Introduction

Hello beautiful minds!

In this blog I present my photos and personal experience at the Sound and Style Fashion Ball. Hosted by Gia and Ron Emory of the Sioux City Conservatory of Music, this exquisite event is held at the Abu Beker Shrine of Sioux City, Iowa.

With excitement, I arrive with my photo pass ready to capture art and beauty. I choose to bring only one lens, my main focus being to capture the outfits presented that night: Fuji’s Red Badge lens, the hefty XF 50-140 f/2.8 pictured below.

For more photos of this event and the afterparty, refer to The Nasty Collective, hosted by a talented photographer who also podcasts local Sioux City talent.

The energy and vibe of the fashion ball

The crowd is buzzing with anticipation. There’s an electric hum as first-timers soak in the scene, their eyes darting to the stage, eager to catch the first glimpse of what’s to come. The chatter crescendos and dips like waves, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter or excited exclamations. Though unfamiliar with the event’s flow, everyone is clearly captivated, ready to be swept away as soon as the lights dim and the music cues the start of the show.

I pace around the room, observing multiple angles of the stage and its lighting. I imagine the photographs I am soon to create. The focus of the room is front and center; a light orange glow of fairy lights and bright spotlights lay low on the empty runway. DJ Jesse Jamal spins his tunes to entertain the eager crowd. A large screen is propped up behind him , displaying an array of backdrops and videos as an additional visual element of the show.

challenges and triumphs of shooting the fashion ball

At first glance it seems the venue offers plenty of lighting options for composing a perfect photo. This is on the contrary. Illuminations change from bright to dim along the lit pathway, and without the use of a flash, I have obstacles to face.

There are two main light sources: lights that line the sides of the runway from below and a large screen that projects images from behind. The lighting below is harsh, while dim fairy lights fail to accentuate alone. The screen from behind is a bright and inconsistent backlight that frequently changes colors and luminosity. The resulted shadows cast an almost indistinguishable look.

No big deal. Every artist faces challenges and endeavors every day, and if that statement does not apply, then that artist is not stepping largely enough away from the boundaries of their artistic capability. At initial approach, I figure the solution is to find the perfect angle.

I walk and rotate with my lens, my camera an extension of my curiosity and artistic vision. Playing with lines and rules of thirds, it is all fun until I realize I must consider the erratic movement of the people whom I am to photograph. Each and every person differs in pace and direction of their walk. With some closer to the sides of the stage than others, the task of photographing my mind’s eye is not going to be as simple as setting up the shot and waiting for one to walk into focus at the end of the runway.

So, on my feet, heels, knees, toes, constantly moving and switching positions and perspective, I feel the need (or more so want) to compete with the other photographers in this limited situation. The majority are huddled at the entrance capturing photos straight on in front of the runway… but how could my photographs stand out in the way that one such as I enjoys more than just capturing the moment?

The fashion: a photographers perspective

Finally the event begins, so upon the announcement of each designer the screen displays a clip of a model posing in front of a white backing; A sneak peak into the full walk of each group showcases the work from the 8 designers of the night: Gia, Paris, Paul, Christopher, Jazzy, Rachel-Anne, Jess, and Grace. Below are previews to the photos that follow in pursuit of my artistic vision inspired by their genius.

Gia

Paris

Paul

Christopher

Jazzy

Rachel-Anne

Jess

Grace

The intersection of art and photography

As someone who adores candid photography, this event was an unlimited possibility of photos to take as the models marched graciously down the runway. Each person with their own character, charisma, and flair representing their designer’s artwork.

I wanted to capture the beauty of the models, the emotions of the runway, and how the unique style of each designer affected the personalities who wore it. What I wanted to find was the character of each individual. An insight to their experience was my desire. Lighting and movement was one thing, but the story to be found through the chosen angles of my photographs would portray more: the whole of the scene, the ambiance, and what each person was feeling on that runway that night.

The photos above represent my perspective of the night: A moody ambiance that was dark and mysterious. An exciting experience for many who had never an opportunity to strut down the runway before. The anticipation and expression in result of becoming a walking piece of art, and the joy across the audience's faces as they looked up close and personal at those works of art. This entire experience was a performance art that extended all the way to the editing of the photos on the laptop of this photographer and will continue to reach further beyond that.

Photographing this event has pointed my thoughts towards the way art can reach out and grasp someone through more than just a paper, a canvas or a frame. Recalling the first moments I began to observe and study the lives of other artists- was when I could see the world differently. I saw multiple shades of color while realizing how performance art, architecture, clothing, photography, and all other extensions of the human soul could extend into the lives of many. They are drops of creativity rippling through our souls like watercolor, dyeing and inspiring all that is touched.

conclusion

All in all, the Sound and Style Fashion Ball is a yearly event that I happily encourage your attendance to. You may not only observe, but perhaps indulge your creative hand at modeling or designing as well. The Sioux City Conservatory of Music is a non-profit organization that is very well the lifeline of keeping the creative spirits of Sioux City, Iowa alive. To find out more about what other events and activities they hold, follow the details on their Facebook page, where they have announced next years ball to be on November 7th, 2025.

This photographer proposes an opportune challenge to create photos as captivating as possible regardless of preconceived limitations. Unable to capture every subject in focus, the first shots are filled with experiment and play. The desired outcome of the photographs did not show until further towards the end of the roll. This is all okay with me- the most important thing I reminded myself of is to have fun, relax, and allow myself to create art outside of the boundaries that I have created myself. We cannot expect continuous growth to thrive within comfort and consistency.

If you enjoyed this blog, or even just the photos, consider following me via email to be notified of new blog posts, artwork, and updates on this creative adventure of mine. My blogs will consist of personal artwork, photographs, and insights along the way as I create and hone my craft. If you were at the fashion ball this weekend, comments below which designer had your favorite creations. I would like to pluck a few of my photographs and recreate paintings with them. This ball was an inspiration that does not stop at the runway nor the lens!

Until next time my dear readers– take care and stay creative.

Sincerely, Sun

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