Step Inside With: Austin Gros
Monday, August 8, 2011 
I am extremely delighted to introduce a brand new feature to Pennyweight today... and we're kicking it right off with my friend, Austin Gros! I am always incredibly intrigued by personal style, creative spaces and the places we each call home. My hope is to introduce - or reacquaint - you with some amazing people that inspire me on a daily basis.
Austin Gros has lived in Louisiana, Texas, New York City and now calls Nashville home. He is an incredible photographer (and he'll be shooting most of this series!) and specializes in wedding photography. We used to work in the corporate world together, but I am now grateful to call him friend, neighbor and fellow freelancer.
AUSTIN GROS :: Blog / Website / Twitter
How would you describe your personal style?
I'd probably describe my personal style as "cohesive eclectic." In my home, I feel there is a pretty wide variety of pieces & styles - from mid-century to vintage to fairly modern. I want to be interested visually in the things I look at everyday, so I buy & decorate with that in mind. I want pieces that are comfortable & don't just look cool - like that retro couch your friend has that looks awesome but feels like you're sitting on cinder blocks. Except for my couch & bed, most everything in my home is from a flea market, resale shop or Craigslist. It's way more exciting to hunt for cool stuff & have a story for each piece, rather than "Yeah, I bought that at Target."
As far as clothing goes, I just wear what's comfortable to me. I buy a lot of shoes & shirts used, but I typically buy something & wear it until it falls apart - then it's time to go shopping.
What are your most treasured pieces in your home or closet?
Probably the portrait I created of my dog, Desmond. I wanted a way to honor him in my home that was more impressive than a framed photo. I love old royal portraits, so I worked some Photoshop magic, had the image printed on a four foot canvas & mounted in the most ornate gold frame I could find. It's always entertaining to watch people's expressions when they walk in the front door & see that staring at them. Also, I just splurged & bought a pair of Billy Reid boots a few months ago. Definitely my favorite clothing designer, but I can't afford anything unless it's on sale. These boots live on my feet.
What do you love most about living in Nashville?
I think what I love most about Nashville is the community. There is an incredible amount of unbelievably talented people here - musicians, writers, photographers, freelancers - doing really amazing things. It doesn't feel as competitive or "dog eat dog" like in LA or New York. The people in your field are your close, genuine friends & are in community with one another - not your competitors. It's a really special place that I love living in.
How do you foster creativity in your life?
Because so many of my friends are in creative fields, I get pushed & motivated by seeing what they're doing & achieving. Everyone in Nashville loves helping each other out & sharing ideas, so it's an environment that's really conducive to creativity. When I hear the music that my friends are making or see the art that my peers are creating, it gets the wheels turning in my head to try & create something that's better than the previous thing I did.
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers or freelancers?
If I could give advice to these people, it would be to "ask questions." I learned a lot from just shooting & figuring it out, but a huge component in being able to quit my corporate job & become full-time was through the help & guidance of other photographers. Assisting, e-mailing people you look up to & asking for advice & critique absolutely jump-started my career. I think people are more open to sharing ideas than some may think, so just ask! What's the worst that could happen?
Photos by Austin Gros. See larger images on Flickr.
fashion, home, step inside with
Reader Comments (22)
I adore this new series! And what an amazing place to call home.
Fantastic new series, so exciting! Love the photographs/interview. xoxo
awesome new series, awesome home, & awesome dog!
Looks so good, Elise (& Austin)! Excited for more to come!
yes!! so excited for this new series, and what a great way to start it off!
So exciting -- can't wait to see what this new series brings. Love it already...!
Austin just photgraphed our wedding in May. We love, love, love all of the pictures. He really is amazing. What a great series and such a cool home.
I love his attitude toward his home. I know exactly what he means about wanting everything in his home to have a story behind it.
Love love love. Can't wait to meet more folks!
love it! i cant get enough of seeing how other people create their homes.
love this series already, elise!
excited to see whats to come!
Love it!
LOVE this!!!!
Ahhh, Elise! Amazing series, lady. I love it a lot and I can't wait to see more! :) I love Austin's style... and his dog is kind of amazing.
Love this already, friend! Well done. Excited to see more!
I am so inspired by his decor style and kindness in the interview! Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to seeing lots more!
So rad!!
what a great new series! and his puppy?? Ahh-dorable : ) makes me want to run around snapping photos of every cute house i see and conducting interviews with all of the great characters in my life. thanks again elise for the lovely post! your blog is one of my favorites and has been a true source of inspiration for me starting my own blog. i really admire your confidence and style!
ana :: LuckyinLoveSF
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Yay! So proud of you, friend! Austin did a great job with his home and styling. I'm so pumped for this series!
I love how you include so many guys on your blog! Sometimes I like guy style better than girl style. What a fun series!
Ok, I adore this new series... And have always loved austin's home!!! Good job you two! Can't wait to see more Elise!!!
Austin photographed my brother's wedding. He's genius! What a beautiful home he has. Love this series!