SLUG Style: Chloe Akira

Chloe Akira is a spunky Salt Lake City photographer whose enthusiasm and whimsy shines through in all facets of their creative work as they continue to embrace their creative evolution. With a breadth of unique influences and a passion for arts and community, Akira demonstrates how self-discovery can come from connecting with others. Check out her fabulous looks on Instagram at @chloe.akira and see her photography work at @chloeakiraphoto. 

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.

I think my biggest influence when it comes to my style is MUSIC! I love artists such as TV On The Radio, Billie Eilish, Grimes and so many more. I feel like my style evolves as I find more of who I am through what I listen to. Music inspires me so much and I find it so important to every aspect of my life! I would also say my dad. He’s always had killer style. I’ve been wearing clothes from his high school days and his current closet since I was in middle school. I got lucky with a badass dad.

Aside from photography, what are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

Aside from photography I love to play piano, play guitar and sing! I love being involved with music. I also really enjoy dancing, even if I’m not very good at it. A lot of people don’t know this about me, but the hobby I’m actually most passionate about is SOCCER! I’ve played my entire life and even in college. I still play two or three times a week and love it just as much. Who woulda thought, huh?

What locations and settings are you most drawn to for photography? What styles and types of people are your favorite to shoot?

I love to shoot in nature. I love rich, earthy colors. Being in the trees feels like a warm hug fueling my creativity. As for styles and people I like to shoot, I love genuineness—people who are kind, willing to collaborate, who are true to themselves and hold themselves to a standard of good morals. I find it important to work with people who have good intentions and character. Lastly, we are here to have fun and create! I love working with people who aren’t afraid to loosen up and let their colors shine!

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?

When I think of being “on,” it’s not so much the fit but how I feel. If you’re confident and happy with yourself I think you can step out of the house in whatever you desire and rock it. We are not meant to fit our clothes—they’re meant to fit us! I personally think that I could even step out in that “laundry day” fit and look “on.”

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Empathetic, colorful and kind.

How would you describe your style of and approach to photography? 

When describing my style of photography, I feel like I would say it’s very collaborative. I love to shoot with a certain level of my own spunk and thought processes but it’s about my subject, too. It all depends on what/who I’m shooting! I just love colors and a big attitude and personality in my photos, whether that be people, places or things. I feel most accomplished through my work when I’ve successfully displayed my true self along with the subject’s true form.

What is most rewarding about photography to you?

The most rewarding thing I take away from photography would be connection; not only connection to other people but to myself. I’ve found some of my closest and dearest friends through my creative work. I love finding more and more about who I am as a creative through more experiences taking photos.

How has your personal style evolved over time?

I think my closet has evolved so much in the last three years of my life. When I started to express myself more and more through my art, my style got more experimental and more “me.” I found I love colors and funky patterns! Nothing I would’ve tried in high school or even college.

Describe your dream photoshoot. What would that look like?

My dream photoshoot would be in the jungle of an island with all my best friends, but [one where] we get paid for being there, hehe.

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

My advice to my younger self would be: Do not be afraid to speak up. What you have to say is valid and important. What people think of you is not your responsibility and if someone has a problem with you, they have every opportunity to let you know. Be true to you and your morals and fuck what other people think! People who deserve your energy will love you as you are.

Read more SLUG Style features:
SLUG Style: Cake Wish
SLUG Style: Felix Diaz