Meet Ashley Sophia of Adenis Photography in Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sophia.

Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passions are in the artistic & creative realms, but during the day, I work as a senior medical device engineer. While my main job is conducive to creativity and innovation, I do not get to explore my artistic side as much anymore. My hobby has always been jewelry-making, so I opened a store called “HOLTIV” (holistic & alternative), which features my resin craft wearable art mainly using natural gemstones and copper. Photos of the jewelry alone did not fully express their beauty, so for the first time ever, I did a professional photo shoot so I can model the jewelry. It was the first time I was ever exposed to photography. I was happy with the images, but mentality is to always look for ways to improve, so I decided to get a Canon Rebel T6 and try out photography, to utilize my education from the California Institute of Arts. I used myself as a model again, and Youtube as my instructor. I started with an expressive photo of myself depicting depression and edited my photo to be half black and white, and half colored. Ever since then, I fell in love with doing creative edits and started shooting my friends. After a month of doing TFP (trade for prints) work, I opened Adenis Photography and worked on the SEO. In my first month of opening, October 2018, I have done about 20 paid photoshoots, mainly in family and event photography. I was very happy with my business but wanted to learn more to improve myself as an artist and professional. I quickly learned that an important aspect of photography is knowing how it is like in front of a camera, so I started modeling at the end of January 2019 to better direct my customers.

Through modeling – both print and runway – I was able to learn so much about camera & lighting techniques through the many photographers I worked with. As I grew in the modeling industry, it not only became another professional, paying career in itself, but it provided me with continuous education on photography. I can proudly say that the quality of my work has significantly improved. I have expanded my photography to support local businesses and humanitarian events (such as Three Precious Miracles, dedicated to Native American orphans) to create a more meaningful purpose for Adenis Photography. Photography not only captures aesthetics but is a means to capture precious memories and send impactful messages. Personally, photography has pushed me to be more involved in the community, make more friends, learn how to be a better businesswoman, and add more meaning to my life. Art comes in many forms, and photography is one of the best ways to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. While techniques were easy with the help of my best friend, who is a software/computer engineer with talent in digital art, the emotional impact of photography was difficult. I had an abusive childhood, where I did not feel loved, so it was difficult that most of my clients were happy families. I was shooting everything I wished to have, but have yet to experience. I already struggled with depression and PTSD, so shooting happiness really made me feel isolated – literally on the outside, looking in. I stopped promoting my business and only worked with people who found me organically. It wasn’t until I changed the purpose of my photography work, to be more creative and provide messages, that I became happy with my work again.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Adenis Photography focuses on providing a creative perspective on reality, with the goal of helping people see beyond what is in front of them – emotions, hidden feelings, and context. Rather than simply editing people to fit beauty standards, I use different editing techniques to highlight moods and settings.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. Phoenix is not only such a large and heavily populated place, but it also has a diverse demographic. In photography, I believe diversity – in age, race, religion, backgrounds, careers – of individuals you work with not only expands the scope of your work but also builds character.

Pricing:

• Prices range from $75-$200 per hour and depends on the edits and genre.

Contact Info:

• Website: adenisphotography.wixsite.com/adenisphotography
• Phone: 7022037187
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adenisphotography/?family_bridges_funnel_id=RIT5XNTwmVjJMWKd&family_bridges_source_surface=fb_profile
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adenisphotography/
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/6zKZShzgG0
• Other: ashleysophiamodel.com

Image Credit:
All photos are by Adenis Photography

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