Today we’d like to introduce you to Reana Ashley.
Reana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a self-taught makeup artist, street and fine arts photographer. I have been a street and fine arts photographer since the early 2000s. I started in high school, creating a small business that I grew and built with my friends; my love for photography goes way back. I was eight years old when I took pictures of my toys with a disposable camera. I guess you can say I’ve always had an unorthodox approach to my work. Being a Makeup Artist gave me a little bit more exposure. My work appeared in photo-shoots, music videos, and movies. After some time, I wanted to find an outlet to display all of my talents. Thus reanaashley.com was created as an e-portfolio. As a pop-culture enthusiast, I turned my e-portfolio into an entertainment website where I showcased my product reviews, television and movie reviews, style and beauty, and podcast, where I interviewed celebrities and friends. I’ve interviewed the likes of Teddy Riley, Joan Juliet Buck, Ana Golja, Jessie Chris, Shawn Prez, Peter Engel, and many others. I currently published my first photography eBook titled “Amire la Vie! Visual impressions of Paris, Berlin, and Rome”.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes, when my mother passed away back in 2012, I was in a state where I didn’t want to do photography anymore. It was hard being able to do something I was deeply passionate about without her when she had helped me since I was eight years old. I focused more on my blog, which was also challenging. Back in 2013, when I first started, I had to convince people and companies to try and work with me. I got denied opportunities a lot along the way.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My business is Reana Ashley Photography, and my company is Reanaashley.com. For photography, I specialize in portraits, fine art, and street photography. For my company, I specialize in reviews and interviews with various artists. I am most proud of how far I’ve come, regardless of the obstacles that were in my way. I was just a girl who started a business in her bedroom with zero experience.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan on continuing to publish books with different types of fine art and street photography; while showcasing more diversity. Change begins within us. I also plan on making a separate website for my photography, making it easier for people to book me for my services.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.reanaashley.com
- Email: info@reanaashley.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Reanaashley
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Reanaashley
- Other: Goodreads.com/Reanaashley
Image Credit:
Reana Ashley
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