Following dreams and living life to the fullest

At Boom Shankar our motto is 'Big Love. Big Life' so when we come across people who exude that and living it, we get excited. A few years ago we stumbled across Ashley Dobson, a young Australian creative who is living life to the fullest, and getting paid for it. A photographer by trade who organically transitioned into being an 'influencer' by doing what she loved (taking photos and travelling) she continues to inspire people to follow their dreams, get out there and travel if they can and live the life they wish too.

I chatted with Ashley to get a little more insight as to who's behind the photos... and lens.

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.

Our winter collection is called ‘Kindness’…

How would you define kindness, or what’s your interpretation of kindness?

Being friendly, generous, warm, caring. Doing something nice for someone/yourself, say thank you, offer support, paying it forward.. ohh the list goes on!

Is there a particular moment of kindness in your life - given, received or even observed - that stands out to you?

My neighbours bringing my mail in without me asking whilst I’m away on a job or taking my bins out.. Someone leaving a handwritten note on the back of their Coles receipt saying my tire is flat. So many kind souls in this world x

And lastly, what does it mean to live a big, beautiful life?

Be yourself and don’t worry about what society is doing. Do what you love whilst being the best version of yourself :)

You can follow Ashley on her INSTAGRAM  or check out her WEBSITE

SHOP ASHLEY’S LOOKS!

Top banner from left to right…

First up, Ashleys wears our Elka Dress in Broadway | Made from our beautiful traditional block print cotton, this dress is great to be worn as is, or layered with a colourful throw for winter. 

In the second photo, Ashley wears our Liberty Top in White with the Grand Flare Pants in Queens | I love this combo as it combines the soft classical vibe with the fun and funkiness of the flares

Next up, Ashley wears our Demi Dress in Manhattan | I am in love with the glimmering lurex striped cotton in this colourful, flowing, tiered dress, and I love wearing a colourful skivvy under it on colder days.

Lastly, Ashley wears the Grand Skirt in Newtown | This skirt is a classic stylish piece for your wardrobe and can be paired with all types of different tops being in just black and white. 

Middle banner from left to right…

In the first and last photos, Ashley wears the Squiggle Jumper in Black | How fun is this jumper and its squiggles… need I say more! Oh, maybe that it’s made of lambswool so it’s really cosy and warm too.

Next off the rank, Ashley wears the East Jumper in Spot | You have me at a jumper with spots! Made with 70% lambswool this jumper is an absolute winner for winter

For the third jumper choice, Ashley wears our Hello Possum Jumper in Navy | This jumper is fabulous, with the iconic Aussie ‘Hello Possum’ and the fact we’re donating $45 from every sale to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, makes it even more special

Bottom banner from left to right…

First off on the left, Ashley wears the Grand Skirt in Newtown | This skirt is a classic stylish piece for your wardrobe and can be paired with all types of different tops being in just black and white.

Second along, Ashley wears our Liberty Top in White with the Grand Flare Pants in Queens | I love this combo as it combines the soft classical vibe with the fun and funkiness of the flares

Next up, Ashleys wears our Elka Dress in Broadway | Made from our beautiful traditional block print cotton, this dress is great to be worn as is, or layered with a colourful throw for winter.

And lastly, Ashley wears the Squiggle Shirt in White | This all-over squiggle embroiled shirt is the perfect addition to your wardrobe and the ultimate all-season staple