Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Newnes.
Hi Ashleigh , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m British and moved to the U.S. over ten years ago. Photography started as a quiet hobby – just pets and backyard wildlife. In 2016, I took some photos for fun at The Center for the Arts, a local theater in Murfreesboro. The executive director at the time, Patience Long, saw them and asked if I wanted to photograph all their shows. At that point, I had extremely low self-esteem, barely knew my camera, and certainly didn’t feel qualified. But I said yes – I crammed, and practiced everything I could before the next performance.
When I look back at those first photos, I cringe. But I also smile, because without those mistakes and the push to do something I wasn’t ready for, I wouldn’t be where I am now. That one opportunity from Patience truly changed my life. She could never have known what a turning point that question would be.
Now, in July 2025, I’ve photographed close to 200 theater productions. Photography has become my refuge – a way to quietly observe, find beauty in everything, and make sense of life. It has given me purpose and identity.
Over the years, my photography interests have grown, but at my core, I’m a moment-catcher. That passion naturally led me into music photography – something that still feels like a dream come true. As a British kid obsessed with music – playing guitar, being in a band – the idea of photographing dream shows in Nashville would have seemed impossible. Now, whether I’m in the pit at Bridgestone Arena, the Ryman, the Basement East, or covering music festivals like Bonnaroo and Pilgrimage, I can’t help but grin. I often think about what little Ashleigh would say if she saw me now.
I like to say I have two personalities: the music photographer and the nature-loving conservationist. I’ve been using photography more and more to support causes I deeply care about – animals and the environment. I’ve worked with organizations like The Gentle Barn, Ziggy’s Tree Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Tennessee State Parks, and recently had one of the most surreal experiences of my life: photographing the Steve Irwin Gala at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, hired by the Irwins themselves! The event raised funds for their Wildlife Warriors charity, which supports global conservation efforts. That moment was validating beyond words. I’ve always admired Steve and Robert Irwin – both helped shape my love for wildlife and conservation. Robert’s photography is a huge inspiration, and one day, I hope to create a photography book as impactful as his.
Since 2021, I’ve also been writing a monthly Nature News column for The Murfreesboro Pulse – a platform I’m incredibly grateful for, as it allows me to use both my voice and my photography to share stories about the natural world and why it matters.
I continued taking on more theater roles and now photograph for the incredible Arts Center of Cannon County, having worked for Bravo Boro as well. Outside of photography, I spent a few years as the Farm Manager at Homestead Manor, followed by time with the Natural Resources Team at Outdoor Murfreesboro. That job deepened my understanding of conservation and started me on the path to earning my turtle rehabilitation license. I met people there (Rachel Singer and Kristin Hopkins) who still inspire me today with their fierce dedication to local ecology and protecting our planet.
That’s where I began feeling the pull: to use photography not just for art or entertainment, but for impact.
Music photography is still a blast, I will continue to pursue it, and I feel so lucky – but my heart is in using my lens for conservation.
In 2022, we received an issue of Good News Magazine in the mail. In there was a beautiful, photo-heavy spread with an ad calling for photographers. I was amazed such a high-quality magazine came out of Shelbyville. With encouragement, I applied – and got the job. Over 3 years later, I’m now Lead Photographer for the company. We publish six local editions: Shelbyville, Manchester, Tullahoma, Lebanon, Fayetteville, and Franklin County. Our mission is to build stronger communities through positive stories. I get to meet everyday heroes, photograph them in their space, and help tell their stories. It’s uplifting work and I’ve made many close friends through this journey.
Our editorial team is a powerful support system, whom I adore and feel honored to work with. Who can honestly say they look forward to a weekly 8:30am meeting on a Friday? We do!! Our editor-in-chief, Wesley Bryant, is not only an exceptional and talented leader, but one of the best people I know.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since photography kind of just happened to me, I have just been putting the work in and going along on the journey, grateful for whatever comes with it. More than anything, it has been a journey of finding my self confidence and identity again. For that, I will always be grateful to the world of photography.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I guess the Steve Irwin gala is the achievement I’m most proud of!
I think I am most proud of the work I have done professionally but especially personally to get myself to where I am now in 2025.
What sets me apart from others? Maybe that I don’t follow trends, or niches. If the trend is blurry photos, mine will still be crisp – because that’s what I like. If the trend is black and white, my photos will still be bold and colorful, because that’s what I like. I don’t try to fit into a mold or a niche – something that I feel is shoved down our throats as photographers. I ignore all of that and do what feels right to me.
I think what makes me different is that I see photography as a form of storytelling. I’m always trying to say something that matters. I want people to feel something when they look at my photos. If I’ve done that, then I’m winning.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I wouldn’t be here without the support and belief of so many incredible people who have lifted me up along the way and continue to do so. I am grateful to all of those people for loving me for exactly who I am, for lifting me up when I need it most and for being my constant cheerleaders.
I am so grateful for the support and friendships from Tina, Rachel, Bekah, Renee, Lex, Wesley, Brooke, Emily, Ginny, David, and Tony but especially grateful to my Mom, Dad, Kara, Corinne, Doug and Vincent Y. You guys are my rocks.
www.ashleighnewnes.com
Thank you to Nashville Voyager for this interview.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleighnewnes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighnewnesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleighnewnesphotography/
