Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Raymer is a fashion photographer and videographer based in New York City, New York. With eight years of professional experience, she primarily focuses on fashion photography while also working in beauty. Raymer earned her undergraduate degree studying documentaries and later completed a master's degree in digital art with a focus on avant-garde at the University of Southern California. Her career began after an internship with a brand where she handled flat lays and videography, shifting her path from an initial interest in documentaries. She attributes her success to passion and persistence, noting that her journey involved overcoming significant obstacles before gaining momentum through reputation. Raymer values friendship and girlhood in her work, striving to create authentic and emotional images that reflect her community and personal inspirations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say passion and persistence, because it was not linear, it was, like, really, really, really difficult. It's like I didn't... I... it was hard to book everything. It felt impossible to, like, overcome all these obstacles, but it's like, once you have worked for long enough and people can see are reputable, it starts to pick up more and more and more. So, yeah, I would say persistence and passion are very important.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say try and just work as much as possible, regardless if it's, like, a personal project, or you can Nicker. Quist, keep shooting, keep refining your craft. Even if you're just posting, like, test shoots and personal projects, people will notice. And that will get you jobs eventually, so I would just say create work when you want to create work, and always reach out to people to try and collaborate, too.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
This is how I started in this industry, so you take that gateway away, it's harder for people, I guess. I mean, at least in my experience, like, I wouldn't be where I am, like, we would take flat. So... Yeah, I would say there's that, like, just going for a cheap route. That is kind of where I think the issues in our industry are.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think I base a lot of my work off of friendship and girlhood, And just, like, try to make things as authentic and emotional as possible, and I do really think that that comes across in my work. So I would just say, like. Hey, I would really value friendship and, like, your community. My friends inspire me more than, like, anything else. And then... I would say... to... Using your emotions to your advantage, and your work, and kind of letting your work flow through you.
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