Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley French.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My entire life is on film and video. I grew up with a family who loved to document everything, and also with a Grandfather who was an amazing Photographer himself. He and my Grandmother gave me my first film camera at the age of six and I was hooked. My Grandfather would show me the best lighting, and how to get the best angle. He taught me to wait for the moment, and really pay attention to the world around me. I came to learn how important the camera was to document my life, my travels, and my loved ones. I always thought it was amazing that I could stop time, and take pictures of whatever I wanted to, and have that picture forever. Going into college, I knew I wanted to own my own business, and becoming a Photographer was a natural decision. In 2008 I received my BA in Studio Art With A Photography Emphasis at the University of Redlands. I then went on to get my MFA in 2011 at The Academy Of Art in San Francisco. As much as I loved the city, I wanted to move home and start my Photography business. It has been over five years now, and I could not be happier being my own boss, and absolutely loving that I get to take photos for a living.
Has it been a smooth road?
No way! Being your own boss is challenging and being a successful artist is not easy either! This is the first business I have started, and it won’t be the last, but with anything new, there is a lot of learning and a lot of hard work involved. I am so passionate about Photography, and I love what I do, that I won’t stop, but it is really hard when you have those months that barely any money comes in. Learning how to balance and save money is really important, and something that is always a struggle!
When you look back, what are you most proud of?
I have two moments that stand out. One was having my first solo gallery show in San Francisco, on the documentary that I spent two years making. The photos were taken of my Grandfather and Aunt (you can see them on my website) and their unique relationship. It was really amazing to have it come full circle and to have my Grandfather, who taught me about Photography my entire life, be there to witness my first solo show and the completion of my Masters In Fine Arts. I was incredibly proud to see him so proud of me. The other moments that continue to stand out, are the moments when I walk into clients homes who I have photographed before, and I see all of my pictures hanging on their walls. To this day, it still takes my breath away that I am able to stop time and freeze moments for people, that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. That is really an amazing feeling. It makes me feel really proud and grateful that I get to do what I do for a living.
Every story has ups and downs. What were some of the downs others might not be aware of?
Yes of course! All the time! That’s life, right?! I am very blessed to have an incredible family and support system. Without them, it would be very difficult to get through the hard times. There is absolutely no way that I would be where I am today without their constant love and support. That, and having a really strong faith and belief system. There is always going to be a struggle, in business and in personal life, but I believe, that if you have your faith and a good support system to lean on, you will get through anything!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love living in Southern California. I moved home to Whittier, because I grew up here, and I knew what a great town it was to start a business in. People already knew me, and word of mouth around here is priceless. For me, and the type of business that I do, it made sense to live and work in a city like Whittier. I am a portrait, event and wedding photographer, so it makes sense to put roots down here in my hometown, and I get to travel for shoots as well! I think if you want to be in a specific type of photography, you need to know where to move for the best opportunities. For example, if you want to shoot fashion photography, it’s probably best to live in New York or Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with photographers. Everyone is a photographer now, and there is lots of competition. My advice is researching the avenue of photography that you want to shoot and move to a desired location, based on the opportunities that will then be around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleyfrench.com
- Phone: 562-833-3627
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: ashleyfrenchphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleyfrenchphoto
Image Credit:
Ashley French Photography
