For The Love Of Fashion: Photographer, Mikey Asanin
If you’re looking for some fresh flavor, punchy taste, and colorful visual vibes, look no further than Mikey Asanin. Mikey is a New York City-based fashion photographer fusing his unique eye with a pop perspective. He’s shot for publications like Nylon, V Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Bullet, and has big plans for groundbreaking personal projects on the horizon. We caught up with Mikey and spoke about everything from inspiration to getting his start in fashion photography. Check out the interview below.
What was your introduction to photography?
In my early 20’s, I used to work as an art director for an advertising agency. There I was drawn to the photography world by storm. I still remembered the first shoot I did for my friend. It was simple portraits – nothing serious, but it was so fascinating. I love the feeling of creating my own world in the photographs, it made so much more sense than hanging around in a office. I quit my job and pursued a career in photography with literally no knowledge in photography.
How would you describe your shooting aesthetic?
I look at what I did then, and see that I’m fascinated by the same things. In my photographs, it always reflects myself. It feels like I portray or put myself in different characters. I find colors are super sexy. I love pop, strong shapes, and unusual elements.
How do you balance your style with a client’s vision?
I love to figure out what the client wants before I visualize the images. I like to put so many visions and creative possibilities on the table and then narrow down by brainstorming. Working with clients is like making a cup of latte. You put the right portion of milk, then you have a nice tasty blend.
Do you remember your very first fashion shoot?
Yes of course! It was really special to me. I was so young and had a huge chance to work with the established team for my very first fashion shoot. I have to admit that I was quite nervous because the makeup artist I admired asked me to do a beauty editorial with him. The story was “The world is your music video” which featured major beauty looks from the late 80’s music videos. We did iconic looks like Grace Jones, David Bowie, Robert Palmer dancers, and Linda Evangelista from Freedom 90! looks. The story is totally my brand and still relevant to my present work.
There are so many different styles of photography, what draws you towards fashion?
I do know that I like post modern arts, something bold and different. Some of the clothes these day are fun and exciting meanwhile it’s also so normcore. What draws me towards fashion might be how to make those interesting clothes relate to people.
What were some of the most important lessons you learned when you were first taking pictures, and the lessons that you still carry with you?
Never put the blame on anybody. I believe that all the decisions we made while taking pictures are what we already decided and were happy with at the point. It made my whole thinking process grown up too – more responsibility and more preparation. Sometimes it made me such a control freak on set.
Who are some photographers today that you appreciate?
I really appreciate raw, wild, complicated, and understated images. Brianna Capozzi is one of the photographers I’m admiring now. She did an amazing job creating such strange pictures with such low-key elements.
What are some of the things you do to get inspired to shoot?
Paintings, sculptures, art performances, old films, and sometimes good musics.
From the outside looking in, fashion photography can seem pretty glamorous. What are some of the challenges with being a fashion photographer?
I think that the fashion industry here is like a roller-coaster. You have to keep it fresh, relevant, and interesting all the time. One thing I do really love about this career is every year, every season you always see something new. Fashion is also an art that shapes human civilization, so it’s a huge thing I always keep in mind.
The biggest challenge for me here is to connect with people and keep the relationship while creating and directing good work. New York City is filled with lots of people from different places and there are also lots of opportunities!
Do you have any up coming projects you can tell us about?
I have a project that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a series of shorts, about sexual identity in Thailand at very young ages. I want to focus on filming documentaries of the talented young homosexual community. I find these kids are so different and some of them are so so young (like 8-12 years old) but they are so creative and super-talented. They can create such amazing silhouettes just from what they can find from their rural neighborhoods – likes pots or trees… can you imagine? I want to twist the whole idea and polish them into my surreal realm. I’m so excited about this one and I’ve already planned to fly there next year!
To see more of Mikey’s work, check out his portfolio here
If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.
