Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gallegos.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I really became interested in photography I think in a more serious manner in 2014 after attending a HAIM show! I had used my family’s cameras before which were mostly those small digital cameras or camcorders, but I eventually saved up and bought my own canon point-and-shoot that I started using quite often. A couple of years later, I got my first DSLR and began shooting on the sets of short films at my university, and at that point, I was all in. I was doing those photos, photographing friends and family or myself, the campus, concerts, everything and I ended up applying for a staff photographer position at the campus’s newspaper and made it onto the photo staff. Truthfully, that position and the opportunities that came from it really did do so much to provide me with lots of opportunity and learning alongside that photo team, and through the assignments, I was given. I’m deeply thankful for that time and everything that came from it all. Towards the middle-end of my time at the university, I was desperately trying to gather up opportunities that allowed me to do more concert photography, and I really began freelancing more and more, which was incredibly helpful for where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not always. There’s this thing that happens occasionally, and for me, it was mostly really when I was starting to shoot more and was taking my goals and my feelings regarding photography more seriously when I was starting university. This thing is that state of mind where you sort of question everything, and I think it can be good to a certain extent especially starting out when you’re figuring a lot out and navigating lots of unknown territory. That and that early urge to reaffirm to others that what you are interested in or want is serious and it’s not to be taken lightly. These things were mostly right at that starting point when everything in school feels up in the air, or at least it felt that way for me personally. I remember reflecting a lot and sometimes questioning what it was that I wanted, and I think I felt a bit unsure of myself in terms of what I was studying and placement because you’re expected to have all the answers right away as well as those expectations of satisfying what others want from you. I was just so young and curious that it felt a bit daunting and strange sometimes. Thankfully now I feel secure with myself when it comes to understanding who I am currently as well as who I have been in the past, along with those things that I want for myself and for my art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m probably known for my concert photography the most because I do attend quite a bit of shows and am always shooting, whether it be me on assignment or shooting because I’m me and have to constantly be taking photos. One of the greatest things about concert photography for me is timing and honesty and those two things really come to the forefront of it all when I’m shooting shows. You really can’t shy away from it, and I think that’s so interesting. There’s lots of space for technicality, and sure you have to know your stuff in order to be able to navigate certain settings and imagery that you’re seeing with your own eyes and letting that translate through the camera sometimes, but really that timing and honesty is deeply important when it comes to shooting concerts. One thing I’m most proud of is my aim, to be frank with my choices and my visions for what I want to achieve with my art and how that comes about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Oh, this question is very fun. I’m someone who really thinks about luck, circumstance, serendipity, and coincidence and how these things can come into play, especially when it comes to my life and business. I do believe that we or other things or people are placed into our lives or specific moments for a certain reason. There’s been many times where I’ve realized a specific person or specific decision has led to something really special or impactful to my life or career. I don’t know I just find it really difficult to shake off that thought of certain things not having a strong significance and power.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleygallegosphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agallegosphoto/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/agallegosphoto
- Other: https://ashleygallegosphoto.darkroom.tech/
