Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Ogle.
Ash, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In September of 2021, I saw one of my favorite bands in Chattanooga. While there I chatted with one of the photographers working the show afterward I reached out to her to see what it would take for me to get started in music photography as this show piqued my interest. With some sound advice from her, I bought a cheap camera and started photographing local artists at the Outpost. After getting a few shows under my belt I joined a couple of national publications and things took off. I was booking several shows a week.
By January 2022 I had done nearly 20 shows that even included my favorite band. But the metal music photography market is very saturated and most of the shows I wanted to do were already spoken for. So I decided to start my own music publication. But It was very important to me that my publication stand out and have a mission that we wholeheartedly stand by. So after hiring 20+ photographers and writers we collectively decided that our mission would be mental health advocacy. Music is immensely healing so the two fused together seamlessly.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m not going to lie the last 10 months have been challenging. There have been many ups and maybe even more downs. Running a publication is not my full-time job so balancing an 80-hour work week has come with an array of obstacles. And I think most can agree that the creative space is difficult to navigate. Imposter syndrome is something I still struggle with today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a music photographer and journalist and I run my own national publication. I’m a metalhead at heart so I cover a lot of metal and deathcore bands. I believe my take on music journalism sets me apart because I like to write to the fans that can’t make it to a show. I want them the read my article and see my photos and feel like they were there even if they weren’t.
Most journalists focus on the bands and the technical jargon. But I hone in on the emotional side of concert photography. Most of my colleagues call me the crowd-shot queen because I really enjoy taking photos of the crowd and the whole concert atmosphere.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Network, network, network! I honestly wished I knew how important networking is when I began working in this field. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Yes, rejection is scary and you will be rejected, but don’t let that stop you. Eventually, someone will say yes. I missed quite a few opportunities when I started out because I was afraid to completely put myself out there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keynotemusiccollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keynotemusiccollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keynotemusiccollective/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeynoteMusic_
- Other: www.ashoglephotos.com
