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

Hi Ashley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The stereotypes associated with the word risk is an interesting one to me. It always implies a negative connotation for most people.The best memories and successes I have come from taking risk. Whether that be something as small as trying a new restaurant (when I know I could go to a place I love). To, using new equipment and lighting techniques on a wedding day. A time when you only have one chance to get it right.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Having a life changing event photographed is what Hollywood movies and love are made of. Love that calls for more than a selfie. Photography style that captures landscapes, true-to-tone-colors, and the candid (moments-in-between-moments) we all want.

I was called a sell-out by my peers for being a wedding photographer. In the creative space and through university the stigma of photographing weddings was just to make fast cash on the weekends. For me, I saw it as the pinnacle of all the things I love. Socializing, fashion, food, and live entertainment. Who doesn’t want to be invited to a wedding, be entertained and dined all the while celebrating two people falling in love.

There are lots of challenges when taking your creative art and turning it into a profitable business.
Nobody talks or educates about how to start, run, operate, and profit. Let alone networking, building a reputation, and being able to take home a paycheck every month.
Running and operating a small business is no-joke and not for the faint of heart. But with it, can come tons of opportunities and adventures you never thought possible. Like traveling to Hawaii to photograph a wedding or photographing an editorial spread for Vogue magazine in Europe!

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.
If you only have 72 hours in Palm Springs I recommend all the hidden local gems that Palm Springs has to offer. Have your stay at the Avalon, La Serena Villas, or Sands Hotel. Eat at Mr. Lyons, Fresh Agave, or Sullivan’s for a great atmosphere and amazing food. Hang out at the Moorten’s Botanical Garden or Palm Springs Indian Canyons for some great nature hiking and viewing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A shout out to Art Center College of Design for my technical and formal education and training. Also to my friends and family that have supported me.

Website: https://ashleylaprade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleylapradephotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-laprade-82aa3681/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleylapradephotography/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ashley-laprade-photography-palm-springs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.