We had the good fortune of connecting with Ally Schnaidt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ally, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been a visual thinker. I contribute to being a child of the Internet/television. My parents put me in sports and I never felt connected with that. I would always be in the field daydreaming about which one of Hannah Montana’s outfits I would wear. Things like fashion, makeup, and anything shiny and girly always pulled me in. Photography wraps all of those things I love into one. I didn’t really grow up in a creative environment, so it took me a while to figure out what I love. Once I picked up a camera, I just went from there.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography leans toward editorial, with elements of intimacy and camp. I try to take my photos to another level by using the process of mixed media and collage, which I think sets my work apart from others. Most of my work features my friends, who have helped me bring my visions to life. I like figuring out how to bring out their personalities through a photo. Being surrounded by such creative people never makes me feel like what I’m doing is a hard job or that things have to be challenging.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take them to Highbanks Metro Park! It’s so big and you never run out of cute nature spots. Then we’d get falafel gyros at kabob time, a local food truck in the gas station parking lot across the street from my house. Then later we would have drinkies at Slammers, it’s 1 of 21 lesbian bars in the country. Of course, we’d have to make a trip to Jeni’s ice cream, no one does flavors like her!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All of my friends! Literally every single one of them. Everyone I love is so creative and they inspire me every day to push my ideas further. I am so grateful for them.

Website: https://www.allysportfolio.com

Instagram: allykatecat_

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