Scott & Ashlee O'Malley capture moments and document the most important day in so many couple's lives through beautiful, crisp and bright photos. They are a husband and wife film photography team based in Seattle. They graciously shared with us their story and day to day as a creative couple owning a photography business together.

How did you two meet?

We met and fell in love at university in Seattle. Scott had just moved up from LA after a couple years working with touring bands. Ashlee was getting ready to graduate with a passion for photography and art therapy. We started our company together just a year after meeting while we were dating.

Tell us a little more about what you do.

We are lifestyle, editorial and wedding photographers with a love for film, inspiring locations and natural light. Our home is the captivating city of Seattle, but we love to travel and feel privileged that photography commissions have taken us around the world.

“From the beginning we decided to not follow the trends, but to do what we love by creating a timeless and beautiful image that lasts.”

Did you both grow up in creative homes and how did that influence what you do today?

Ashlee- Totally! My home was full of cameras and music! During every vacation, holiday and family get together my dad had a camera of some type in hand. I have the majority of my childhood captured on video, which is now one of my most treasured possessions. My dad also shot 35mm film, peaking my interest at an early age.

Scott- Our home wasn’t what you would traditionally consider “creative.” My family wasn’t especially interested in music, art or travel. But hard work, loving people and the beauty of nature were highly valued. In a sense, I hope you see that in our work. From the beginning we decided to not follow the trends, but to do what we love by creating a timeless and beautiful image that lasts.

“We push each other to be better artists while appreciating our differences.”

What does a typical day look like for you two?

We shoot about half our assignments out of the state, but home for us is the gorgeous city of Seattle. Our days start off with a lot of coffee and walking our grumpy, but extremely loveable Schnauzer. On a typical day, you’ll find us on set photographing a fun project, adventuring around with a couple or at a gorgeous wedding. Other days we’re in the studio designing albums, editing film, dreaming up projects and corresponding with the best clients in the world.

What inspires creativity in your day to day?

Ashlee – People. I get so inspired by any projects, weddings or portrait sessions that involve people having fun, a couple in love, a family welcoming a new baby into the world, or another artist dreaming up an amazing concept I get to collaborate on. Real people with real stories and emotions are my biggest inspiration!

Scott- Photographically, I’m inspired by light, color, natural beauty and simplicity. I’m personally inspired by travel, literature, music and classic paintings.

What’s the best part of working with your spouse?

There are so many wonderful things about working with your spouse! Who could care for you better, be more supportive or a better travel partner than your best friend? We see the world differently through the lens, so we push each other to be better artists while appreciating our differences. In all honesty, being an entrepreneur and photographer is not for the faint of heart. Without each other’s encouragement, I’m not sure we would have pushed through the hardship to be where we are now.

Any advice for creative couples wanting to start a business together?

Appreciate the differences and capitalize on the strengths each person brings to the business. Art is so personal that it’s important to settle on a vision together early on and stick to it so that you produce a consistent product.

Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

We feel so incredibly blessed to be where we are now that it’s hard to want anything to change! Hopefully, 10 years from now we will be doing what we love, having fun doing it and loving people well along the way.

www.omalleyphotographers.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/omalleyphoto

Instagram Ashlee: ashleeomalley

Instagram Scott: scottomalley

Twitter: scottaomalley