Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Joe.
Ashton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
During sophomore year of college in 2014, I decided that I wanted to start a YouTube channel. I had been watching YouTube for a few years and found so much inspiration through the platform. I really wanted to get involved and felt like it would be something I would enjoy. At the time, I figured the first step was to make an order for gear on Amazon. So I did.
I let that camera sit in my closet for five months before I decided to actually use it for the first time. I had no clue where to start so I just never touched the thing. But then one day, my friend randomly proposed doing a quick photoshoot during sunset on top of a random parking garage nearby. He knew about the camera I recently purchased, so it was about time we put this little Canon t3i to use. I’d take a few photos of my friend; he would take a few photos of me.
This is when it all began. I fell in love with photography, which led to me falling in love with filmmaking, which then led me come full circle in 2020 and focus back on what caused me to get into this in the first place. YouTube.
In March 2015, less than six months after that photoshoot, I unexpectedly lost my father. It’s actually kind of hard for me to reflect on that time of my life. Life didn’t make sense, and I found it to be very difficult to process everything that had happened. Looking back, I realize that the gift my father left me with was photography. His passing gave my life an entirely new, profound meaning, and I would continue to do everything in his honor. “Always Shoot True,” as he loved to say.
This chapter of my life consists of focusing on a much broader image. I still offer my services for photo/video content and social media, but I also feel a deeper message inside that I feel obligated to share through my blog and on YouTube. I hope that through my story, I can encourage others to aim for their version of a fulfilling life and realize that tomorrow is never promised. Our time here is short and it’s up to us to make the most out of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Outside of losing my father, I also lost my step-father two years later. Grieving with death never got easier.
Aside from that, one of my main struggles has been building a client base in new areas.
I moved to Austin right at the start of a global pandemic, alongside my beautiful girlfriend, two dogs, and cat. Needless to say, that timing wasn’t necessarily the best. I had some exciting opportunities at the time (one being an elopement shoot at Yosemite National Park) that ended up going down the drain, and on top of that, it seemed more difficult than ever to close a deal with prospects. But not surprisingly, everyone was being really careful financially during 2020, meaning marketing efforts weren’t on the forefront.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My ultimate goal is to encourage others to create the life of their dreams by breaking through limiting beliefs. I believe that life is way too short to not be intentional or mindful, which strongly inspires all of the content I create. I also enjoy spreading the knowledge as a filmmaker/photographer, telling fun stories, and documenting my journey on YouTube.
As a content creator and creative director, I find fulfillment through helping other brands tell their stories. As we all know, content is king.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Life is but a fleeting moment, and today is the first day of the rest of your life. But while it’s important to focus on the destination and aim high, it’s even more important to enjoy the journey. You never know if today will be your last, so enjoy every moment you possibly can.
Pricing:
- Photography investments start as low as $275.
- Video investments start as low as $500.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@ashtonjoe.com
- Website: www.ashtonjoe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtontjoe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtontjoe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/determinasian
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AshtonJoe
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tjoe13
