Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lumetta
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Working as a Camera Operator and Video Director for live events is my passion, and If you would have asked me when I was little ” What do you want to be when you grow up?”, I would have said ” a Marine Biologist, I want to work at seaward!”. Little would I have known that when I would have gotten older, experiencing teenage angst, and listening to Rock music… everything would change.
As a 12yr old, I played violin in elementary school, and I liked it and wanted to keep up with it. I was even chosen 2 years in a row ( out of a whole class of kids only 5 people could be chosen) to g to the county orchestra concert and play with the local Brevard Symphony Orchestra. I was able to go both years, and loved it. BUT when I was told I was going to a different middle school from everyone else…this sort of changed some things for me. BUT I was ok, because one of my best friends at the time was also going to the same school. I still had the Marine Biologist plan in mind, so instead or music…I took a science elective ( which I had no idea what that even meant… I was told it was supposed to be like..a fun class…and guess WHAT… I failed that so hard I had to switch out HAHA!…so ..I said ” Want to continue playing my violin”).
During this time, my mom had gotten remarried. My stepdad listened to metal music, he always had the local rock station on ( which my mom never did..so I got a good mix of music that I would hear a lot), and I think that may have added a spark to little ol’ 5th grade Ashley, who was still finding themselves and on the brink of what path in life I wanted to take. As a child you are told ” just wait till high school it’s going to be hard. AND THEN you will go to College, and it will be harder”. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew was school, and my escape was my 4pm nap after school and doing homework while I listen to music in my room. In elementary school I listened to all kinds of pop and rock music…but it was always defined by whatever was on the radio at the time and what kids at School thought was cool. By 6th grade I still felt insecure, who didn’t?.. at that time listened to strictly rock music. BUT our family had upgraded our cable and NOW..low and behold..this thing called : music countdowns” and music specific channels were available on our TV ( and im not talking about MTV…which I also watched). I would spend so much time watching those music countdowns, because a lot of the music wasn’t even on the radio…or MTV. It was bands I had never heard of, OR it was bands I had heard of but never heard their music outside of the radio. THIS is where I start watching music videos, THEYRE SO COO! WHO MAKES THESE?..HOW MUCH MONEY GOES INTO THIS?… I need more.. (except for the annoying ones, GOD did we need a “next” button option back then..haha!)
Around this time, MySpace was huge, and only getting more popular. Youtube was blowing up, off the charts. My long time friend and I would trade music all of the time, like Fall out boy, Panic at The Disco, Avenged Sevenfold.. we would use YouTube to find funny videos all of the time, and try to make our own. BUT we weren’t allowed to have our own myspace accounts until we got into high school. So, this is why I said I spent a lot of time watching music videos on TV, and my stepbrother would burn me CD’s of mixed artist like, Hawthorne heights, system of a down, and such. At the this time, I knew I had something in me that wanted to somehow learn more and get involved with music, and video…but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. I mean, I had only been to like..maybe one concert which was locally. BUT I always had my little walk-man CD player with me..at school, in the car, on vacation…music was there. Let’s not forget the multiple orchestra concerts I had to prepare for every year (through high school)…but this is where this start to change.
When you start high school, things are scary. You’ve been told for years, and years ” just wait until high school”…well, now it’s here. All of the friends I made in Elementary school, and middle are mixed into some of my classes.. ” cool, I know these people…this isn’t too bad” …. except I still suck at math and science! how am I going to be a marine biologist if I can’t pass science?!. `
I started high school in 2007 -2008, Emo music was on the rise and scene kids were ” what I wanted to look like” … except my hair wouldn’t straighten and the Florida humidty would destroy it 15 mins into leaving the house and entering school property! ( bummer). My freshman year I meet some kids who have a band. I start going to some of their shows locally with one of my best friends who, at the time, was probably the only good friend I had who would go with me every time my mom would let me go ( and her mom as well, we had strict parents). My first local show was at the Melbourne Jaycee’s. A little hole in t he wall, tiny veterans building off of post rd. I had no idea what it was, but when I told my mom she was like ” ugh! its at THAT place!?…I know where that is, I’ll let you go BUT… I’m staying with you guys”. MY friend and I basically begged to go, and made it seem less sketchy by saying our friend’s mom would be there to help with the bands ( because 2 of the kids were her sons). ANYWAYS! it was fucking cool ( sorry for the F* word..but it’s true). One of the bands did an UnderØATH cover, and it was loud as hell. We had fun. Honestly …. life changing. Because this … this is where I felt like I belonged.
Let’s stop the story here and add in some important details. My friends band was a ” christian post-hardcore band”, and it formed into a “screamo” band. At this time I wasn’t wanting to go to church necessarily?… but I had tried it of and on in elementary Schoo land in middle school when invited by kids from school OR my mom’s friends. nothing ever stuck with me. Until now…. And I have been given my mom’s old digital cameras to use, so I bring it with me when I can. I take photos of my friends when I can. At this point, I push into this interests to find more.
The guys in the local band who went to School with me had invited me and some other people to their youth group at a local church, which I knew where it was and I KNEW.. I knew my mom would let me go. NOW..lets get some things straight here..I DID want to go because 1. Boys never wanted to hangout with me .. 2. I never did anything fun, this was the chance to find something outside of school 3. we got to hangout with the” hot guys in the band” who everyone in the scene-kid group knew who they were. 4. We got to hangout with friends after school, at night, on a TUESDAY! … crazy, I know. The story continues…
I start to actually like this whole “youth-group thing, and I have a few other friends who start to meet up with me there. I start to actually listen, and not just “hangout”. I start to feel puled into a different direction of sorts ?… but this will stick with me for quite a few years, BUT at the same time…my longing for music, community and having friends with the same interests… I felt like all of the above was right for me, like this is what I was supposed to be doing.
In 9th I would watch the morning announcements, I thought it was cool …how do you get involved?…Turns out, it is apart of a Tv Production class, AND when you apply to get into this class you have to write an ESSAY!..a friggin’ essay?… great. Well, I write the essay ( don’t ask me what it was about I don’t remember)..But, I realize I get accepted into the class and now ..it seems like the right step forward in my progression in school, but also my interests and passions. At this time I am still actively in Orchestra class as well. 10th grade comes, and I start my TV classes. We go over editing, and how we put together all of the morning announcements. THIS IS SICK! it’s now my favorite class, and the one thing I look forward to during school.
My freshman to sophomore year was also when I was not only walking around with a flip-phone, ( and I had braces) but my mom let me make a MySpace account. Boy, did I enjoy finding new music to listen to off of myspace. I was on it everyday, changing my profile, taking photos of myself AND posting my friends local band. I literally have a show at my house for my 16th birthday party ( I couldn’t believe my parents actually let it happen….it was in our empty lot Nextdoor..it was sick! … not only that, but I found more music available on our TV, and I always watched FUSE channel. I loved it. I watched Warped Wednesdays every time it came on. it was a segment where this guy went on tour with Warped tour and interviewed artists and people at each location. I HAD TO GO AND EXPERIENCE WARPED TOUR!…so.,. I begged my mom to let me go (with the church friends who had the band).l..and she let me go ( as long as I STAY with their mom). IT WAS FUCKING SICK. I took photos the whole time. I almost blacked out…it was wild. It was hot. IT WAS cool. ( but I never got to go again =/ bummer )
To condense this story, let’s focus on the main points. 1. I have found a new interest in local music, and attending my friends shows locally whenever possible ( usually only when held at a church). 2. I’m learning how to use camera’s and edit video while in school – score! 3. I definitely suck at math and science. 4. I am now heavily involved in church! 5. I’m stuck between “church girl” & ” scene kid”. The worlds are always at a battle inside me, and I can not possibly put how that feels into words other than…. 2 worlds colliding.. always. 6. I went to my FIRST music festival and go to see actual bands who I LISTEN to currently.
11th grade comes around, I leave orchestra behind due to teacher changes, and it not being the same anymore. SO I petition to take a second class period with TV Production. The school allows it. Now, I have 2hr’s of editing and TV class time. And at this point in time I’m attending local shows with my friends, still watching music countdowns, blasting my car stereo with The Devil Wears Prada, UnderØATH, Paramore..and more..
I am also now actively volunteering at 2 churches youth-groups to help with their Audio and Video teams. I got involved with singing and playing guitar between my 9th and 11th grade years. I started to be very busy with volunteering.. multiple band practices every week for each church, helping run cameras or direct. I even was helping set-up audio. THIS IS IT…. this is what I want to do!
12th grade comes, I am now focusing on college. At this point I realize I’ll never be a marine biologist, but the world is unknown for Tv Production, and AV world possibilities… I want to be in this world..we must find a college that will allow me to continue my church journey AND my TV Production/ Video editing / AV journey.
Well, I find a christian university who also has a TV studio, and it’s only 1hr 1/2 away from home..so, it’s not that far away….but it’s far enough where I have to move. score!
My college years felt more out-of-pocket…weird…strange? than ever starting a new school in middle school or high school. This might sound strange? but I think leaving all of the friends I had behind somewhat effected me. Living in shared rooms with random people ( who were terrible roommates) stressed me out. I mostly looked forward to my TV Production classes, the others?… well … I definitely was not the greatest student..but we passed our classes. I knew I didn’t want to pursue any other options. I wanted to finish school, and start my career ….whatever that looked like. I got hands on training on broadcast camera’s right out the gate. I worked in our TV studio as a camera operator, and floor director. As I advanced in my classes, I was given opportunities to travel to events that our local media/ AV companies were working out of state. This is where I know I like running camera for live – events and I definitely do not want to work in News, or anything of that nature. I knew editing video wasn’t my strongest skill, but I was always the top of the class for my broadcast camera operating. And eventually went on to direct our school’s student run TV show that consisted of panelists and a couple hosts, and often times Artists or guest speakers. I LOVED IT ALL. I was scared of directing …and looking back it is because we DID NOT have enough training or education on engineering when it comes to how a Broadcast switcher works, or how things like that are connected and work.
I eventually graduated in 2015 with a B.S in Broadcast Communications or ( “arts in media”) ..our school changed the name right before we graduated. Let’s bypass the stressors that school gave me and dive into how hard it was finding a job!
2015 -2019 was a wild time in my life. I moved back home, which I hated. I always wanted out, but couldn’t figure out how to make a job for myself OR find a job where I had enough skills to be hired in the career field I wanted to be in. YES, I had freelance work as a camera operator in college. YES.. I still wanted to do that..but how?…I was not given the tools to do so…and felt out of the loop moving back to Melbourne …a small town, where I didn’t know of anyone who was interested in the same things. I was disconnected from local music for 4 years. I am now away from any new friends I made in college. I had no idea how to look for Jobs I could possibly do…and frankly, I felt unprepared for life outside of college. I felt like I actually did not learn enough! …. the job hunt continued, while I worked part-time jobs that I hated. eventually leading me to applying to work at the church I had volunteered for back in High School. surely THIS would help me find full-time work in production AND it would be local…so I wouldn’t be forced to move away with no money.
Guess what?… jokes on me, because I still did not have hardly any money. I worked at that church or a little over 3 years, I was tugged around and talked down to. I was made to feel like I wasn’t good at the thing I thought I was meant to do. I was treated differently because I was 23, and everyone else was like… old men. ( not really joking here). I started to question why I thought I was meant to do this?… what do I do now?… I was so anxious, I had nightmares about messing up my Job. The manager was a micromanager. she would even tell me to change my clothes, if it seem “unfit” for the work environment. Lets be clear here… I just was trying to look nice?…because I was in a “manager{ type of roll. In fact, I was considered to be a production manager, and they didn’t actually train me enough or give me enough info on how their equipment worked…so I always felt like I had no idea what was going when I first started. Their equipment was falling apart…it WAS WILD and I stuck it through. I got a little promotion, things seemed to be doing ok.
I then find out I have some health problems that need to be addressed. I have always had bad allergies, but now I have these other auto immune issues that are effecting my energy and attitude…im burnt out. I can’t continue this way.
2019 – I start a new job as a barista, I focus on figuring out my health while looking to see what other freelance opportunities I can find for myself as a camera operator at least. I just spent over 600hrs of my life as a production manager and live stream director at a large church. I have ran camera for all kinds of events. there has to be something outside of the small companies I have been working with since college. I begin to dive deeper into attending local shows, and taking photos of local bands while working.
My dream at this point is still the same…. I want to be apart of live events, music and I want to run camera or direct video. I need to do this. it’s apart of me, and I KNOW I am meant to do this. there has to be some way!
AND my friends and I started Basket Case Booking, and actively booking local shows for bands who are local or touring. Providing spaces like Standard Collective or Church on The Rock for indie and post-hardcore events.
2020 – The pandemic happens. I just started dating someone who, at this time is someone new in my life..yet, he feels like I have known him forever. He is in a local band, and he helps me through one of the hardest, toughest times in my life with my health journey taking a deep dive. I have now stepped away from the church. The 2 world colliding feeling starts to fade…and I start to feel like I am becoming my true self more and more.
the next few years involve me realizing I HAVE to leave these stressful jobs and focus on freelancing, Photogrpahy .. and anything involving A/V. And over the years social media has helped guide online friendships and networking …which I use in my favor. Not quite on purpose..but I just wanted to connect with other people…other women like me. But it’s hard to do. I make Facebook posts in A/V groups looking for jobs or pointers on companies to apply for. I eventually get some leads and some offers…THIS IS IT… finally. Jobs I know I can do, and hopefully ones where I can network and make friends in the industry.
2024 – My life now still consists of health problems, allergies, and my Boyd trying to take me down….but nothing will ever compare to the adrenaline I get from working as a camera operator or a livestream director. I have been able to work music festivals, theatre shows, corporate events, press events and all. I wish I could say everyday I get to do this,m but it is not true. as someone who has been trying to find themself, and continue the journey to only do the jobs I love…. it’s hard, Freelancing is hard, you never know when your last Job will be or when your next will come. It takes continued searching and asking friends you have made along the way for direction or for info on a lead.
Being a photographer is a whole different job field where you have to work everyday to see your business afloat…for me, I never want it to feel like a job. I also do not mind have multiple skills, as it helps me to feel less stagnant.
I never want my camera operating to feel like a job. It always feels like this great opportunity that you are blessed to be apart of. The teams of people I have gotten to work with have always been a great time…sure, there are bumps in the road…but I never have an issue. We get the job done and have fun while doing it. Physically, these jobs can be hard…but in the end the adrenaline from it all is what keeps you going. Now, I will say adding those jobs to working outside…thats a whole other level. Working outside in the Florida heat is WILD. The music festivals I have gotten to work have all been so rewarding, but exhausting…however…The adrenaline keeps me going, and stays for a couple extra days…..and that’s when I sleep extra, and make sure I get my extra time I need to relax.
If you ask me today what I want to do with my life I would tell you this….
If I can continue to work as a camera operator for live events, and be involved with music, and directing video for music festivals and concerts everyday of my life?… I would never work a day in my life. I’m not sure how to explain it…but when you are meant to be somewhere…it all just falls into place. If it’s meant for you, it will work for you. Life is a rollercoasters of ups and downs for sure…but I can’t see myself not working as a ” Lady Camera Guy” and the days between these gigs I have to fill with other income. I think we should all continue to grow in our interests, and finding new ones is always ok to do. Last year in 2023 I opened my own photo studio so I can have a place to work out of, and have for my own services. BUT in 2024 I decided to pursue being a Nail Technician. THATS RIGHT… I put myself through cosmetology School for 2 months to get certified as a Nail Technician so I can make some extra income in-between jobs. Like I said, since 2020.. my goal has to been to only work jobs that I enjoy that do not stress me out. I no longer put up with toxic work environment or co- workers. I can talk about my jobs and the stories I have …but I couldn’t have done all of these3 things without the help of my boyfriend. He has helped me since day one continue to better my health;th, but Also has given me time to start a Photography business on the side, and freelance in random cities and states. He wants to drop me off at Rockville very morning and pick me up every night after the gig…just to do it the next day with me.
So when you ask me about my story, and how I got to where I am today… you could say it was an act of instinct, a desire to pursue my passions, and maybe a answered prayer… but, you also have to remember this … I couldn’t have done these things without the help of my boyfriend who has invested just as much time and money to help me get to where I want to me. And together, we do these things .. or he is along for the ride. And I do the same for him when he needs someone to drive to Orlando for his bands show, and take photos or help load-in. I cannot be where I am today, and where I am going without my best friend who I made along the way.
My story doesn’t end here, and I hope one day I can look back at this part and have 10x as many stories and experiences to add. This part just feels like the beginning ( even though it has been a slow progress for almost 15 years)
who would have thought the little girl who wanted to work with whales and Dolphins, would be up on a stage with a giant camera filming bands..LIVE.. or.. directing livestream video feeds for huge rock festivals with 60,000 people all while working in a male dominated industry ???
….. NOT ME!
I hope my story inspires someone else to pursue the things they love, even if it doesn’t make you a whole lot of money. Having health set-backs and working through these things while trying to pursue a passion will only make you stronger.
Learning something new will never hinder you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I thing a struggle for me is when I have an auto-immune day where I have a full blown flare and can not do the jobs I need to do or want to do …and end up having to cancel last minute. I don’t like doing that, and I don’t like looking “unreliable”.
Never knowing when your next job will be is STRESSFUL
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
If you were to ask someone about me, I’m not sure what they would say as far as “what I am known for”. BUT ..I am a Broadcast Camera operator, and video director for live events. I am a stagehand, utility, and A/V Technician. I have worked for clients like Google, Disney, the NBA, Theatrical shows, corporate events, Music Festivals and more…
I have a small photography business and studio called The Waiting Room studios. My main focus is freelancing as a camera operator or video director, but finding jobs has been hard..so I always try to be able to do multiple jobs. I love working in the live production and event industry, but my main job IS a Camera Operator. OR as I like. to say..I am a
” Lady Camera Guy”.
What am I most proud of?…. I’l go ahead a say the MOST recent job I am most proud of is working Welcome to Rockville this past summer. I was listed on the main stage with a couple of camera op friends. I have only gotten to work Rockville 2x, this was my second time. I KNEW something good was going to happen, and was excited for this years event!… I somehow worked my way into directing video for main stage for almost the entirety of the event this year! minus a few bands…it was SO FUN and lived off of that adrenaline for 2 days after the show. My favorite parts?… I got to direct video for Slipknot! it was fucking wild. I think my camera team and I had a lot of fun working together though. I enjoyed directing for most of the bands though, and if I were to list all of them It would be too much. you might be wondering how di dI end up directing if I was supposed to be a camera operator?…. well, basically, the main video guys were with has different company and were putting out fires and such while the show was going…I offered to help out, and basically did a better job. ALSO…they had been on the road for a few weeks and were tired. so, I helped them out. ( this is how you make a good name for yourself, and network..FYI)
I also got connected this year to a company who staff’s crew for the NBA, So I have worked jobs like Production assistant and stage manager for broadcast’s over at the Magic’s arena for their games. I was able to work some of the playoff games this year too!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
When it comes to live events with music, there has been a huge surge in ” content teams”, A lot of big bands have their own content teams so they can keep their own footage. These festivals have their own “content teams” of photo/video people for mostly..social media. I can tell you that those people are looked at as more important because their content is immediately released to social media. People like me who work behind the scenes for the video feeds?.. it’s either live to the screens and just recorded. OR it’s going live to online or a streaming service. So for me, I hope that more of these jobs are created and that I will be able to obtain more work. I do not consider myself a content creator, but I hope that video in the industry continues to be popular ..and that people realize that it’s important to the attendee or viewer experience. Some festivals like Rockville do not stream online, which is why I say their “content team is viewed as more important. They don’t want to be connected to HULU like these other huge festivals. I hope for more opportunity and not less.
As far as photography goes?… don’t do it because it’s “popular”…do it because you are interested. if you have no interest in it, you will never take the time to be better. OR … you will not have a passion for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashlandcreative.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @AshlandCreativefl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshlandcreativeFL
- Other: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/b/DUelMJ2gYFtQOj
Image Credits
All photos are of me, or taken by me, Ashland Creative ( @Ashlandcreativefl ) .
any questions you can ask me /email
