Over the last 8 years, Robyn and I have had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with a number of artistic people who channel their creativity in a variety of different mediums. Recently we decided to start an “interview series” on our blog, to introduce each of you some of the fascinating people we’ve gotten to know. Today’s post is our first in this series.
Ashley Green is a vibrant energetic young photographer and all around ‘artsy type’, I had the good fortune to meet a few months after I first moved to Edmonton in 2010.
She lights up the room and has the kind of energy where you can’t quite take your eyes off her. She has quickly become one of my very best friends and I am so thankful for every Skype chat, every text exchange and every in person visit I get to share with her. I hope you enjoy our interview with her as much as I did!
– Roxy
What is your background in photography? What inspired you to start?
I started really being inspired by photography while I was in high school. I went on a school trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland and I spend so much of that trip behind the lens, trying to capture all the beauty and history that surrounded me. After that trip, I began experimenting with photography and eventually fell in love with portraits.
Are you formally trained or self-taught? What has been your best source of knowledge in your art?
I’m completely self-taught. I found that that one of the best ways to expand your practical knowledge and creativity is through practice. Nothing is better than spending some quality time behind the lens and I look at every shoot as a learning experience. I think in any profession that requires creativity one needs to always be hungry for more and keep an open mind.
Describe your style in one sentence.
Natural, intimate and expressive photography.
What inspires you while you are working in a shoot?
Everything! Sometimes it can be so much fun to head to a location for the first time without a single pre-planned idea in your head and the creativity is fuelled by the spontaneity! Other times, I get inspired by things around me; art, other photography, media, and, most of all, watching people in their day to day.
People watching (yes, I know this sounds sort of creepy, but I swear it isn’t!) is where I find so much of my inspiration. There is beautiful and natural rhythm to the way people are and how they interact with one another when they don’t think others are noticing. I try and recreate that rhythm in my shoots as often as possible…it’s magic.
What are your favourite types of shoots/favourite subjects?
When it comes to couples, engagement sessions are by far my favourite session to capture. It’s a really exciting time and all of that energy comes through so easily in the shoot.
That being said, I really love working one-on-one with people, especially for boudoir and concept shoots. Boudoir has all these wonderful elements of mystery, femininity, strength and beauty – all while making women feel incredible and proud of who they are. (What’s not to love?) Concept shoots are where my creativity is able to take over and mix in my love of fashion, storytelling and whimsy!
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently in the start of my wedding season for the year and I have boudoir weekend marathons for late Spring being planned so it is very busy right now! I am also stepping outside of my portrait work to take some landscape and street photography in California that will be displayed in an Edmonton exhibit this summer.
What is one thing you’d like your fans to know about you?
I have fans? Eeeee! How cool is that?! Well, I guess I’d like to let them know that I am a fiercely optimistic individual who loves wine, a good book, and giant closet of fabulous clothes.
What is your favourite photo, and why?
My favourite photo I’ve taken is of my 79 year old Grandpa grinning from ear to ear at his second wedding with his new bride. After my Grandma passed away, I didn’t know if my Grandpa would ever find much happiness again, let alone love. The photo reminds me cherish those around you and live every day with your heart.
What is your favourite camera/piece of equipment?
My 70-200mm 2.8. It’s a beast of a lens and one of the best investments I’ve ever made. (Plus it helps tone my arm muscles) 😉
What do you find most rewarding about being a photographer?
Besides doing what I love every day, I’d say the biggest reward is the people. I get to meet and work with some truly incredible people and those connections make my job so easy to love.
Best piece of advice for someone looking to start out in photography?
Practice, ask questions and never compare your work to anyone else’s but your own.
Thank you Ashley!
