We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Shutter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
As a photographer, I have documented thousands of clients over the course of 15 years. These would include wedding, portrait, lifestyle, family, business etc. Recently I have begun documenting my personal life on a different level. I grew up on sailboats since a baby, with parents who dreamed of casting off the lines and cruising the worlds most remote locations.
Recently (Nov 2023), I bought my 5th sailboat, the difference is this time I bought her in Costa Rica with the plans of sailing her up to Baja. Currently she is in Chiapas, MX.
Documenting this adventure/lifestyle is hugely meaningful because it stems from my roots and has been something I have always daydreamed about doing. I have even begun a Youtube Channel to boot!
Combining my passions for photography & sailing has always been on my mind…and I am thinking “Romantic elopements” anyone?
Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
The staple about me that sets me apart from the rest is I am a photographer who was born and raised into a very alternative lifestyle-SAILING.
Photographing my first wedding oddly enough in my twenties when I was working as a ship photographer on the NCL cruise line. I didn’t know it then but by accepting that first wedding gig it was going to lead me down the path of a bright future in photography.
I do not classify myself as a “Wedding photographer” however. I am simply a “Photographer”. I document what is needed/requested with the best of my abilities and I absolutely enjoy exposing newcomers to the realm of sailing any chance I get. I have just begun offering “sailing engagement sessions” as a staple of my brand and have the hopes to use my sailboat in Mexico as a platform to grow the business in both directions (sailing & weddings/events).
When I offered to photograph my largest clients wedding (and most favorite to date), it opened my world and mind into how “going above and beyond” is not only good for business but for the client as well. Let me explain.
The client was Jordan & Desiree of “Sailing project Atticus”, and the location of their wedding was on the island of women also known as “Isla Mujeres”, in Mexico. Had I ever been there? NOPE. Had I any idea where I wanted to shoot or what? NOPE. So I dove head first into research on the locations, hours of spots we may want…ideas ideas ideas. Desiree (bride) described me as a “photography ninja…and someone who knew the island better than some locals by the time I arrived”. Nuff said.
I love what I do…I love adventure and combining the whims of sailing and photography are my true passions!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Previous clients and wedding venues, hands down. If you do a great job and offer the best experience to your clients, they will tell their friends and family for sure. Venues…do what you say you will do. If you offer to “email or tag” photos for the venue or owner, DO IT. Its a simple virtue, but always helped me out!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
That the photography game is always evolving, and to keep practicing your old tried and true techniques, but to also keep adding new ones into your toolkit. The “gift” of AI is amazing…but also challenging!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleyshutterphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashutterphoto/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040793112186
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SailingPAPILLON
Image Credits
@sailingprojectatticus @rusticroseevents @elmilagromarina @velaventoevents