Hi, I'm Ashley an Asian Wedding Photographer!

Becoming an Asian wedding photographer is a journey that often begins with a passion for creativity and a love for capturing precious moments. As I reflect on my path, I realise that my artistic inclination and fascination with photography have been constant companions throughout my life.

During my university days, while studying Business and Marketing, I couldn't ignore my creative flair. I had a background in graphics and art, and my sketchbooks were filled with anime and life drawings. Photography became my outlet during this time, as the quality of camera phones was only starting to evolve, so everyone had a digital camera as a must for nights out. Every night out with friends turned into an opportunity to snap away, immortalising both the good times and the drunken escapades and trust me there was a lot!

It wasn't until after university that I mustered the courage to invest in my first DSLR camera, and it coincided with my cousin's wedding. The wedding photographer my cousin hired caught my attention, and I was mesmerised by the way he interacted with his camera, adjusting settings as the light changed. I decided to capture the moments myself on my camera, and when I showed my family and the couple the photographs, they were impressed and encouraged me to pursue photography professionally.

Knowing it would take dedication and practice to excel, I pondered how I could enhance my skills. My passion for fitness led me to photograph bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, honing my portrait photography skills—an essential aspect of being an Asian wedding photographer. Learning how to pose and direct clients is crucial for beautifully capturing the essence of these special moments.

After spending a year shooting at gym locations, I ventured into the Asian wedding photography scene in 2016. I began with smaller events, such as Engagement parties, Jaago nights, Mehndi nights, Mayian ceremonies, and Pithi ceremonies, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Asian wedding traditions. Each event offered a unique opportunity to learn and grow as a photographer.

In 2017 my big break came when a close friend approached me after seeing my work on my personal Instagram and asked if I would be their wedding photographer. It was a moment of immense honour and excitement, but also nervousness. I presented my portfolio, and they were impressed enough to sign on the spot. The wedding took place in Leicester at The Lakeside Suite in 2018. It marked a turning point in my journey as an Asian wedding photographer.

Bojan & Varsha - The Lakeside Suite, Leicester 2018

Becoming an Asian wedding photographer is not without its challenges. The industry is competitive, but if you possess the talent and dedication, success is within reach. Each wedding I capture is an opportunity to blend my artistic eye with an appreciation for cultural diversity, creating a visual narrative of love, traditions, and unity.

In conclusion, my journey as an Asian wedding photographer began with a passion for creativity and a love for capturing life's moments. Embracing the diverse culture and traditions of Asian weddings has allowed me to connect with couples on a deeper level, preserving their memories for generations to come. This profession has taught me that when passion, talent, and hard work collide, the magic of photography unfolds, weaving stories of love and cultural heritage into each frame.