ASHLEY ROBERTS

By Shannon Copcutt

Photography is a universal language. And if a picture says a thousand words, then a photographer is the author of volumes and volumes through the photos they take. We consume compelling images like candy these days as social media skyrockets to new heights and we hunger for the next inspiring capture. These images inform, inspire, surprise and amaze us- even make us fall in love with the subject. And in today’s society, photographers have become an integral part of the inner workings of social media, much like a calibre in a watch. Because without photographers and photos and videos, social media influencers would have a hard time gaining popularity.

Ashley Roberts is one of the photographers who has her finger on the pulse of what the world is hungry for and delivers over and over. Roberts, a fashion, editorial, brand, lifestyle, music and portrait photographer shoots both in Los Angeles and Seattle. She is originally from Seattle, but now lives in Los Angeles and has shot influencers such as Piper Rockelle, Gavin Magnus, and Jenna Davis.

Roberts, who has been in the business for almost 7 years, said she has loved photography her whole life and received her first camera when she was just four years old. “ I always loved photography and looking at photos,” she explained. And that love continued to grow. Eventually when it was time for her to go to college, she realized that photography was what she wanted to do professionally and she studied and received her AA in photography. However, she says not everyone who wants to become a photographer needs to go to school. Exploring photography on your own can be just as valuable, she said, “as I feel the self-taught experiences have helped me even more in my journey.”

Roberts loves to shoot editorial/fashion. She has a keen eye and loves to photograph people, working with models and creating a place where they can be comfortable and let their beauty shine. She prides herself on making those she works with feel relaxed enough to allow their personalities to come through- and it really shows in her work. “I’m very easy going and have been told people feel comfortable at my shoots. I also always ask for their input because I want it to be a collaborative effort to make sure they are happy with their photos as well.”

She also is a self-proclaimed “perfectionist” with lighting and shadows. “I’m very picky about perfect lighting,” she said. In fact, she is a real stickler when it comes to finding just the right lighting and loves to use outdoor lighting. Roberts also is good at scouting and shooting at beautiful locations with lots of light and color. “I love outdoor locations with colors, flowers, the beach; that type of thing. One of my favorite shoots was going to the poppy fields in Lancaster. I love shooting models at beautiful locations,” she said.

If you have seen Roberts’ pictures before you will notice her style is crisp and clean, perfectly edited and full of color and personality— all of which are just perfect for social media use. Roberts has in fact made the most of social media in growing her business. When she first started out, Instagram photos and creative photos were booming, so she used that as inspiration to build her portfolio. She then reached out to brands and influencers to continue building her brand. “I honestly just decided to go for it,” she said. And that is how she has become an inspiring photographer working with so many young influencers in social media.

When asked about it, she said, “It’s a small world once you’re in it. So shoots have been arranged many different ways, but Instagram is a great place to connect people. I’ve reached out to some people I wanted to work with. Some have seen my work on Instagram or been referred by an influencer friend. It’s really been all different ways and I love it.”

Rockelle

Working with young social media enthusiasts has been a great experience, said Roberts, and an avenue she plans to continue to explore. She hopes that the images she creates for them and others are remembered as “stand out” work that not only turns heads but also makes her clients happy. “I hope my work inspires other people who want to be a photographer, and that my work with influencers inspires people to want to work together.”