Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Yob.
Ashleigh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always enjoyed taking photos since a young age after receiving an old film camera from my grandfather. I moved to California from the UK three years ago when I married my husband. I spent some time here at first waiting for my visas to be approved so I could start working. During this downtime and between surf sessions I would often spend time take surfing photos of my friends. People would always stop by my setup on the beach and enquire jokingly as to whether I got a shot of their ‘big wave.’ It would happen every time I was at the beach with my camera- so one day – an early morning when the waves were incredible I did take some shots of the other surfers.
An older gentleman, a salty sea dog looking guy approached me with the same question I’d been asked 100 times – yet this time I did have a photo of his ‘awesome waves.’ He was shocked at first, and I shared with him a few of the images I had captured on my camera screen. He shared with me his surf story. He’d been surfing for most of his life, yet only had one picture of himself. He was so stoked I thought he was going to cry. His picture now takes pride of place on his living room wall. It only took him 50 years of surfing to finally get ‘the shot.’
It was from there my business was born, and I set up my website (www.sandiegosurfphotos.com), so I could share my images with everyone – usually, a resource that’s available to the most skilled and talented surfers in our community who have the sponsorships or friends with fancy camera equipment to capture their surf story. I try and get to the beach every day to capture a few moments of our everyday surfers – the ones who are learning for the first time, spending special moments early morning with their friends, family and kids and freezing those moments for them to print out and hang on their wall, share on their social media and keep forever.
My business has really grown over the past year. I usually have a waitlist of those keen for me to capture the next great day of surf. I recently organized a special photo day for some of San Diego’s lady surfers which had an incredible turnout – probably more ladies in the lineup than I’ve seen before! I try to offer something for everyone – not all surfers want the pressure of a photographer zooming in on their every move.
I photograph public sessions where anyone can come along, catch some waves amongst the crowd and check out my site for their best moments – no pressure. I have a lot of people who also book me for their own personal photo shoot where they can enjoy captures of their every wave. I have also been given lots of other great opportunities to photograph people, places and other sporting activities through my surf photography.
I’m fortunate to be able to combine my passions for surfing and photography to really give back something special and unique to our local community of everyday surfers who I enjoy riding waves with daily.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some days the surf isn’t great. I get up early and arrive at the beach – it’s raining, it’s windy, there’s one guy out! I give up, get a coffee and get on with my day. Other days the surf is firing, my inbox is full of messages, my social media likes engulf my phone screen, and I could do with ten versions of myself to capture every great wave breaking in San Diego County.
It can be unpredictable – there are no two days that are the same, and I have to be really flexible. When I get that great shot though it makes it all worth it. When I open my email to someones, awesome surfing story and a million thank you’s for freezing a moment in time for them it makes all the bad days of waves, early mornings and freezing fingers in the winter completely worth it.
I’ve been working really hard to invest my efforts into some better camera equipment, improving my website. I’ve certainly been learning a lot along the way. My biggest challenge is watching everyone surfing and wishing I was out there with them!!!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business San Diego Surf Photos is pretty unique to the area. I specialize in taking photos of surfers – especially those everyday surfers who may not usually have the resources available to them to capture their moment doing what they’re passionate about.
I give those who maybe don’t have the confidence to book a surf photographer to come along and join me at a location on a given day – regardless of their surfing ability, skills or experience. They don’t even need to come to say hi to me on the beach! Their photos are posted in my galleries for them to download or print and enjoy. Pictures are as cheap as a coffee, and they can enjoy some really good affordable prices for full galleries.
I also offer private photography sessions for surfers – or anyone looking for something specific. I have been fortunate to take some beautiful portraits of surfers, their best waves and memorable sessions with friends. I’ve spent many hours at the skate parks and on the beaches with families.
I am also a female surf photographer – which whilst is not entirely unique; it’s definitely a rarity. There are lots of guys here who spend their time invested in photographing the pros, and some retired dudes who fill their time taking shots from the pier. And sharing. I’m usually outnumbered by my male counterparts behind the lend on the beach.
Many of them are surprised when they first meet me, but everyone has been so kind and appreciative of my work. I like to think of myself as an everyday surf photographer for the everyday surfers of San Diego.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There are lots of opportunities in San Diego. We have beautiful weather; the incredible scenery is a beautiful canvas for any aspiring photographer. It’s a very creative city where people enjoy art in every form.
Starting any business is hard, but hard work always pays off. If you have a passion for something, it’s certainly worth exploring, and there are so many opportunities to get your foot in the door here.
Pricing:
- Public photos sessions – single images $4.99, an entire gallery of all your pictures from your session $30. See my Instagram @sandiegosurfphotos for location and times
- Private Photo Shoots – $150. Up to 4 people, all your photos. Any location in San Diego County
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sandiegosurfphotos.com
- Phone: 7604505503
- Email: sandiegosurfphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sandiegosurfphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandiegosurfphotos/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdsurfphotos
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
