way to a shoot at Harmon Dairy) to answer a few questions. I learned quickly she’s not someone to get into elaborate discussions about her process or approach to work. Instead, she likes to let her images speak for themselves. 

Harmon Diary Creamery

DM: How do you approach a shoot?

EA: The thing is, every shoot is totally different, though the first step is always listening to the client's story. You know, I was meeting with this catering company yesterday and I thought it was so endearing when they said, “you know, we have to charge the bigger markets — Raleigh, Atlanta — more so we can help the smaller Asheville folks.”  As a caterer, it costs her the same. But she quotes it differently because she has a heart. Things are changing so rapidly in this small town, with so many people visiting from afar, that businesses keeping services affordable for the locals who've called Asheville home before the hype is commendable.  And I’m that way in my business. 

But I hate talking about money. Because at the end of the day it’s not about money. 

DM: No. 

EA: Like today’s shoot. I just want to support the agriculture community here in this area. 

DM: It’s about the relationships, isn’t it? 

EA: Yeah. I mean, if we can all just support each other and do what it is we do well…

DM: Do you see yourself staying here? Does Asheville really feel like home?

EA: Yeah, it’s home.  It is a beautiful place to call home and close to my family in Savannah and Charleston.

DM: Do you travel much for photography?

EA: The first year I lived here I went to LA a lot. And over the years I’ve assisted other photographers on some bigger shoots.  But I can’t think of anywhere exciting recently. I mean, I went to Spartanburg [laughs]. I guess we [my partner and I] don’t travel enough as we should as people with no kids. We are heading to Sun Valley, Idaho in July and planning a trip to Switzerland/Europe at the end of Summer. Not for work but will shoot for inspiration. Also, in the beginning stages of a book project that will take me near and far this coming year.

DM: What is the photographer scene like here in Asheville?

EA: To be honest I only know a few other photographers here. I don’t feel we compete for work. When I see other photographers bidding or shooting similar jobs, I’m like, “good!”  Everyone has their strengths.

DM: What would you tell that young photographer, that college kid just starting out in the industry? 

EA: You can do it. You must have passion, patience. Be brave and don’t worry if your life doesn’t look like everyone else’s around you. But you must have passion. It’s not easy. It’s not “the norm” per se. 

DM: What’s not the norm?

EA: Just not always being able to feel secure but having faith that you are secure in what you’re doing. And trusting in yourself, trusting that your goals will be achieved: that’s where the demanding work comes in. So, I would say, good luck! You can do it! And relationships are worth more than anything else. 

DM:  What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

EA: I don’t know what I do with my time [smiles]. I don’t watch TV. I don’t troll the internet much.  I read the news and I work. That is the thing about being a photographer that is less glamorous, hours at the computer editing. As soon as the weather warms up I'll be out hiking with my dogs...can't wait for that.

Lifestyle with Dogs
Lifestyle Dog Image

Restaurant Owners, Put Your Best Food Forward: Why High-Quality Images Matter Online

Have you ever had this conversation? “Where do you wanna eat?” “I heard about this newish place downtown, I think called [your name here].” “Hmmm, lemme look them up.” “You check out their website; I’ll look at their Insta.”

According to recent research, 18- to 35-year-olds spend, on average, five full days a year browsing food images on Instagram. And 30% of people in that age group would avoid a restaurant if its Instagram presence were unimpressive. But while many millennials say they check Instagram first when making a dining decision, they also report looking at a restaurant’s website; specifically, not surprisingly, the pictures. * One of the easiest ways to make their decision a “let’s go” for your eatery is professional photos. When they come to your site and your Instagram account looking for mouthwatering images that tempt and tantalize, phone snaps can’t hold a candle to a professional’s and professional equipment. Why? Food Photographers know: All the right angles:

Want to make your already big burger look even bigger? There’s a right angle for that.

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Make the restaurant look spacious and inviting? There’s a right angle for that.

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A plate to look not just full but overflowing? Yup, there’s a right angle for that, too.

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No need to spend hours experimenting; I can find that right angle from the first shutter click.

How to light the way: Lighting means the difference between a good shot and a bad shot. And while phone cameras have come a long way in terms of quality and resolution, they simply can’t address bad lighting the way a photographer can. I have portable lighting and light boxes just for the occasion—equipment that is more costly to buy than hiring a photographer with the goods and the knowledge to use it to your advantage.

Tricks for banishing blemishes: Leave it up to what you can capture quickly with a point-and-shoot and diners could see a drip here, a less-than-green piece of lettuce there. Professional food photographers are trained to spot the imperfections. And if it’s an issue that can’t just be wiped away or the dish remade, I have the skills and equipment to disguise and detract from the problem. 

In other words, I know how to help you put your best food forward. I shoot in an editorial style, blending stories with marketing ideas. I love shooting food and restaurants because I love how food brings people together, has the power to make people happy, and celebrates culture. 

As a professional food photographer, I’m no stranger to restaurants. I’m a regular contributor to several local publications, including WNC Magazine, Smoky Mountain Living and Edible Asheville Magazine, which assign me to shoot so many great food destinations in and around Asheville Along with several other publications.  

My recent work currently on stands includes: Edible Asheville, Smoky Mountain Living (Recipes by Ashley English), Taproot "Hearth" Issue (Mulling), and The Local Palate (East Fork Pottery)  

Want to see the difference going pro can make for your restaurant branding efforts? Visit my Asheville clients: Nightbell, Bone & Broth, Luella's BBQ online and on Instagram. Be sure to "like" them while you are there!

https://heirloomhg.com/nightbell/ 

http://luellasbbq.com/gallery/

http://boneandbrothasheville.com/

PS: Once you’ve hired me to deliver a series of alluring and appetizing food and restaurant images, you don’t have to stop at posting them to your Instagram and website. Use them everywhere, from print and online advertisements to signage; any outlet you choose to increase brand awareness and drive sales. If a picture’s worth a thousand words, a perfectly-palatable professional photo’s worth thousands more likes—online and in person.

*Source: independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/millenials-restaurant-how-chooseinstagram-social-media-where-eat-a7677786.html