My Tumblr has an Ask Me Anything section. Most people ask questions about my photography gear or where I shop for my clothing and accessories. Here are some of the questions I've been asked. If you have a question, feel free to ask in the comments below or go check out my Tumblr page!
How can I become a fashion blogger/photographer?
You have to have a good eye and a lot of patience to do either. To be a fashion blogger, it helps to have good styling skills so that your outfits are eye-catching and different from the way everyone else is wearing them. It also helps if you have a knack for predicting trends.
One thing people don't realize is how expensive it is to be a fashion blogger, so take that into consideration when you're starting out and brands aren't sending you free clothing yet.
To be a photographer, definitely invest in your equipment and practice, practice, practice to develop your skills and personal style! I studied film photography in undergrad and digital photography for my masters degree and I'm still learning and evolving.
Who are some of your favorite fashion designers ever?
Tom Ford is always amazing and so is Moschino. Right now I'm obsessed with House of Zhivago, Discount Universe and The Fan.
This sheer organza bomber jacket is by StyleWe and available here or by clicking on the photo. Style tip: if you want to wear a lace bra over your shirt, make sure you go up a size. So if you normally wear a 34C, go up to a size 36B or 36C. If you're a size S, go up to a size M. This is definitely a look that requires some planning beforehand.
Who are your favorite fashion photographers?
Growing up, I loved Ellen von Unwerth because of all the energy and color in her photos and Helmut Newton because of how surreal and unnerving his images are. I also loved Jamel Shabazz's photos of hip hop's beginnings in NYC. Right now I'm in love with all the work that Alie Layus, Alex Hainer and Amaal Said are putting out. Female fashion photographers FTW!
What kind of music do you listen to?
I mostly listen to hip-hop and electronic music. I've got the new Bruno Mars, Childish Gambino and The Weeknd on repeat in my Spotify now.
Do you watch any YouTubers?
I'm a huge fan of Pony's makeup tutorials. I try to follow mostly Asian beauty bloggers on YouTube because we have similar coloring and bone structure.
Who is your dream collaboration?
For brands, it would be Stoned Cold Immaculate or The Fan. As far as models, I would love to shoot Adwoa Aboah once I get past all the fangirling. She's gorgeous, has mad style, unconventional and I love what she stands for. She's on a mission with her project Gurls Talk, where she's created a platform where girls can talk about mental health, body image, substance abuse and sexuality. I admire anyone who puts themselves out there to help others and isn't afraid to speak their mind.
What is your day like?
Wake up around 7 am, drink oolong or jasmine tea while checking and responding to emails, DMs, Tweets, Tumblr questions, and IG comments. Then, if I'm not shooting that day, I'll brainstorm and work on producing upcoming shoots. I'll also work on pitches for brand campaigns. If I am shooting, I'll go handle that and then come back and edit the images right away because I like to have a really fast turnaround. After that it's more social media updating and responding to emails and then I hit the rollerskating rink in the evenings. Right before I go to bed, I check email and social media one last time to respond and post new stuff.
What is your dream location for a photoshoot?
Just one? I've got a few in mind: Sahara desert, any tropical beach, Morocco, and India. I don't like to shoot in the cold.
What do you look for when booking models?
Personality and professionalism. I also look for diversity. I don't want to just feature tall, white, size 0 models in every editorial.
Pants or skirts?
Pants.
Where do you look for fashion inspiration?
Recently I've been looking at my old Jamel Shabazz books like A Time Before Crack and Back In The Days a lot. I love the 70s and super early 80s and am constantly inspired by that era in fashion.
What is your sign?
Scorpio!
Who does your hair?
Sarah Vitek of Edge Evolution Salon and Spa in Little Italy, Baltimore, cuts and does the balayage on my hair. She also does the hair for a lot of my photoshoots.
This post was sponsored by StyleWe.
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SPONSOR: Shopbop James Jeans, Chan Luu, Red Carter Swimwear, Rejina Pyo, Sam Edelman, Soave Oro, Trench Coats, Turtlenecks, Carry On Bags, Men's AMI
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