I think I was introduced to you as a photographer (girlwithacamera.co.uk!), and you were one of my early (and few) contacts on Flickr! How has photography changed for you since those days?
My memory of the early Flickr days was that the opportunities with photography were endless and community was at the core of it. I wanted to try everything and was comfortable being a learner. I was happy to experiment with projects like Project 50. 15 years down the line I’m too hung up on perfection. I won’t share a photo unless I think it’s really good, but I miss embracing the earlier feelings of experimentation and curiosity. I’m also now interested in film. I think it’s because there’s more of a focus on getting it right in camera and the delayed gratification of seeing your photo. Film is expensive so you’re more intentional when taking photos. I don’t have a community anymore and have been searching for one with no success. If I could find the right community and tap into those earlier feelings of experimentation, I’d be on much better terms with my photography!
What’s something you find beautiful that most people don’t share the same affinity for?
Women with muscles. It’s becoming more accepted now but I grew up when beauty standards were about making yourself smaller. One of the most beautiful sights to me is a muscular woman. It’s not just the aesthetics I like but it also represents dedication and confidence with taking up space.
You’re one of the few people I know who have also contributed to Unsplash. Have you ever seen your photos used in the wild (for better or for worse)? What’s that like, given that you have context for the image and someone else just clicked “download”?
There was a story about a woman whose camera was stolen and she lost important photos. It interested me because I work in insurance and we regularly deal with theft claims. It was a nice feeling providing the imagery that can give a story more context. I’ve uploaded several photos but it seems to be the same 2-3 that get downloaded regularly.
What drew you into starting strongwoman competitions and what about it has you keeping up with it?
The variety of strongwoman is very interesting because you test static strength like deadlifts and overhead, but it also includes moving events like sandbag or yoke and then throws elements of grip into it. Training or competing is never boring because the events always change. I like doing things where I can really lock in, get into a meditative state with my training and nutrition and push myself out of my comfort zone, which lifting heavy and competing does. I wish more people would consider this sport!
You seem wonderfully transparent with the business-side of your life. Your videos are candid and your mini-experiments that you blog about are insightful and undeniably helpful. What’s some advice that you got from someone else that you’ve been able to benefit from multiple times?
Thank you. I am at a really interesting stage with my business and have tried sharing more of it even though it’s uncomfortable being vulnerable. My mum passed away last year and when I was clearing out her house we found a notebook. In it she’d written “I wish Ashley had more confidence. If she backed herself she could achieve anything”. That was exactly what I needed to hear because I was in the process of reaching a huge milestone in my business that was very scary. I try to apply that advice to my business and life now and back myself instead of hold myself back.
Where she’s from
I grew up in Dunoon which is why I like the outdoors
Passion/Profession
Insurance!
Drink Order
Black coffee, but for a treat I’ll get a pistachio latte
Comfort Content
It may not count as content but Jigsaws bring me so much comfort
