Interview with Photographer Asha Maura

I suppose you can say this has been a week of spoiling you with special treats! To continue my spoiling streak, I’m suuuper excited to share my interview with local photographer Asha Maura! I met Asha through our mutual friends, who hired her to take photos at their wedding a couple months back. While browsing through their photo album, my jaw fell to the ground, basically laying immobile due to the breath-taking shots Asha managed to capture throughout their special day. At that moment, I knew there was no way I was going to allow the opportunity of interviewing Asha get away from me. At the young age of 18, this talented young lady has built a portfolio and resume as strong as her older professional peers. Working as a professional photographer at Digs, a studio of photography, Asha strives to be the best wedding photographer of her generation, a craft she hopes to exercise all over the world. Her talent and work ethic speak for itself, and promotes great inspiration for female artists of all ages. Thank you so much Asha for allowing me to pick that amazing brain of yours. You’re the coolest Baby Femme around!

1. When did you first become interested in photography?
Oh Man, that’s a great question. I have been interested in photography since I was I think 13? My dad bought me a little kodak point and shoot and it was history from there. I was the self timer queen. I LOVED taking self portraits. When I turned 15 I bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D40. I loved that thing, It never left my side, thats when I started getting creative with my photos, at 16 I got an internship with Digs studio and thats when it all really began for me, now I’m 18 and a professional photographer, sometimes when I think about it I’m even in shock that I am doing what I’ve loved for so long, at such a young age.
2. Do you recall the first photograph that made an impression on you?
I’ve always been surrounded by art. All different types of art. I’m so grateful for my parents and how much they have introduced me to since I was a baby. My mom always had a camera on her, and she got that habit from my grandfather. A long line of photographers you might say. Anyway, my mom used to show me slides of photos my grandfather took in the 70’s and 80’s and I remember being sooo in love with everyone of them. So I can’t remember the first photo that made an impression but I remember the first photographer. My Abuelito!

3. Do you feel that your identity changes when you lift the camera to your eye? Do you act differently?
Oh Absolutely! I am extremely bubbly behind the camera but at the same time very concentrated and for some reason I become a total clutz when I’m photographing, I trip over EVERYTHING! I get excited about a shoot weeks in advance, and I’m always thinking about what shots I want to get, but when I start shooting I lose myself. A lot of the time I don’t even get the shot I was thinking about for weeks because I get so excited in the moment I forget! I guess you can say I become a bitttt of a spaz when I pick up the camera…but in a good way. haha
4. Have other photographers influenced your photographic style?
Definitely, when I started working for Digs I had the opportunity to learn from some really amazing photographers. I think everyone here at digs has definitely influenced my photography and what I look for in a photo. But I am ALWAYS looking at other photographers all over the world for inspiration. I am still so new at this, my photos are no where near where I’d like them to be. I think I’m just starting to develop my own style and I’m more excited then ever about photography!
5. After reviewing your work on Digs’ blog and your personal blog, I noticed you have taken some of the most beautiful portraits I’ve ever seen! How do you go about making your subject feel comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera?
Oh gosh! Thank you so much, you’re making me blush a bit! I just try to be myself. Getting photos taken is awkward, even for me. No one really likes to do it at first. We say it’s like a first date, awkward for the first 15 minutes. Since I know this, I just like to have fun, make dumb jokes and just have a good time like I would if I were out with my friends. Most of the time I meet with my clients before their shoot. Just so we can get to know each other a little bit. A shoot should be fun, so I do whatever I can to make sure it is.

6. Where do you see your craft taking you in the future?
Everywhere!! I plan on being the best wedding photographer of my generation! I want to travel the world taking photos. That for me would be a dream come true for me. But I plan on opening my own studio by 22. That’s my goal. Not sure where yet, have to do some more traveling before I decide. I’m extremely excited about my future though, I don’t imagine my life being anything close to ordinary.
7. Thank you again for your time, you’re a huge inspiration for aspiring photographers! What is your definition of a Raw Femme?
I think Raw Femme is about doing something great and beautiful, doing what you love and still being true to who you are. It’s about women doing something that is awesome that people all over can be inspired by. Standing out and taking risks, having a little bit of rebel in you that will reflect in your work, no matter what It is. I love Raw Femme, I’m a huge fan of what you’re doing and couldn’t be happier that you asked me to do this interview, so Thank you! You’re awesome, best of luck to you!