8 minute read
Featured Photographer: Ava Cantrell
You might recognize our latest feature photographer from her previous work in front of the camera. Ava Cantrell is an award winning actress who has been steadily booking acting gigs since she was 8 years old. Recently this talented 20 year old has flipped the script and ventured into the magical world of photography. Now she is making her mark behind the camera, as well as in front.
Ava got her first “real camera” when she was 13 and she’s been passionate about photography ever since. She used it as a creative outlet for years and strived to be skilled at it. Cantrell says, “I loved shooting anything and everything.” She enjoys the challenge of learning more- from setting up the perfect shot, to editing the photos, and then having a final product. She adds,“I also feel accomplished after finishing an album and putting it out into the world. It is a tangible piece of art that I can share with others, see in magazines, and our clients can love.”
Ava’s photography business came about from multiple magazines requesting photos and interviews with her. In order to make the most of every opportunity, Ava and her mom, Janina, decided to do it themselves. Since Janina is an experienced stylist, she handled that side of the business while Ava took charge of setting up the shots and editing the photos. Ava says, “Between us, we have skills and talents that are very specific. Magazines were loving our pictures and vibe and would keep asking, ‘Who is the rest of the team?’ We would have to say, ‘We ARE the team’. Once we started coming out the other side of the pandemic I wanted to try making it a business. It took off relatively fast, and I am really enjoying being behind the camera.”
From their very first shoot, this mother and daughter duo viewed their new venture like the professional shoots that Ava had previously been on in front of the camera. Ava says, “I think because we had that past experience, we knew exactly what we needed to do. Style, teach, entertain, mentor, and edit quickly and not have people wait too long on us. Because we started Shoot One like this, what surprised us is how fast we got noticed. We are super thankful for all of the magazines that believe in us and are really thankful to you KidFash.”
Being behind the lens helps Ava when she’s in front of the lens and vice versa. She explains, “The two are very closely tied. Understanding how cameras work and how to convey emotion through a screen is a skill that actors excel at. When you are behind a camera, that knowledge makes it easier to be the one capturing things. As an actor your goal is to evoke something from the audience, and I love guiding models to do the same. I also understand camera angles as I know what looks best on my face, and can find the best angles pretty fast on clients.”
The Covid-19 Pandemic has taught Ava the importance of adapting and changing to fluctuating situations. Originally, she was doing lots of group shoots but soon realized that many clients wanted a more individual experience. Now, she still does one group each month, but has changed the main focus to individuals. Also, she learned a valuable lesson about how valuable time is and how frustrating cancellations can be. Ava explains, “It is surprising that people will cancel as much as they do. 2022 will bring about bigger deposits. My time is very valuable and I know my worth. I only want to work with people that know my worth.” In her free time, Ava likes to surf, rock-climb, try other challenging activities, and occasionally just unwind and read a good book! Her parents inspire her greatly. Ava says that they are intelligent, creative, positive, talented, savvy, kind, and strong. They share all their knowledge with her and are her biggest supporters and motivators.
Surround yourself with people with “Good Vibes”
Positivity and good vibes are priorities to Ava. She gushes, “It is one of the most important things in life! Surround yourself with people with “Good Vibes”. It makes life 1000x better, and being around good people has a way of bringing out the best in ourselves!” I have so much fun shooting! I love seeing it all come together the day of the shoot, having fun with models, and taking pictures of their beauty along with cool concepts, and gorgeous fashion.”
Ava enjoys working with kids because of how their personalities can be “so big and unedited. Some are super adventurous and outgoing and others are really introspective and thoughtful.” In the future she’d love to photograph actress Lily Collins because of Lily’s “Bright energy!” Ava also wants to pursue Wildlife photography at some point, as she is drawn to it. She explains, “A longtime goal of mine is to work for National Geographic. I love reading NatGeo and taking in the breathtaking photos that capture the earth's natural beauty.”
The most fun photoshoots Ava’s done so far were a beach shoot and a ballet shoot. She explains, “I have personal ties to each; I am a surfer and a classically trained ballerina. The beach shoot was chaotic in the best way! So many fun girls, adorable outfits, and [an] amazing location! The ballet shoot was so beautiful and the girls were all so talented. The outfits and location looked great together and it was my first time shooting en pointe ballerinas.” Moving into 2022 Cantrell is bringing her passion for the Earth and her stylist’s love for Earth-Friendly fashion. Mother Earth series brings attention to our Earth as well as the value of wearing Earth-friendly fashions. Cantrell and team style with non-fast fashion. They are excited to not only offer editorial sessions but Mother Earth and goddess sessions where they spend the day with the client evolving onto an element of earth or sky. Ms. Cantrell’s advice for aspiring photogs: “Be unique and true to yourself. We each bring something new to the table as photographers.The world of photography does not need a million of the same thing, and you won’t stand out that way. Bringing something fresh to the table attracts clients, and it's more fun for both of you! Also, no one and I mean NO ONE is your competition. I learned that in acting. Photographers, like actors, are all unique and special. Find what you are passionate about and what makes you special.”
Sasha The Fierce
Written By: Annie & Maddie (@annie.and.maddie) Photographer: Jennifer Wright (@jenniferwrightphotography)
It's a blessing to discover your passions at a young age. And even moreso when you are given opportunities to pursue those passions with inspiration, support, and creativity. How exciting when your dedication and hard work rewards you with new friendships and opportunities to grow!
This is the story of Sasha (@sashita-fierce), our newly crowned champion of the inaugural 2021 KidFash Magazine Virtual Dance-Off Competition. She advanced through four rounds of fierce dance-offs, and was selected as the 1st place winner among the finalists with her winning hip-hop dance solo performance. We are so excited for you to get to know a little bit about her!
Sasha began dancing at the tender age of three years old, training at the highest level in all types of dance over the last several years. Currently, she finds she truly comes alive when performing salsa or hip hop-styles of dance. Parris Goebel, the famed choreographer and dancer, is her biggest inspiration, and, Sasha notes that she would "love to have the opportunity to dance on her crew one day!"
As fellow performing artists, we fully understand the unmistakable allure of those moments we all train for: walking onto a stage in full costume, hair and makeup, ready at your mark, taking in the silent anticipation of the audience, and letting your art take over as soon as you hear the first note of your cue. For Sasha, her favorite dance memory was performing her solo on a stage for the first time. She shares, "I remember being so nervous before getting on stage and my incredible coach, Tiffany Rivera, and my mom made me feel like such a celebrity. Being playful and silly with them before hitting the stage is super special to me and a positive mindset definitely helps with your performance."
Knowing how much a costume can enhance your experience, we also asked Sasha about her favorite dance costume she has ever worn. She excitedly shared that, "I was drawn to dance initially because of the beautiful and elaborate costumes! Salsa costumes in general are my favorite. The bright colors, the blingalicious sparkle and the big movement is INCREDIBLE! My favorite costume that I’ve performed in is a green salsa costume for the Apollo performance in 2017."
Not only is Sasha an accomplished dancer, but a kind and compassionate role model who encourages other young dancers as well. She shared, "Being a young dancer, you tend not to see many performers your age or not anyone that you can follow or look up to. I want to be an example for my peers of what is possible. Through hard work and perseverance you can make “every move a MOVEMENT”. This is a motto that I guided by every day. I encourage young performers to reach out to me if there is anything I can do to educate, motivate or guide them through. " Sounds like a champion to us!
