Firstly, can you please tell the Boom community a little about yourself?
I’m Ashley, an Australian photographer currently based in Brisbane but often on the move. I live to explore and capture the beauty of the natural world behind the lens with my partner Alex.
You’re a photographer… What inspired you to get into photography?
Photography has been in my life since I could remember. When I was young, my older sister gave me her old Canon and I never put it down. I had no idea how to use it but I self taught myself over the years. It really is amazing watching your photo come to life and being able to share it with other people. At the end of the day what really keeps me going is nature. We are surrounded by such beauty in this world, it inspires me everyday.
Do you have a favourite photographer?
Ohhhh this is a hard one, not really… I love how everyone has there own unique way of seeing the world and their way of capturing it.
You’re also an influencer… How would you describe the job of an influencer?
To describe my job as a whole, I influence people through my social media to get out and go travel. It brings me so much joy when I get messages saying they went to a specific place because I recommended it or because they saw one of my photos. Inspiring people to find love and happiness in exploring is truly amazing.
Another part of my job is to work with amazing brands such as Boom Shankar!
What made you want to get into this field?
The combination of photography and influencing just happened over time without me even realising it. I was sharing what I love doing on my socials and yeah it just went from there, pretty cool!
Have you always been a creative person? If so, did you grow up in a creative household?
Yeah for sure! I’ve always loved getting creative if that meant drawing, painting, taking photos.. even re-arranging my room a million times.
My mom was a florist and she was always creating fun things for the house.
Have you always had a love for travel and what started it?
Yes! Long story, short…my dad is actually Australian and my mom is American (hence why I’m typing mom, not mum haha). I was very fortunate to experience overseas travel at a very young age. I went back and forth between the USA and Australia quite a bit and I got the biggest bite from the travel bug.
Do you have a favourite travel story?
Yes I do, something that has been stuck with me for awhile now. I was on the Great Southern with Journey Beyond which is an awesome train experience that takes you from Brisbane to Adelaide. I was taking photos of the beautiful sunset from the window and this lovely lady who was probably in her 90’s politely asks if she could have a look at the photo I took. She didn’t have the best eyesight and was unable to see well outside the window. This moment was so special for me because I was able to give her the chance to see something she wouldn’t of been able to see otherwise.. This is why I love doing what I do.. to be able to show people places that they may not be able to see or experience.
If there was one thing you could say to people, what would it be?
Be kind to one another and never stop chasing your dreams.