Studio 828 Photography's New Signage And Exhibit

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Dec. 11, 2017 - PRLog -- Cat-Ford Coates, owner and photographer, greeted me warmly as I entered her studio to discuss how her signage and relationship with Asheville Signarama was impacting her business.

"Business is great! In fact, I have a photo exhibition at the Epione Clinic in Asheville until January 31^st, 2018.  It's a showcase of my portraits curated specifically for the clinic, and the largest show I've ever done."

Cat has always been interested in photography.  When she was in High School, she fell in love with the camera, and in college with the photographic darkroom, the process of seeing film come to life.  Her grandfather gave her a tripod, telling her that one day she'd need it.  "He always knew" she said.  But it wasn't until 2012, when an acquaintance asked her to take photos of him and a friend for a dating website, that photography drew her back.   She has since become known for her portraits.

"I was 15 or 16 years old when I fell in love with photos, and how the story behind them impacted people.  Each photo captures a unique moment in time.  You're creating tangible memory with every picture."

So why portrait photography?  "A person's face reflects their journey and I am privileged to act as a mirror.  This allows me to show them what their children see, their spouses, their loved ones, and how they hope to be perceived.  It allows them to see the person they are at their very best today," explained Cat, "and to have photographic evidence that they are enough, exactly as they are in the moment.  Every smile line, every wrinkle, weight gain or loss, grey hair or no hair, is something we've earned through our lives.  It's who we have become, and that is wonderful and exciting to see.  It is such an honor to do what I do."

"Most of my clients are women from 8-80 years old.  I often provide custom portrait branding for business owners – which allows me to provide a cohesive context for their company's image or brand, and is more than a simple headshot."

"Outside of my business clients, I photograph individuals, families, and generations.  My clients range from young families, to high school seniors, to individuals celebrating milestones or personal victories.  Everyone's story is just a bit different.  Often, there's a piece that is humbling, and in many cases very exciting.  At the end of the day it's about simply holding space for the subject, allowing them to step into their full power, and capturing that moment."

"I'll never be the photographer who simply loads images on a thumb drive and throws it at the client.  That isn't service.  Every image sold in my studio comes both digitally and printed. That's my purpose, to create part of their legacy with them. The reality is, I work with my clients to have the portraits they choose to be printed.  This is truly when the image has its greatest impact."

When Cat needed signage, she initially tried to work with another company.  "They seemed so busy and I was continually waiting," Cat said.  "I decided to call Asheville Signarama. I spoke with Arlene Sullivan, who worked with me to quickly provide the signage I needed.  It impressed me that my first order was less than $100, but they treated me as if it were $10,000.  When I needed photos on a much larger format than my professional lab could provide, I spoke to Ed Sullivan, who worked with me to provide the sizes I desired.  They printed a variety of samples, which allowed me to choose the best way to print my photos.  They wanted me to succeed, so showcasing my work was as important to them as it is to me.  I cannot recommend them highly enough.  They treat you as more than just a customer.  They show you that you are valuable."

See several of Cat's award-winning pieces at the Epione Clinic for Integrated Healing in Asheville.  The exhibition, entitled "Come as You Are," is on display through January 2018.

About Studio 828 Photography

Studio 828 Photography is Asheville's go-to portrait studio.  Specializing in a variety of shoots and styles, Cat-Ford Coates is dedicated to providing a safe environment and experience to show the world the real you.  Every photo is a celebration of you and where you are at that moment.  For all your portrait needs, whether business or personal, Studio 828 is here for you. For more information visit http://www.studio-828.com.

About Asheville Signarama

Asheville Signarama is Western North Carolina's full-service sign company.  Asheville Signarama is an independent, locally owned company which has quickly risen to the forefront of WNC's sign needs.  With over a century of experience in sign design, marketing expertise, manufacturing, and installation, Asheville Signarama can tackle even the most difficult and challenging projects with amazing results.  Visit http://www.signarama.com/nc-asheville

Disclaimer: This press release is for information purposes only.