Back in Philadelphia action!

Wow, what a whirlwind of activity the past couple months. I have been in over 6 states and in various mental states as well! The road trip went well – no accidents and lots of adventure! My favorite highlights included modeling for Southern Atmosphere Photography, Savannah, Ga., Florida kayaking in the Everglades (with alligators!) and of course, snorkeling in the Bahamas – nothing beats a tropical paradise! Below are some shots from the trip…

Then when I got home, it was back to shoot for a dear friend’s wedding – and what a wedding it was! As soon as the bride releases her pictures, I will do the same! The following weekend I was co-shooting another wedding out in Yardley, Pa. with a full, fun-filled day as well. More wedding pics to come as soon as they are ready to be released! As well as some adorable kids photos as well, they were just too cute to contain. Modeling has been steady and productive – as the weather heats up, so does the industry! Next week I am modeling for two of my favorite photographers and staying local so a modeling update is in the making as well;) This summer I will be doing shooting some modeling portfolios for clients as well as YIP (Young Involved Philadelphia) for their summer event at North Shore Swim Club on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 5-9 p.m. Come out and make your political voice heard – and seen! I will be the staff photographer so you can’t miss me:) There will be music, food, drinks, an art auction and swimming – naturally. I will also start delving into video production with inspiration from Poptent.com, which may be a future collaboration. I have had this idea for a “Girls Behaving Badly” skit for forever and know just the perfect partner in crime to make it happen with! Who knows, maybe it will even go viral! Stay tuned until next time and thanks for following my life in a nutshell.

Spring has sprung!

I will start off this blog update with pics from random adventures and of course some modeling shots too, see above! So since the last update, I have been a very busy bee. First up is the advertising shots with Rex Alfes Photography ranging from Penn State clothing to company clothing such as:

Always a goofball, this shoot turned into me being a second photographer for an upcoming wedding in May. Then I was off to explore the Nardon Chiropractic Center in Malvern for some serious deep tissue massage. I highly recommend them as my crooked back has never felt better! Working with Creative Images by Skip in my favorite area abandoned building was a blast – literally with 45 mph wind gusts. We were very happy with the results and nothing that a hot bath can’t fix afterward. One photographer who I shoot with frequently is WS Foto and this time we did a transgender shoot. It was interesting because instead of portraying a feminine woman, I had to get inside the mind of a man – and make-up too. I did some large brows and angled contouring. (Don’t forget you can always see instant updates on what I’m up to next on my Facebook page). Three of my frequent haunts lately have been Zesty’s happy hour (mussels and calamari and hummus, oh my!), Laxmi’s Indian Grille which I love anything on the menu and am never disappointed and Barcade downtown where you can get lost in childhood video game land.

I was then contacted by an amazing artist in Maryland, Toby Mendez, who is a well-known sculptor and pioneering artist of our time. That trip led me into a week-long modeling tour to work with so many amazing photographers: Tortured Artist Dominic at O’Hair Salon (see pics above) as well as Billy Monday. From there, I headed to Gettysburg and modeled in an abandoned house (see pics above) as well as some pin-up military/Nascar and calendar projects. Since I was already close to home, I stopped by the home front B&B to visit my dad and was sent home with delicious chicken chili!

It was a random humming of a song from Goyte and Kimbra that led me to the concert at Tower Theater. What a great venue and an amazing shot! Certainly a reason to return – well, that and I can bring my professional camera and no one will bother me Kimbra opened up for Goyte and held her own ground very well in a Katy Perry inspired blue cupcake dress shortened and 80′s vintage style. Then she joined in for the famous song “Somebody That I Used to Know” in the middle of Goyte’s set. He mentioned instead of everyone recording the song on their cell phones that perhaps we should all use our memory instead. I tried to define his style after the set and all I could think was Jamaican robot music, Radiohead, some Def Lep drumming beats and well, finally a new sound that blows you away. Bravo, Goyte!

That was my magnificent return to Philly (and I knew I was when people were yelling, “Shut the #@#$%^ up!” to someone yelling “Freebird!” in the middle of the concert.) It was back in action with magazine submissions for Zakiyah Caldwell. Tonight I return to Project Sunshine volunteering. We could really use some more volunteers! Please e-mail me at cassiehepler@hotmail.com if you are interested in donating two hours a month to brighten someone’s day.

This week I am doing some advertisement shots for reYOU Massage as well as checking out Delta Spirit at Union Transfer. Saturday there is a Beef-n-Beer by Mental Poison to benefit Leukemia, featuring the radio show host and comedy show. This weekend has me all over the city doing masquerade mask modeling and modeling for some old school polaroids (which I used to love as a kid!) Two of Philly’s beloved socialites will be leaving for Washington, DC soon and are having a goodbye party at King’s Oak… if you know them, stop by!

Next weekend will be many gallery shows which are worthy of stopping by. First up is Gallery ML‘s First Friday show at the new location at 411 Arch St. Then on to the talented Liz Besanson‘s gallery show in Delaware. She is a beloved old friend of mine and well worth the drive! From there I will somehow attend A Silent Film‘s show, this time a paid concert though (see my older blog posts for pics and a review!) They are just too awesome to miss! And to round out that crazy weekend will be a bachelorette party downtown and all around to one of the cutest and goofiest couples I know.

Then driving and Caribbean cruising south and stopping to smell the roses along the way – maybe some modeling gigs but for sure some fun in the sun and adventures to always remember! Until we meet again

The winter that wasn’t

I hate the idea of global warming and all the horrible things that come along with it… minus this winter that has more sunshine than snow! I’ll take it! But I am still dreaming of sunny beaches like last winter in California. So I’m going south! A road trip is set for April with stops in North Carolina, Ft. Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. This is part of the cruise that I scored in Las Vegas last year so we’ll be cruising our way on Caribbean Cruise line to paradise. Apparently, Grand Bahama Island has a 6-mile underwater cave system and I plan on kayaking and snorkeling my way through it all! I can’t wait:) And when I return, I get to shoot a good friend’s wedding at Artesano Iron Works. What a great month ahead indeed! Of course, I will be shooting my heart out all month and providing pictures for your viewing pleasure.

On the work front, modeling is picking up yet again as the warmer weather comes, so do gigs. I shot a Sweet 16 birthday party for a wonderful family and what a great gang of kids (see pics below). The family loved the pics so much, they are referring me to all their friends and family. Now that’s good business! Plans for fashion week got pushed back to the fall which is just fine with me. I enjoy NYC in the fall so much more than a windy winter, plus it gives me so many more outfit options! I am looking forward to this year and what it has to offer me… I’ll be waiting with open arms (and heart!).

Website relaunch party fun!

The website relaunch party, held at Bourbon Blue in Manayunk, was quite a success! We raised a couple of hundred dollars for Career Wardrobe not to mention all the clothing donations people brought in as well! The hot chocolate Patron tequila drinks were a hit as were the tasty appetizers and delicious cupcakes from pastry chef Dana Prophet which made their way to The Grape Room later that night with a crew of people in tow. I am happy and blessed to be surrounded and supported by such wonderful friends and industry folks who have become good friends. Thanks again to Philadelphia 76ers, Yoga on the Ridge, Laxmi’s Indian Grille, Tony Laguda Formalwear, Mad River Manayunk and The Arden Theater for all their generous donations. And last but certainly not least, Turning Page Media for being the public relations guru that made my party dreams come true! Here are some shots from the amazing photographer Daimon Paul

… enjoy!

New year, new experiences

This year I am delving into some unknown territory and loving every minute of it! Since the last time I blogged, there have been a few trips to the Jersey Shore and trying to soak up the last rays of precious sunshine. More shows at The Grape Room and another trip to the PA Renn Faire were in order as well. Some mountain biking and yoga classes were squeezed in as well. More modeling and photography projects were sprinkled throughout the fall of 2011 as well as some Halloween fun at the Peter Steele memorial concert and The Great Socio Halloween party followed by my new favorite sushi spot! Yum!

A medley of new freelance jobs are coming through, including photography for UpcomingEvents.com which will have me all over the city! Field House for New Year’s was my first assignment, let’s see where I end up next:) Patch.com writing and photography assignments have now included Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. I am meeting with OnlyinPhiladelphia.com to do some writing and photography as well. It’s great to be a well-rounded creative machine:) If only I had a clone!

On the photography tip, I shot a lovely wedding in November (see pics below!) as well as modeling right next to New York City (see pics below!) and also did some boudoir shots for a client’s husband (see pics below!). This month, I will be shooting professional promo pics for ReYOU Massage (who the owner is a great masseuse by the way) and also picking up some freelance writing for the Philadelphia Tribune‘s Metros. And let’s not forget about the website relaunch party: https://www.facebook.com/events/321497791217607/ Come one, come all! (See the whole blog post for more information below). This month also has me traveling to Lancaster for Scott Church’s gallery show. Some amazing friends and photographers celebrate art and beauty all in one space! Lots of modeling projects set for January as well. Somehow me and an amazing photographer from Hoboken (just outside of NYC) caught the last rays and warmth of summer and shot in my new favorite abandoned building all day – it was inspiring and great! I am also looking forward to February for once. Not the cold part but the NYC Fashion Week part! I was offered to be a co-photographer with the lovely Laura Keen and will shooting my heart out as well as attending some amazing parties. Keep an eye out for great things in the new year!

Occupy this!

Me and my partner in crime for the day, the lovely and talented photographer Laura Keen took an unusually sunny December day to go explore Occupy Lancaster for ourselves. Armed with knowledge of the mistreatment of “police” in New York City (i.e. the men in uniform who were hired from Wall Street companies), it was a pleasant surprise to run across true democracy in action. Protesters told us they had the cell number for the chief of police and would communicate via text frequently, especially if they knew there was going to be an upset in the campground community. Just like the other protest sites such as Philadelphia, a lot of homeless and mentally ill people (who make up a vast majority of the homeless because they cannot get help through our lovely health care system) come to the Occupy areas to sleep, eat and survive. And just like anyone with an untreated illness, disrupt and confusion is bound to happen. But unlike the red tape that Occupy Philadelphia protesters had to run through, the Lancaster land had a surprising laid back and comfortable atmosphere. Complete with hay and horses, the police strolled about the camp with protesters asking the horses name (which was Ozzy, by the way). The police also allowed camp members to use their bathrooms. It seems these police understood they are in fact part of the 99% when it comes down to it. The people we met were friendly and apparently the word of the peaceful nature of this camp spread. People were hiking on foot from Philadelphia to Lancaster and camping along the way. We’ll see how everyone holds up as the temperature drops. But at least for now, I am proud to see the beginning sparkle of an American revolution.

You are invited to my website relaunch party!

I swear my blog ate itself… does that ever happen to you?

Anyway, I want to share with you all some very exciting and important news! First of all, you can view what’s happening and what I am up to almost every day at www.facebook.com/cassiescouture. Secondly, I am having a website relaunch party! https://www.facebook.com/events/321497791217607/ Come one, come all to spend time with me and other professionals to celebrate a new year of wonderful possibilities!

Here’s the scoop:

With a new year comes my revamped website launch party! Come join industry professionals, friends and more for an evening of celebration. There will be FREE Patron tequila as well as drink specials and FREE appetizers, a gourmet cake by Dana Prophet (www.the-pastry-prophet.com) and giveaways from Main Street Manayunk businesses.
Public relations guru Turning Page Media has invited Career Wardrobe to join the revelry and collect optional donations or bring a suit, shirts, shoes, skirts or other business attire to help others climb the corporate ladder. There will also be a Philly2Night.com photographer there so dress to impress
Everyone and anyone is invited – the more the merrier!

Location and Time:

Bourbon Blue

2 Rector St. in Manayunk

Philadelphia, PA 19127

From 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

I hope to see old friends and new friends who I haven’t met yet! Feel free to bring anyone you want. You can view it as a fun, free time or a fun, free time to network and meet some wonderful industry people and professionals in the city. Either way, it will be a blast. Look for the lady in gold – that’s me!

Engagement shots

I have been blessed to be part of this goofy and completely in love couple’s engagement shots. From the birthday party that became an engagement party to these adorable photos to the wedding in April, I can’t wait to continue to document how beautiful love can be. Not to mention look at that black diamond! The future groom did very well indeed!

Falling hard

Welcome back to my blog! I have been a busy little bee lately but not too busy to show you my new Facebook link to keep updated on my latest modeling, writing and photography at www.facebook.com/CassiesCouture. The months have been flying by with the end of summer (*tear*) and the beginning of fall (*smiles*) with multiple writing and photography assignments for Patch.com and will be expanding my coverage areas to multiple suburbs soon.

I am still enjoying the hardcore workouts at HOTBOX Yoga http://www.hotboxyoga.com/. If you think you are in shape, try one of their classes first! Me and my partner in crime have been exploring the area like mad lately with biking trips on the Wissahickon trails and the Towpath. We did some kayaking this week exploring the river and discovering a bona fide tiki bar someone constructed on the river’s edge. Further exploration is in the works before it gets too cold to play outside as well as a fall BBQ and beer at chez Cassie.

My good old friend S. Jenx has opened an art gallery on South Street. He is the curator/gallery director for The Aktion Gallery in Philadelphia, which is a part of the Arts on South, a program affiliated with Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. They are currently located at 641 South St., but are relocating to a larger space at 535 South St.,  which is right in the heart of the South St. District! From the last time I popped down, he said the gallery will be closing for the Halloween season but will reopen afterwards. If you are interested in the opportunity of showing your work, please send roughly 10 low resolution files to entries@thefallstudios.com and he can begin reviewing your work!

We finally finished the calendar shoot for my friend, pics to come – it’s meant as a surprise and I don’t want to burst the anniversary bubble! Some of my photography coverage included vintage baseball photos at Gorgas Park and Yunker’s changing ownership and names to Lucky’s Last Chance, which will carry craft beer and fancy burgers. I already taste-tested it and they are Cassie approved! Yum! I also did some second shooting for the talented and amazing Laura Keen http://laurakeenphotography.com/ for an adorable couple’s wedding in Phoenixville. See below how cute they are!

The following day landed me at the Penn’s Landing Festival, which we weren’t so impressed with the musical selection. At the same time, I was switched my car insurance from State Farm to Progressive however State Farm decided to still charge me. So I spent that week fighting them for my money back. It’s amazing how many people just don’t know how to do their jobs. Regardless, I am glad to have Progressive and with the snapshot device you plug into the car to see you are a safe driver, you can save another 30 percent! Holla!

One of my beats for Patch.com includes the monthly Manayunk council meetings which also landed on my birthday. I had a wonderful day with a sloppy breakfast at iHop and some dress shopping, followed by goofing off with my friends and dinner at Agiato in Manayunk with a medley of loved ones. What a wonderful place with a European rustic feel, a wide array of meats and cheeses, huge salads and a delicious beer selection which will have me and my friends coming back for more. My birthday week continued with covering the Roxborough Civic Assoc. meeting and shooting a modeling portfolio for a lovely Polish model Paulina, see below! Make-up, hair and styling by yours truly.

The weekend continued with the PA Renn Faire with my lovely ladies. We came, we saw and we conquered! And we may return again this fall. There’s something running around a large renaissance amusement park for adults – oh, and kids – that is just decadent! The next morning we set out to canoe at Northbrook Canoe, my good friends family business in West Chester, Pa. What a lovely day and fun time – next time I would like it to last for hours on end, which may be a realistic possibility! I passed on The Big 4 Concert in NYC (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax) but got the play by play instead. At the same time, my Blackberry died so I was forced to get an Android which I love so much! Smell ya later contract with Verizon. Hello Virgin mobile! They have $55 a month plans (it is the Sprint network) which includes unlimited talk, data and text. Try to beat that with a stick!

My family came to visit and we ate out all over the city. First up was Please Touch Museum for my niece and overnight at the Aloft Hotel where we swam and sang our hearts out when everyone left the pool. My dad’s favorite spot the Manayunk Brew Pub did not have their Sunday jazz brunch buffet due to the flooding and recent reopening but we made due regardless.

Some modeling is sprinkled throughout there with a German magazine and damsel in distress shots, always a good time and more acting than modeling. Project Sunshine always takes priority in my life and looking forward to next month’s Halloween theme – perhaps in costume! I will be She-Ra with Skeletor and Frosta by my side. We paid the Mann Center a visit to see Du Yun, which was quite an experience to say the least. I left feeling giddy, confused and slightly disturbed. The Hero Thrill Show was also a break from the norm with all sorts of public service officers, equipment, cars, gadgets and my favorite park the sweet potato fries! Today I am a writing machine, trying to finish my column and interview a band before heading to Nocturne tonight. Why? Free tickets! Why not? Until next time!

Modeling shots to make up for the site construction :)

As my web designer works on pimping out my website, please excuse any interference you may experience. We want to make sure that this is the epitome of excellence so you can keep up to date with the latest and freshest work. And it will all pay off at the website relaunch party – check back for details soon. I am meeting with my PR guy this week to nail specifics down. Remember you can email me at cassiehepler@hotmail.com or call me at 215-900-7460 with any modeling, writing or photography inquiries. In the meantime, here are some of my most recent modeling shots. Enjoy!

If you enjoy my modeling photos, please vote for me here: http://www.americanapparel.net/storefront/UGCStyle/ModelSearch2011/View.asp?e=10464