Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Ashley.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been an art teacher for 33 years and an artist for longer than that. Wildlife has been an interest for me since I was a small child searching for frogs and turtles, or chasing butterflies. It wasn’t until I met my husband, Rich Ashley, in 2000 that I began using photography and videography skills with his already established “Team Reptile” Michigan wildlife public access television program. I was in love in more ways than one. However, it wasn’t until we moved to Florida in 2018 that we discovered the gorgeous variety of wildlife here. From the alligators to the zebra longwing butterfly, it is a photographer’s delight!
We started sharing some of my photos on social media, and with encouragement from friends and family, decided to start our business. Ashley Wildlife Productions was created in 2024. Since that time, I have had my work published, won awards, and my art is on a permanent display in a wildlife preserve in Mississippi. I am a member of the South Lake Art League, so a few of my photos are available for purchase in their gallery on a rotating basis as well as the Clermont City Center and our website, ashleywildlifeproductions.com. I enjoy meeting people at events, sharing stories of seeing wildlife and capturing that incredible moment that makes someone smile.
This summer was spent traveling around Florida to as many places as we could during our break from school to find new and interesting shots. For the first time our son, Clark, joined us in our adventures. He is in his last year at Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and is still working out what he would like to do for a career. He enjoyed the photography, but the heat was too much for him.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say there have been any big obstacles or struggles along the way. The biggest challenge we have is the weather. If we plan a big trip and suddenly the weather takes a turn, there isn’t anything we can do about it. We drove to a spot this summer about 90 minutes from home, and when we started to exit the expressway, the clouds rolled in and lightning shot across the sky. What could we do? We finished driving to our destination and tried to wait it out, to no avail. The storm lasted all day.
Fortunately, we decided to make the trip again later in the week, and we were so glad we did! I was able to capture some beautiful photos of wild horses!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wildlife photographer that focuses on all things wild in Florida. I love to capture the personality of the animals. When a person views a baby duck strutting through the lily pads and it brings a smile to their face, or they see the full grin of a large alligator and they smirk with a feeling of mischievousness that is what I strive for in my art.
At the spring photography contest at South Lake Art League, I won first, second and people’s choice awards. I had my photograph of a juvenile alligator published in The Wildlife Society magazine. The same photograph is showcased in the welcome center at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.
As a middle school art teacher, I was selected last year as Teacher of the Year by my school, East Ridge Middle School in Clermont.
How do you define success?
Success for me:
I’ve found a way to turn my passion into an experience I share with my loving husband, transforming it into stunning artwork that brings joy to others who appreciate it just as much as we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleywildlifeproductions.com
- Instagram: @ashleywildlifeproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094367191271
