Sara Oden brings artistic vision and creative ambition to Arkansas’ fashion scene.

Sarah Oden has made a name for herself in editorial and fashion photography right here in Arkansas. She says that working in a smaller, regional market requires a certain level of scrappiness: “You’re more limited with models and locations, and it makes you think outside the box. I am always asking myself, ‘How can I make it interesting?’” Her photography career was shaped by her collegiate education at the University of Central Arkansas, where she learned her way around the darkroom and fell in love with black and white photography. 

Fashion photography allows for creative risk-taking that doesn’t always translate in commercial work. Dramatic lighting and posing are hallmarks of the genre that set it apart from other styles of photography. Sarah’s favorite shoots are all about couture, and she says that fabric composition is an important detail in editorial work, because it influences the movement and shape of silhouettes captured in frame. 

Sarah’s love of fashion has led her to other ventures, most notably LR Met. Sarah has organized the event for the past three years with Kimberly Sear and other friends, and it has become one of the state’s grandest celebrations of fashion. “We give a light to independent local designers – we’ve had designers make custom clothing for the event, people making their own outfits, and it’s really fun to see the different variations.” The Little Rock Met has featured the likes of luxury leatherworker brand OFAOLAIN and Project Runway alumnus Korto Momolu, as well as independent local designers such as 22nd Element and Barakat Bespoket. Every year, Sarah shoots a commemorative portrait for the event, which takes place on May 8 this year at M2 Gallery. She continues to find fresh ways to bring fashion photography to the forefront of Arkansas’ creative scene.

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