Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashé Davis.
Hi Ashé, 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?
Photography has always been present in my life. When I was younger, my dad used to always have a camera around and take pictures of my family. We often joke that he created the “selfie”. From then, I always loved being in front of the camera growing up and started to love being behind it as I approached middle school/high school. For class trips, I always brought my camera around (Nikon Coolpix) and took candids of my classmates. By my junior and senior year of high school, I was taking pictures (Sony Alpha NEX-F3) for my friend’s proms, sports, and events at my school to add to our yearbook and even created an athletics page to showcase my work. My friend’s father, Mr. Rainey, said to me, “You have an amazing eye. Keep going.” which stuck with me forever. However, at the time, I only saw photography as a hobby to capture memories.
By college, I prioritized athletics and drifted away from photography. Though I was given my first professional camera in college by my parents (Nikon D5500 at the time), the complexities of the camera made me hesitant to get back into photography and I didn’t touch it for my entire college career. Once I graduated college in 2018, I decided to try my camera out one last time and haven’t put it down since then.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, I can say that it has been a smooth road with maybe tiny bumps. A struggle that I’ve had to face is dealing with imposter syndrome. Being a creative can come with many doubts, especially when you’re trying to find your place in your particular field. It’s been a constant battle dealing with imposter syndrome, but for the most part I feel like I’ve been winning the battle. What helps with going against imposter syndrome is helping other individuals in your field and realizing you know more than you think!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a 25 year old photographer based in New York. I specialize in portraiture and behind the scenes photography. I am known for my studio work, which is mainly shot in my own home. I am most proud of putting myself out there and dedicating myself to this craft. In the past, I’ve come up with a million ideas and would quickly abandon them once I found another interest or if it is too challenging. Photography is the art form that I have stuck to the longest that has given me challenges and pushed me mentally, physically, creatively, and emotionally. And for that, I will forever be proud of myself for.
What sets me apart from others is my versatility and my eye. Through this journey, I have been searching to find my own style and what can make my art be MY art. In that journey, I have covered events, professional headshots, concerts, children, etc. and realized that having this wide range of experience and talent makes me someone you cannot put in a box. Anything I put my mind to, I can do it and if I can’t, I will learn to and will execute it to the best of my ability. With my eye, I’ve often heard people saying “I didn’t think of that pose or angle.” or “I didn’t know I could look like this.” My eye can see things that others may or may not see, whether it’s a pose that I caught during a movement, a random face on the street that I know would photograph well, or a location that people typically wouldn’t consider. I’m very particular because of my eye, which causes me to put more effort and dedication into my work no matter how big or small the project is.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I always say that I have lived many, many lives as crazy as that sounds. Growing up, I was a ball of energy and was involved in anything you can think of. I can say that my parents kept me pretty busy. I participated in track and field since I was in elementary school up until college. Dance school was a big part of my life as well, specializing in ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, and African dance. Outside of that, I used singing and acting as an outlet and performed in front of crowds. If I wasn’t engaging in those activities, you can always find me reading a book, writing a book, or drawing anything possible. Being creative was always something I have been.
Contact Info:
- Email: shayshotit@gmail.com
- Website: shayshotit.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shayshotit
- Facebook: Facebook.com/shayshotit
Image Credits
Kiana King
Maïa Eugene
Kamryn Vaulx
Couffe
Tania Ann Marie
Stephanie Pierre
Imani-Marie Shabazz
Antoine Bennett
Jodi Collymore
Tehillah Deslandes
Gabrielle Brooks
Anissa Bland
Eyani
Milan Garçon
