Chick Chat: Behind the Lens with Tasha Bleu
Images: Tasha Bleu/Treu Bleu Media
MEET TASHA BLEU. VISUAL ARCHITECT. CREATIVE DIRECTOR. STREET STORYTELLER. MUSE FINDER. BOSS BABE.
We’ve said before that creativity is about connecting things. Whether that be through a universal language like sneakers, sports, art, or photography – all of it brings us together by telling a story that we are intrigued by and can relate to in some way. Within our Chick Chat series, we get a chance to vibe with boss babes behind the scenes in these industries and learn more about what it takes to flourish in your own lane while lifting others as you climb. Being a boss isn’t always easy, and our next interview is with a woman who understands that hard work creates a foundation for success.
Tasha Bleu is a DOPE photographer who understands the beauty behind the lens. She’s worked with a plethora of our favorite brands providing media outlet services, and is more than likely the credit behind some of the best photography you’ve seen while scrolling on the ‘gram.
Watching Tasha navigate so effortlessly through the streetwear/sneaker industry, you would think photography isn’t as hard as it looks. Point a camera and shoot, right? Wrong. In actuality, having the eye and the vision for creating an unspoken narrative through capturing a moment in time takes skill. Tasha has created her own roadmap for making major moves, and we were honored to vibe with her about her work, how to stay focused, and sneakHER style. She’s basically my photography fairy godmother (in my head). Catch all her gems below, in her own words.
Image: Tasha Bleu
TASHA’s JOURNEY… IN CLIFF NOTES.
I’m from Rhode Island, I went to school in North Carolina, I established my career in New York and now I live in Los Angeles. I jump started my career in the media industry by attending NYFW and FNO in New York (RIP Fashion’s Night Out). In December 2010, I was featured in Elle Magazine! - That meant a lot to me as a young woman coming from the smallest state with no support system. In May 2011, I started contributing to HYPEBEAST based in Hong Kong and I started photographing Pharrell regularly. That’s when I realized that I could make a full-time career as a photographer and that’s when I built my client base. I shoot for several media outlets who always want to see how men & women are styling the latest sneakers!
Image by Tasha Bleu
WHO RUN THE WORLD?
Times are evolving because more female bosses are opening doors for up-and-coming female bosses. I overcame several challenges as a female entrepreneur in the streetwear, fashion and entertainment industries but the best part of owning my own company is that I can always create my own opportunities, my own platforms and my own committees. I don’t have to wait for anyone’s approval and I don’t have to be discouraged by anyone’s “NO” - because I know what I bring to the table and I know when to leave a table that no longer serves me. A powerful woman can stand out in any industry by just being herself at all times. The rest will align! That’s a major key! Shout out to all the women who can relate! (AMEN!)
Image by Tasha Bleu
RESPECT THE SHOOTA…
I have connected with several brands at tradeshows over the past 9 years and I have a lot of corporate clients now. My journey has been interesting because I negotiate my own deals and now I’m negotiating global deals with the world’s top advertisers like NIKE, JORDAN and CONVERSE. I’m always finding ways to get better and better. I shoot for businesses of all sizes and no matter who I shoot for, I always use a lot of color in my photography and I cast diverse talent. I always try to capture women in a heroic state so I turn down clients who want me to shoot women doing anything else besides being confident in their own skin. I have to stay TREU to myself no matter the dollar amount or circumstance.
Image by Tasha Bleu
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY…
Just like sneakers, I base my photography work on function and form. My creativity is driven by purpose so I’m not in a race to post content on social media daily, I’m more focused on pacing myself and making sure that I take my precious time to produce photo and video assets for my clients that will last a lifetime.
TASHA UNLOCKS THE CHEAT CODE FOR BOSS SNEAKER SHOTS…
● Do it your own way, Find a signature style.
● Depth of field always helps, scout locations.
● Don’t think about it too much, have fun!
Image by Tasha Bleu
HOW THE EAST COAST IMPACTED TASHA’S STYLE…
As a photographer, growing up on the East Coast taught me how to create in any weather. I have done several sneaker shoots in the pouring rain or even in a winter snow storm. When it comes to my personal style, I’m a big fan of bespoke denim but I really like low key minimal pieces with a good pair of limited edition sneakers!
Image by Tasha Bleu
SNEAKERS IN HEAVY ROTATION IN 3..2..1
● My Nike AF1 Sneaker Skates
● My Jordan 1 Miami Exclusives
● My Adidas Originals Falcons
SHOP SNEAKER STYLE INSPIRED BY TASHA BELOW
A BRAND THAT GETS US…
I love what KITH is doing for the female demographic. I’m very happy to see that KITH WOMEN is still thriving and creating a brick and mortar space for women to shop for pieces IRL.
Image by Tasha Bleu
ADVICE FOR THE SHAWTIES…
My advice is to always stay productive, not busy! A lot of people stay busy on projects that don’t have an impact on the trajectory of their career. Whether or not an opportunity is paid, make sure you make the work stretch and the results pay off!
Image by Tasha Bleu
IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
As an entrepreneur, I have no days off not even on the weekends because I have international clients in different time zones . I’m constantly negotiating deals on a daily basis. Some deals take years to come to fruition. I’m grateful for a solid team to help me execute concepts so you can expect more divisions of TREU BLEU MEDIA. Stay tuned for TREU BLEU everythingggggggg!