Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashanti Blair.
Hi Ashanti, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started taking photos as a hobby back in 2012 and evolved throughout the years. I’ve delved into multiple genres, looking for my “thing” and it’s lead me through a wormhole of acquired skills. Today, I mostly partake in cosplay photography (because of how much of a nerd I am) along with photos here and there of memories I want to preserve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely had NOT been a smooth ride for me. I’ve struggled for years believing that I wasn’t good enough until I found out that the only thing that held me back, were those thoughts alone. Another struggle was balancing photography with my 9 to 5 but it became easier as I learned how to prioritize and pivot.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance photographer with a wide array of genres I like to immerse myself in. I specialize and am mostly recognized by my cosplay photos and have had my work published over a dozen times in cosplay magazines. I’m proud of my cosplay work in particular because I connect with the cosplayers on an equal level of our joy of anime, fantasy and fiction. I believe having that passion and understanding of the characters I capture sets me apart from others because 10/10 times, I’m familiar with the source!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Start. No matter how much you feel like you’re not ready, don’t have the proper equipment or can’t get people to see your work…start. I wish I didn’t let thoughts of doubt and the need for validation of others about MY work hinder me because I could have created more sooner. Business or not, it’s an art and taking away the free expression of that is like purging one’s soul. Express yourself and show others the world from your eyes!
Pricing:
- Cosplay-$150 (1hr)
- Headshots(B2B)-$100(3 set)
- Weddings- Starts at $250(1 shooter,1h)
- Real Estate-Starts at $300(standard sets, drone work extra)
- Portrait-$200(1hr)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shunbimages.com
- Instagram: @shunbimages
