We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Shope and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
When I photograph someone, whether it’s an individual or a family, my goal is for them to see themselves in a way that empowers them. I want them to experience themselves through the same lens of beauty, strength, and authenticity that others often see but they may not recognize in themselves.

I believe this is especially meaningful in a world that constantly tells women how they should look and men how they should present themselves. Photography has the power to challenge those narratives. The greatest compliment I can receive is hearing someone say, “I’ve never seen myself like that before. I’m in tears because, for the first time, I actually love the way I see myself.” Those moments remind me that photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images, it’s about helping people reconnect with their own worth.

Two young men sitting on rocks near a flowing stream, smiling and embracing each other outdoors.

Young woman with curly hair sitting outdoors, smiling with eyes closed, hands on cheeks, wearing a brown dress.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography has never been just about taking beautiful pictures for me, it’s about preserving the way people feel. My work is rooted in connection, emotion, and authenticity. I want the images I create to become tangible memories that remind people not only of what a moment looked like, but what it felt like to live it.

What sets my work apart is that I don’t ask people to become someone else in front of my camera. I create space for them to simply be themselves. Whether I’m photographing a family, a couple, or an individual, my goal is for them to walk away feeling seen. I want them to see themselves through a kinder lens; to recognize the beauty, strength, and love that the people around them already see. The moments I’m most proud of aren’t the perfectly posed images; they are the images you can see someone’s soul and spirit and they are the messages from clients who tell me they’ve never seen themselves that way before and, for the first time, genuinely love what they see.

Professionally, my journey hasn’t been linear or easy. Like many artists, I’ve wrestled with self-doubt and the fear of failure. Building a creative business requires vulnerability, resilience, and the willingness to keep showing up even when you question yourself. Over time, I’ve learned that comparison steals creativity, perfection is unattainable, and the most meaningful work happens when you’re brave enough to create from a place of authenticity instead of trying to meet someone else’s expectations.

I’ve also learned that success isn’t measured only by accolades or numbers. It’s measured in trust; the trust people place in me to document some of the most meaningful moments of their lives, to create spaces where they feel safe, and to foster genuine connection. That responsibility is something I never take for granted.

What sets my work apart is that, no matter what I’m creating, my focus has always been people. I have a deep passion for building community wherever I am. I also run a nature-based co-op in which I’m creating a space children and families feel welcomed, loved, and seen. I photograph individuals and families in a way that helps them see themselves with greater love and compassion. And I run Rebel Moon Market, a space that intentionally creates visibility and representation for the LGBTQIA+ community, empowering women, and deconstructing old belief systems. In all these avenues, my purpose remains the same: helping people feel like they belong.

At the heart of my brand is a simple belief: every person deserves to feel worthy of being remembered, celebrated, and seen. I hope that when people experience my work; whether through a photograph, a community gathering, or another creative project, they leave feeling more connected to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. They see connection, honesty, and the beauty that exists in everyday, ordinary, messy life. If I can help someone feel a little more seen, a little more accepted, or a little more at home, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do.

Woman with long curly hair in a dark forest, arms raised, surrounded by dense foliage.

A woman with curly hair and closed eyes smiling gently, resting her face on her hand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m definitely more of a homebody, and I pour a lot of my heart and intention into creating a home that feels warm, welcoming, and lived in. But when we do head out, we’re usually drawn to the hidden gems rather than the big attractions. We love spending afternoons thrifting around Alpharetta, Cumming, Jasper, and Canton, never knowing what treasures we’ll stumble across.

We’ve also really enjoyed catching burlesque shows at Pullman Yards and with The Candybox Revue, and whenever we get the chance, we love going to comedy shows too.
We will be heading to Dragon Con for the first time this year and we are excited about that as well.

A girl in a pink dress and hat standing in shallow ocean water at sunset, with waves and sky in background.

Woman walking on a beach at sunset, wearing a white top and long skirt, looking to the side.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I grew up watching my grandma and mom document their lives through a camera. Looking at memories of my childhood has impacted me deeply. They are the reason I have such a passion for photographs.

My husband has been one of my greatest supporters throughout my journey. During moments when the fear of failure has crept in or self-doubt has taken over, he’s consistently reminded me of my abilities and encouraged me to keep going. His unwavering belief in my talent has given me the confidence to push past those fears and continue pursuing what I love.

Website: https://www.roots2nest.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roots2nest

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Roots2Nest/

Other: My boudoir/empowered women specific Instagram is www.instagram.com/veilandvelvet.co

For anyone wanting to check out Rebel Moon Market, the site is rebelmoonmarket.com

Horse grazing in a grassy field with trees in the background during sunset, with a small dog nearby.

Two children playing in shallow water at the beach during sunset, with reflections on the wet sand.

Woman in a long dress standing outdoors on grass, smiling, with trees and a fence in the background.

Child sitting on grass hill, looking at a lone tree and distant mountains under cloudy sky.

Person bending over a horse in a grassy field with trees in the background.

Two men embrace outdoors, one with glasses and curly hair, the other with short dark hair, both with eyes closed.

Young girl with light brown hair and big eyes, looking at the camera, wearing a white dress, surrounded by soft fabric.

Young girl with two buns, wearing sunglasses and a floral-patterned shirt, smiling and touching her nose, against a peach background.

Two children, one girl and one boy, look at a photo album together indoors.

Woman in a flowing dress stands outdoors with her back to the camera, hand on her head, sunlight through trees behind her.

Child with long hair in a dress standing on a rock in a forest with fallen leaves.

Group of six people holding hands and walking across a shallow river in a natural setting.

Person standing in water wearing a long skirt, with other people partially visible nearby, in a natural setting.

Three girls playing outdoors on grass, one in a long dress, two in shorter dresses, trees in background.

Woman with wavy hair in a long dress standing on a staircase, holding her hand to her face, smiling.

Group of people in formal attire socializing indoors, smiling and engaging with each other.

Young woman with long wavy blonde hair smiling indoors, surrounded by dried plants and natural light from windows.

Young woman with long brown hair and makeup, looking at camera outdoors, wearing a black top with a gold-patterned bust, surrounded by greenery.

Image Credits
Roots2nest Photographs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.