Meet Laura Ashley Smith | Photographer + Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Ashley Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura Ashley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have always been encouraged to take risks. My parents vehemently encouraged me to take risks, to try new things or quit things that didn’t serve me, with the belief that things will work out no matter what; which has ended up being a blessing and a curse. As I’ve practiced this throughout my life, I’ve come to realize that risk is like everything in life, it’s the most useful and efficient in moderation. Too much risk can be chaotic and dangerous and too little can enable stagnancy and/or complacency. Taking risk in my own life/career has allowed me to become multidisciplinary and knowledgeable about various industries and experiences, but with little commitment to one path. Now, after many years, the tables have turned, it is the practice, or act, of focus and commitment to one of my passions that feels like my greatest risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is multidisciplinary. I am currently a photographer and content creator with a background in Art History and Curation. I specialize in film and digital photography of landscapes, lifestyle, travel and branding. I am proud of my academic background, the knowledge and passion for research sustains my drive and determination to challenge myself and my art. I’m proud of the various paths that have led me to where I am. It is all of these influences that have added to my story, my brand. Was it easy, no way, it shouldn’t be. Easy does not allow for resilience and growth. I think the most important quality to overcoming any challenge is the belief in yourself, the belief in your story and in your work. All along the way I have learned about loneliness, persistence, about communication and boundaries. I have learned how to explain in different forms. It is constant learning, that’s what I love about art and photography, there is no limit of knowledge. I want the world to know as a multi-disciplinary and multi-passionate artist, I am not indecisive; it is that I have many gifts and talents and I want to create extraordinary experiences through photography that inspire people to think about life from other perspectives and to try new things, to take risks.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is such a great question! I love to create unique and fun experiences for people visiting San Diego, and a week is such a great amount of time. I think off the bat we’d visit Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship garden and eat at Mister A’s while we watch the planes come in. We’d go to Cabrillo National Monument to look out over the ocean and city and then have fish tacos at Point Loma Seafood or Mitch’s. It would be magical to see a concert at the Rady Shell on the harbor and visit Coronado and stay at night at the Hotel Del. We couldn’t miss La Jolla, we’d snorkel with the seals in the caves, layout on the sand at Windnsea while watching the surfers and the sunset, then eating at Paradisea for dinner. One of my favorite local things to do, that I think gets missed by most visitors, is a guided walking tour of Mission Hills. The neighborhood is over 150 years old, the homes are incredible, the gardens are magical and the views are spectacular. Then a dinner at Riki Sushi in North Park. A local staple that has been in my rotation for over a decade. There’s so much more, but for another time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have contributed so meaningfully to my journey. To be conscious of their privacy, I will not name names, but an old friend who I rekindled with and took time to go over my some of my first photos with me and give me feedback. To acquaintances and friends who let me take photos of them, even if they weren’t very good. This last year I found/joined the film community on instagram, and wow, this is the most amazing group of people I’ve ever experienced. I’m so grateful for their friendships and encouragements and tips. I am constantly inspired and motivated by their work. To all the women in photography. Lastly, one of my favorite books is Holding Still by Sally Mann, her photography is intimate, daring and raw and her writing is no less. Others matter so much in the journey, and I’m so grateful for the others I have been lucky enough to cross paths with.

Website: www.apotropaicstudio.com

Instagram: @laura.apotropaic, @apotropaicfilm

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6boGct8If32IW9f_y7Kcag