Here at Unraveled, we are not JUST your typical education platform for photographers. We are a safe harbor for creatives. When we created Unraveled, we saw the need to cater to the spirit of every artist and allow them freedom and strength to grow. We have always wanted our Unraveled community to feel like a beautiful evening –– where there is a sprawling table with more than enough seats, lit up by string lights and candles, overfilling with good food and good wine, and echoing with sounds of laughter and good conversation. We are a home for creatives.

This August, we launched our first ever Photo Contest! The winner, each month, receives a $300.00 cash prize and is titled one of Unraveled Academy’s “Artists of the Year." BUT, that's not all. With this, comes a promotion from student to educator and affiliate. We strongly believe that every student is also a teacher and we are stoked for this contest to support that concept.

Let us introduce you to the very first winner of our Photo Contest. Her name is Ashley Martson and she is located in Vancouver Island, British Colombia, Canada. She is a mother, storyteller and the wife to an artist. She has built her life and business around love and connection, using her surroundings as the backdrop to the story. She has been a birth photographer for 6 years and used that as a catalyst to shoot lifestyle family sessions and all things inspired by love. She says her greatest achievement has been capturing memories of her family daily for the past 7 years.

For More Inspiration from Ashley:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Winning Entry:

Here is Ashley, Unraveled:

What inspires your art?

Everyday moments and the beauty that surrounds us here. The morning sun. The Sound of their laughter. And the constant quest of loving myself through self portraits.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

I am a Canon Girl through and through. And I use a Sigma Art 24mm lens that rarely leaves my camera

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I am fairly artistic in all things. I love our home and my garden. Every inch of it brings me peace and feels like an extension of me.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

Baths. There was a time a few years ago that we lived without one and I realized then how much I needed it in my life.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

Anything old and soulful.

What is your favorite book?

I have been a big fan of Wally Lamb, so perhaps "She's come undone" But the man who wrote the "Kite Runner" wrote a second book called "A Thousand Splendid Suns" and that is never far from my mind. Also I grew up in the early 90's and read all of VC Andrews, so that really is a big part of my life.

Name one movie that inspires you.

Legends of the Fall. I know, I know...But its not only for Brad Pitt...lol. Those big landscapes! The Music! I love every second of it.

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

I say to myself "Just put your head down and do what you do" ALL.THE.TIME It's literally word for word what I say to myself. Its so easy to get caught up in it all. Creative Slumps? Just keep shooting.