Meet Ashley Loth | Photographer

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

Hi Ashley, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since I can remember , I’ve always had a camera in my hand. I was the kid on field trips and band trips with 3 disposable cameras taking pictures of everything. When I was in highschool I started interning at a local radio rock station in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. I worked for them for 13 years and became their lead photographer for all their festivals, shows and events. Music has always been a love of mine but I could never play an instrument and people would pay me not to sing along with songs, so I found another way to pay tribute to music. I became a music photographer. Capturing the energy at shows is so magnetic and intense. Seeing that moment seized for all eternity is amazing, you’re making history with every image. Becoming a photographer and creative artist has helped me dive very deep in to myself and really help others embrace themselves through my lens. I know it sounds cliche, but I really love creating stories, freezing time and inspire people to become their best selves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The way I view photography is like a collaboration of two people, the photographer and the subject. Depending on what the project is, I take creative direction from my muse and mix it with my own style. When I photograph musicians I view them as larger than life, I want them to be seen on that untouchable pedestal, that high energy rush you get from a live show just in still form. When I capture a creative concept I focus on what I want the image to be perceived as by the onlooker, every photo has different meanings to everyone, as long as you feel something, then it’s art. My career has been a roller coaster, when I let go of fear and just trusted in myself things came easier each time. I set goals for myself, I tried all realms of photography then honed in on the styles I liked the most. In my career I’ve published 1 book of photography and poetry, shot over 150 shows, helped 400 people fall in love with their bodies, ran a studio for 5 years, and explore over 100 abandoned locations. My goal with Sound Snap is to make a difference in the world, I want someone to look at a picture of themselves and love their bodies, I want them to see my music photography and have FOMO for not being at that show, I want someone to look at my conceptual work and want it frame in their home. I want to connect.

Currently, I am running my own company Sound Snap Photography, I do all types of photography within my business from branding photos, conceptual work, weddings, music, Content for creators and boudoir. I am also Content and Touring Photographer for the LA Based Clothing line The Pretty Cult. While also working contract work for a few other national photography brands.

Next year I will start working on my 3rd book called, I AM ART , focusing on taboo art forms, such as Burlesque Dancers, Adult Entertainers, and other Sex Workers. Showcasing that sex work is work but also is a form of art and not all art is linear. I will be casting all type of performers for it , and all genders.

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 am a little goth witchy gal, so I would have to start my day in LA at Spellbound Sky, load up on some metaphysical goodness.  A Then we would head to Porto’s gotta get those potato balls! I love exploring the abandoned LA Zoo and climb into the cages and do a mini photo sesh, do a hike to the Hollywood sign. Get some lunch at Botanica in SIlverlake. I also love going to Universal, I could literally ride the Tram all day and be entertained. Being a live music fanatic, we have to see who’s playing at The Teragram, Hollywood Bowl, The Greek, or any other local venue.  Depending on the season, if it’s fall we doing all the Halloween attractions around town.

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?
Amanda Palmer’s book “The Art of Asking” is what helped me in pursuing my career. By trusting that there is someone out there who will support and help you create your vision. It also helped me to ask for help and trust the divine. In my life I have been blessed to work with so many amazing people through out my over a decade career. My friend Lynn Shook was my concert photographer mentor. My first tour was with my favorite band Queens of the Stone Age and it was the kick in the butt to motivate me to finally take the leap and move to the west coast. All of this wouldn’t mean anything without the motivation and drive I receive from becoming a Mother. My sweet daughter Indie, has sparked me to create and set the example for her. I want her to know she can follow her dreams and achieve them, and see motherhood as a strength not an hindrance from having a passionate life.

Website: Www.soundsnapphoto.com

Instagram: Instagram.con/Soundsnapphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-loth-4717a387

Twitter: Soundsnapphoto

Facebook: Facebook.com/soundsnapphotographyrva

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/sound-snap-photography-yucca-valley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0sUqIkJq5wwWswKL8ljv8w

Other: Www.soundsnapboudoirphotography.com Instagram.con/soundsnapboudoir

Image Credits
Destinee Nicholson, Sal Loveless, Aline T, Hamilton High School Foundation, Angela Mazzanti, Brandy, Jen, Zoey, Alx Rose , Lilith Jenovax, Mattie O’Neill, Hot Milk , Palaye Royale, So What Music Fest, The Pretty Cult, Sindi Ray