Photographer Ashley Russell joins the pod to break down how she built her style, found mentorship, and carved her own lane in fitness photography. From volunteering at her local affiliate to working major competitions, Ashley shares how putting herself out there and asking questions helped fast track her growth.
The conversation dives into mentorship with Bruce and Bio Media, the importance of anticipation in sports photography, and how to build a full storytelling project from a single event. Ashley also explains what she means by shooting “clean” and how newer photographers can start developing their own visual identity without overcomplicating it.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Getting reps by volunteering at your local gym
- Cold outreach and how mentorship accelerated her growth
- Studying other creatives without copying them
- Anticipating moments in sports photography
- Turning a single event into a complete storytelling project
- What “clean” photography actually means in practice
- Developing your style through repetition and honest critique
- Renting gear before buying and testing what fits your workflow
- Why personality and attitude matter more than technical skill
This episode is packed with practical advice for fitness photographers looking to sharpen their style, build relationships, and grow with intention instead of chasing gear or trends.
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