Hey, Welcome to the AMP Blog!
Hey hey, I'm Ashlyne McDonald, the face behind AMP! I have so many thoughts, stories, and creative things that I want to share, so I figured why not start a blog! I'm not here for the typical '3 outfits to wear to your next photoshoot' kind of blog. I want to share behind the scenes, tips and tricks for creatives, and all about my life with and without my camera. Whether you're here because you love portrait photography, you're a fellow creative, or you're just curious, you're in the right place!
If I were to describe myself, I'd probably describe myself as a laid-back photographer with lots of energy, and a passion for connecting with all sorts of unique people. I specialize in creative and editorial photos, as well as seniors, documentary, and commercial work.
Photography has always been a huge part of my life. I got my first camera when I was around 12 or 13, and I've been obsessed ever since. My first camera was a pink digital camera, and funny enough, I still think it's laying around somewhere at my parent's house. In high school, I was obsessed with being in front of the camera. I took a lot of self-portraits and always begged my parents and family to take photos of me. I really liked expressing myself and my ideas through modeling. I also did a lot of graphic design in high school, which helped me realize how much I enjoy creating.
After high school, I packed my life up into suitcases and moved out west to pursue a college degree. Out of all of the places I could have gone for college, I went to BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. It's a college in the middle of nowhere, and my first real winter was -40 degrees. I'm originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, where the weather is pretty warm and surrounded by trees, so that was a real shock to me!
I studied Fine Art Photography, where my first semester was very eventful. (I'm going to have to do a separate blog post on my first semester of college.) When I got to college, I learned just how powerful photography can be. It's not just about taking pictures of pretty places and people (although that is super fun). It's about being able to tell stories and emotions all from a single photograph. I learned a lot in college and I am so grateful for all of the interesting and difficult experiences I had. I can confidently say that without studying photography in college, I would not be where I am today. I was able to power through college in 2 1/2 years and graduated in July 2024 with my Bachelor's in Fine Art Photography.
In September 2024, my husband, Porter, and I moved to Utah, where I've been working hard to grow my photography business in a new state. It's been a challenge, but a rewarding one! I want every person who works with me (whether a client or another photographer) to walk away feeling like they've been seen and heard through their photos, and that their photos reflect exactly who they are. That's what makes it all worth it for me.
When I'm not working, you can probably find me rewatching The Office (Kevin’s chili scene will forever be my favorite), reading, lifting weights at the gym, or traveling. I also have a serious love for Diet Dr. Pepper. I swear it fuels my creativity. I'm trying to cut back on my caffeine consumption this year, and it's been tough to say the least. Oh, and I'm gluten-free! I always love finding good recipes or gluten-free snacks.
I’m so glad you've found your way to the AMP blog, and I can’t wait to share more with you. Want to stay up to date on new posts or just chat? Follow me on Instagram @ashlynemcdonaldphoto and let me know what topics you’d love to see here! Feel free to DM me! Thanks for being part of this journey—can't wait to share more soon!
