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

Hi Ashleigh, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve honestly always been interested in so many creative things from a very young age. However, music has always been at the very core of it all. I adventured in different dancing classes, took piano, and attempted to teach myself guitar. Also, when I was about the age of 10 my Poppop (grandpa) gave me my first film camera. Cameras were a frequent thing in our family. My mom, grandma, Poppop, always snapping photos of the family during get-togethers. Needless to say, I was no stranger to photos. Haha I consistently used my film camera until my 16th birthday when I saved for my first digital camera. Mostly taking photos of my friends, family, scenery, and we can’t forget the MySpace photos!
Fast forward to 2018 I got my Sony a6300 mirrorless camera. I started
enjoying taking photos all over again.
But, the real pivotal moments that brought me to where I am currently is the following:
I was out at Band Splash at Big Surf Waterpark just having a grand ol’ time when I saw a gentleman carrying this big camera (who I’ve since then met – his name is Kenny) taking photos of the bands/artists and the event itself. I thought to myself, “whaaaat? That looks like fun!” Fast forward a month or two later when I saw Walk The Moon at The Van Buren. Yet again, I saw people in the pit taking photos of the band. “That’s it, that’s what I want to do. I want to be the person in the pit and on the stage taking photos of bands/artists”, I thought to myself. I just felt what a great way to combine two things I really enjoy! Nothing ever really came of my musical ‘talents’ more than belting around friends and family, or in the shower or car.
Next thing I know I’m researching local bands that were in the realm of music I wanted to focus on primarily. Started reaching out to take free photos to hone my skills and grow. I even would buy tickets abd go to shows at The Rebel Lounge (who always has a special place in my heart), take my camera and turn around and send them to the bands/artists. From there I started building my social media and finally settled on a name that resonated with me. I’m currently known as The Rebel Photographer or “Rebel” for short. But, those who have followed my journey since the beginning may remember my name as Oh Deer Photography.

Today I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve had the chance to meet. I still have moments of absolute denial as silly as that may sound. Every show I go to I feel nervous and excited. To me, it’s more than just a business or career. Music truly saved my life and continues to do so. It’s been such a core part of me for so long. Plus, being able to take my love of photography and capture those moments and the emotions is AUH-MAZING. I want to capture more than just a cool shot, but more so the feeling. I want the viewer to have a good idea of what the band/artist is about and how it reflects their sound as well. As I like to put it, I want you to “hear” the images.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Welp… I had some extra stuff all typed out but my trusty browser refreshed 😭 Oh man… that sucks haha

Here’s what I initially typed up for the first question. Needless to say I wasn’t sure there’d be more questions. Haha

I’ve honestly always been interested in so many creative things from a very young age. However, music has always been at the very core of it all. I adventured in different dancing classes, took piano, and attempted to teach myself guitar. Also, when I was about the age of 10 my Poppop (grandpa) gave me my first film camera. Cameras were a frequent thing in our family. My mom, grandma, Poppop, always snapping photos of the family during get-togethers. Needless to say, I was no stranger to photos. Haha
I consistently used my film camera until my 16th birthday when I saved for my first digital camera. Mostly taking photos of my friends, family, scenery, and we can’t forget the MySpace photos!
Fast forward to 2018 I got my Sony a6300 mirrorless camera. I started
enjoying taking photos all over again.
But, the real pivotal moments that brought me to where I am currently is the following:
I was out at Band Splash at Big Surf Waterpark just having a grand ol’ time when I saw a gentleman carrying this big camera (who I’ve since then met – his name is Kenny) taking photos of the bands/artists and the event itself. I thought to myself, “whaaaat? That looks like fun!” Fast forward a month or two later when I saw Walk The Moon at The Van Buren. Yet again, I saw people in the pit taking photos of the band. “That’s it, that’s what I want to do. I want to be the person in the pit and on the stage taking photos of bands/artists”, I thought to myself. I just felt what a great way to combine two things I really enjoy! Nothing ever really came of my musical ‘talents’ more than belting around friends and family, or in the shower or car.
Next thing I know I’m researching local bands that were in the realm of music I wanted to focus on primarily. Started reaching out to take free photos to hone my skills and grow. I even would buy tickets abd go to shows at The Rebel Lounge (who always has a special place in my heart), take my camera and turn around and send them to the bands/artists. From there I started building my social media and finally settled on a name that resonated with me. I’m currently known as The Rebel Photographer or “Rebel” for short. But, those who have followed my journey since the beginning may remember my name as Oh Deer Photography.

Today I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve had the chance to meet. I still have moments of absolute denial as silly as that may sound. Every show I go to I feel nervous and excited. To me, it’s more than just a business or career. Music truly saved my life and continues to do so. It’s been such a core part of me for so long. Plus, being able to take my love of photography and capture those moments and the emotions is AUH-MAZING. I want to capture more than just a cool shot, but more so the feeling. I want the viewer to have a good idea of what the band/artist is about and how it reflects their sound as well. As I like to put it, I want you to “hear” the images.

MORE DETAILS:
Let’s try this again shall we? Haha

Well, when it comes to challenges I’d say that it wasn’t easy getting started that’s for sure. I didn’t know anyone in the industry or space I was trying to pursue. So there was a lot of research that had to be done. But, my biggest challenges, or struggles, was that I felt that in order to be taken seriously I would have to have a polished website, gallery and social media sites. I also felt that I had to know anything and everything about my camera, photoshop, and Lightroom. I am completely self taught Never taking any classes on anything pertaining to what I do, I’m completely self taught. I had to learn just to be myself, and to get out there and just do!

At the end of the day, I’m a fan much like other photographers in the same or similar space. However, in addition to that I want to give back to the local music community and to these artists that I have had the pleasure of working with before and in the future.
Music has truly been the greatest love of my life. It’s saved my life, and has continued to do so. Being apart of the music scene has been an honor. I don’t think that will ever change or fade.

Also, I’d like to remind anyone reading this to remember to unapologetically be yourself, be kind to yourself, and to also keep a little REBEL in you! 🤘🏻

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place that comes to mind would be Novel Ice Cream. I have a sweet tooth and they have the BEST ice cream donut sandwiches. Absolutely unbeatable in my book! A notable place for food would have to be B Gastro Bar. From presentation to taste, incredible!
As for drinks I’d say Divided Vine is a neat little place with an even bigger array of drinks to choose from! They have different drinks to chose from written on two chalkboard walls from top to bottom! They have new selections all the time.
If you need a coffee pick me up I would recommend Sweetz Cold Brew. The inside aesthetic is fun, and the coffee is tasty! And, if you’re looking for something special and one of a kind I’d check out The White Rabbit. But I won’t give too much detail on that one, you’d just have to look it up. 😉
And of course, I’m going to recommend checking out a show at The Rebel Lounge and or Valley Bar. The Rebel Lounge is a smaller music venue with friendly staff, and a fun atmosphere. Valley Bar is a great place to hangout with drinks, food, and live music. Valley Bar feels exclusive by its location in an alleyway in a basement. Sounds creepy, but I promise it’s not. Haha

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give thanks to all of my special loved ones that offered me encouragement and reassurance when I felt unsure of myself and my work. Believe me, they know who they are! (There weren’t many to start.) I also want to extend my gratitude to those also in the industry that helped give me connections and recommended me to others. I started out not knowing anyone! I also want to thank the local Arizona artists I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with, and appreciate them giving me a chance and watching me grow. Some I’ve even grown along side of. I do have a book that I would like to give some recognition to, and that’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F#%k by Mark Manson. Just let go, and stop giving a f__k of what others think of you! Just. Do. You.

Website: https://therebelphotographer.pixieset.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.rebel.photographer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/therebelphotog

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