Meet Ashley Verhasselt | Ash V Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Verhasselt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think I gravitate toward creative and artistic pathways because they allow me to experience life on a heightened level. When I was working professionally in musical theater, I always felt most alive in the rehearsal room. It was the most rewarding part of the process for me because I was workshopping and creating in the moment. There’s nothing more exhilarating, and I bring that intention to all my shoots. Each session is a unique energy exchange and I know my clients sense and feed off of my creative drive when I discover what is meaningful to them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I remember feeling both awakened and scared when I took on my first photography job seven years ago. I was a newly married and wanted to take a break from performing on the road and remain in New York with my husband.

When an opportunity to apply to a prominent studio fell into my life, I knew I was on the precipice of something new. It both excited me and made me want to cry. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to say goodbye to a career I had invested so much of myself in; but when I walked into my agent’s office with champagne, I felt it was a moment to celebrate and launch me forward.

I was starting a new portion of my life and something in me knew it was a change I needed. I had our first baby while I was working at the studio and was able to grow my family and photography simultaneously. I remember sitting in our old Astoria apartment with my Nikon and really taking in every little moment of my son. There was something therapeutic about being with him and witnessing what he discovered and how he interacted with his world. I grew to fall in love with photography as I was falling deeper in love with motherhood.

Now as I build my own photography business with the support of my family, I’ve been able to connect with incredible people each with their own passions and perspectives. It feels like I’m back in that creative space where anything is possible— I guess I never left my art behind. It grows with me and informs my way of existing in the world.

My experience with choreography and moving bodies in space supports my work. I harbor a playful easy environment. I offer direction when needed and relish the unexpected moments of life. My favorite pictures capture movement, emotion and intention. I often laugh or cry when editing because I’m invested in the feeling of each capture.

I suppose that if there was a mission statement for my work, it would be that I am navigated by love and will follow wherever that takes me in this small, beautiful world. I wish to instill that kindness in the people I meet and photograph. I have had the privilege of witnessing wedding vows, first steps and people who have moved to a greater realm. There really is no better gift or calling than participating in life’s joy in this sweet time we are given.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Growing up in and now returning to Bergen County, NJ, I have a lot of favorites. My husband and I love Grant Street Cafe in Dumont. It’s a small family owned bar and restaurant with a low key local vibe, great craft beer selection and delicious food. It reminds us of some of our favorite dives in NYC. During the fall, Storm King Art Center is a must. I love roaming their vast grounds and taking in the countless contemporary structures that almost move with the land. My mom and two sisters love The Hill in Closter for a girl’s night out. We go during the Holidays and enjoy their fireplace and delicious food. Their ceviche is incredible with a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc. At the end of the day, my own backyard with my husband and kids is my absolute favorite place. I love cooking with fresh herbs from my tiny garden and trimming my dahlias to accompany our table.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Thanks to my beautiful family of Wallaces who formed every bit of who I am as an artist and person. My mother was an actress and helps me navigate both my art and faith, and my dad is both literary and grounded in love helping me understand the business world with a sense of goodness. And of course to my icy-blue eyed, warm-hearted husband who shows me how rewarding and beautiful parenting can be and loves me and our little wildlings unconditionally.

Thanks Ashley from Monogrammin’ Mom for the shout out.

I’d like to shout out Casey Farah from Rally Bird Brand, Tori Schoeler from VTS, Tori Schoeler Art, Courtney Romano from Queens Bird Films and Darya Golubina from Beacon Open Studios. Witnesssing other artists in their process is a true life force.

Website: https://www.ashvphotography.com

Instagram: @AshV_Photography

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