who is?

MICHAEL FREAS

There’s nothing quite like a life spent in pursuit of adventure! From running around the woods and trails of Western North Carolina, to surfing tropical waves at exotic beach destinations – I have an infectious energy that seems unquenchable. Early in life, I worked my way through the culinary world, living up and down the East Coast.  I picked up a camera in 2014, left the kitchen and never looked back before eventually making my way home to Asheville, NC.  

Being back in the North Carolina mountains is great! For fun you can find me hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, working for National Ski Patrol as an OEC Technician or snowboarding fresh powder somewhere out west! I’ve been playing competitive soccer since age 8 and still play weekly.

Sober Living for 9 years and loving every second of it!

creative photo of michael freas photography taken by j la plante photography
Photo: J La Plante Photo

ADVENTURE

For over two decades, I've been living the snow and surf life! From being behind a lens at Dew Tour Winter Sports Tour and scoring pristine powder to head high glassy Barrels at Cloud 9 in Siargao.

BBQ IS LIFE

After graduating high school, I wanted to teach history and coach soccer - that was until the siren song of BBQ lured me away into kitchens for 14 years.

EXPERIENCED

9 Years Professional Solo
Top 100 Photographers WPJA
Luxe Life Magazine #1 WNC
Outdoor Emergency Care Certified
Published Rolling Stone 2019, 2021
Masters Top 10 N. America 2020, 2022

wedding couple laughing at seeing the photos that wedding photographer michael freas just took of them
wedding couple laughing at seeing the photos that wedding photographer michael freas just took of them
wedding couple laughing at seeing the photos that wedding photographer michael freas just took of them

FEATURED BY MAGMOD

Play Video
Check out my feature on Magmod’s new show, How I Shot It, where I talk about how I was able to capture some of the best shots I’ve taken throughout my career.