Ashley M. – The Art of Photography

Ashley M. discovered a camera on eBay in 2025 and decided to embark on a new creative journey. Once she began using the camera, she quickly noticed that the lens had some quirks, which significantly influenced her photography style. She learned to work within its limitations while also exploring its potential. Drawing inspiration from iconic photographers like Ansel Adams and Tatsuo Suzuki, Ashley has developed a talent for candid photography, though she is also skilled in portraiture—one highlight being a striking portrait of her dog, captured with remarkable energy for a class project. When contemplating her next photographic subject, Ashley prioritizes her camera lens’s capabilities, followed by considerations of visual interest, aesthetic appeal, coherence, and what truly makes her “camera shine.” Control in her photography is paramount; although she appreciates the beauty of natural lighting, she prefers using artificial light for the creative freedom it provides. This allows her to dictate the composition and final output of her images. As Ashley reflects on her photographic journey, she candidly shares, “The hardest part of photography is coming back to the photos and sorting through what you can use.” She acknowledges that finding an image that meets her expectations can be laborious. To tackle this challenge, she often takes multiple shots from various angles, ensuring her final work is polished and satisfying. When I asked Ashley what she wished she had known about photography before starting, she mentioned, “the basic principles and the Gestalt theory behind why people find images interesting.” Her goal is to create compelling visuals that resonate with viewers and convey meaningful stories. She embraces feedback from others, using it as a tool for improvement and growth in her craft. Passionate about her art form, Ashley believes that photography is a raw and irreplaceable mode of expression, one that no AI can replicate fully. While she does not pursue photography as a career, she cherishes it as a lifelong hobby that brings her immense joy and fulfillment.