As the weather starts to get warmer, photographers schedules are starting to ramp up. Our featured photographer this month can attest to it! She is primarily a wedding, family and commercial photographer in the Salt Lake City area but has shot all over the world. She has been such an awesome customer of ours and we are excited to finally feature her. This week we are featuring, Ashlee Brooke! So let's dive in.
What enticed you to start your career in photography?
From a young age I actually was very into art and loved taking photos on my parents 35mm camera. It was my favorite thing to get photos developed, and also loved using little disposable cameras. As I grew up I continued to love it, but never considered it might be a realistic career. I am so glad that I was wrong!
I shot my first wedding in 2008, mostly just photographing family and friends. I was in school at the University of Utah just finishing my nursing prerequisites a couple years later and getting ready to apply to nursing school. Photography had picked up a lot of momentum, and by 2012 I was very busy. That's when I finally decided to fully invest my time and energy into photography and I haven't looked back once since.
What is something you know now that you wished you knew when you first started?
I wish I'd known more about the business side of things, and being a business owner. It's been a long process figuring it all out on my own...and sometimes I still am! It's constant learning.
What is in your gear bag? Do you have a favorite lens?
I have loved my Sigma 50mm 1.4, it's been a favorite for years. My gear bag has a Sigma 35mm 1.4, a couple Nikon D750 bodies, Nikon 85mm, 24-70mm 2.8, 14-24mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8, sb5000 flash, a canon AE-1, a LOT of memory cards and a lot of extra batteries for the cameras and flash.
How do you get authentic interactions with your clients?
I think just by creating a genuine connection with them, and being myself so that they feel they can be themselves too! It's so important that they feel comfortable, so I think just creating a space where it's fun and relaxed is key.
As a well-established photographer, what still makes you feel excited about photography?
I think just when I create images that I'm excited about. I think it's so important to still shoot for myself (like concept, styled shoot, etc) to make sure I'm staying creative! When I get to shoot at a location that I've always wanted, planning a styled shoot for a vision I have and seeing it come together, when clients love and are so excited about their photos and the captured moments it's such a fun feeling.
How would you describe your style/aesthetic as a photographer?
My intention is timeless, candid romantic images with natural colors, very inspired by travel and the mountains!
Thank you Ashlee for letting us get to know you a little better and filling us in on your photography journey. If you want to learn more about Ashlee and her photography, check out her website or find her in Instagram.
1 comment
Shirlee