ashley swanson photography
ashley swanson photography
I remember the moment I lost connection with myself. I was twelve years old and for the first time, I felt that shadow. I began to compare and listen intently to what the world described as “beautiful”. It was a number. A specific curve. Curves aren't allowed there. They should only be here. A classic refrain was, “you’re beautiful, you’re just not photogenic”. This exchange was always short, but it found its way deep inside me and settled there. It wasn’t until my late 30s, decades later that I decided this state of being was no longer acceptable. Enough. I began to take self portraits. Not the days I felt good, or my tummy was feeling just right but on the days I felt the “yuck.” I would pull out my camera, set up a tripod and look into the lens. I would find softness and click. Then click again. And again, and again. Through this exploration I discovered that it was my natural relaxed state that was most radiant. Not a pose, not an outfit, not make-up, not a fake smile…
just me.
The woman behindthe camera
Past Clients
"THANK YOU FOR CAPTURING MY ESSENCE IN A PROFOUND MOMENT OF LIBERATOIN"
Fact 1 | Every facet will be as mindful as the last, from location changes to adornment changes to changes in your pose.
Fact 2 | These sessions can be very tender and, as such, I build in enough time for breaks, for taking breaths, and for being with any and all emotions that may arise.
Fact 3 | These are not posed, overly-produced, or art directed types of photos. In fact, my goal is for you to move and be without any awareness of being photographed.
