Ashley Barker Interview & #prettyinwaterseries Photoshoot

Ashley’s passion, lively presence and drive for success has allowed her to become one of the world’s foremost published photographers. With a decade of experience and forever growing commitment to her craft, she brings energy in creating open, interactive environments where subjects are driven and personalities come alive. Ashley’s dedication to her clients allows her to create a steady stream of electrifying and sharp images in any environment.

When and how did you get into photography?

I have always loved art, dance, sport, drama and anything creative. Art was my favourite class in school, but I was actually pretty terrible at it. In junior high, I started playing more and more with my parents’ camera, but they didn’t really know how to use it. Back then you would take a picture and hold your breath ’til the film got developed and it seemed like that’s what every household did back then.

Eventually, my oldest brother bought a new fancier SLR camera and, inevitably, I wanted to be just like him. So in the summer going into grade 10, I saved up enough money bussing tables at Earls to buy my first camera and pay for some night classes at the community college. On day one with my new camera, my neighbour and I went to the skate park to shoot and I ended up getting my first picture published in a small local newspaper/magazine. As it turns out, he’s now a professional skateboarder too.

What is your style and what do you like to shoot?

I shoot all sorts of things: underwater, lifestyle, action sport, training & running, commercial, events, fashion and weddings. I like to shoot things that get people excited. Sometimes that means making someone look beautiful, other times it means finding a unique angle or location. I’ve been doing it for well over a decade now, so I’ve tried a lot of different things. I’ve made my mark in snowboard photography and working with the people in this community has been amazing but I’m starting to discover some new opportunities outside of the snow sports world that really excites me.

What are some of your photography highlights?

Probably the first time I shot out of a helicopter has been the biggest highlight so far. That was pretty surreal and it’s still exciting every time I do it. Working with Nike and Conscious Minds has also been incredible. I’ve gotten some great play on Nike’s Instagram account which gets more views than a cover of any snowboard magazine. Although I don’t get shout outs on their socials, me and my friends still know and it’s pretty cool knowing that there are six million plus followers getting inspired by our creations. Lastly, I have to say RVCA gives me opportunities I probably wouldn’t have gotten on my own.

#prettyinwaterseries

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