Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are.
Hey there! I’m Ashley Chruszcz (my last name is pronounced like the orange soda “Crush,” but with a couple of extra “z”s for fun). I’ve been a freelance lifestyle and commercial photographer for almost two years now. In my free time and when I need to get those endorphins rushing, you can find me traveling, backpacking, or laying in the sun listening to waves crash, with a camera nearby, of course.
What was the moment or memory when you realized photography was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
I grew up a painter, studying the way light falls and how colors interact with one another. Then, one day, I got my hands on a camera and transferred those studies into photography and to my younger self’s surprise, light behaves the same in both painting and photography. The way light falls is the essence of the art; it completely shapes the emotions we feel as we admire a piece.
My journey into photography continued in high school when I joined the yearbook class, eager to avoid French 3. This was my first experience receiving photographic assignments and learning to pair technical knowledge with the art of storytelling (on a small scale). The process was captivating. Since then, I’ve kept pushing forward, and I hope to forever strengthen the muscle of telling stories through the lens.
How has growing up and working in Southern California shaped your creative vision or has it?
Like most Californians, I adore sunshine, and much of my work is inspired by the warmth of the sun and the lifestyle it represents. A bright, sunny day brings to mind a vibrant scene of people lying on beach towels, laughing, eating Trader Joe’s snacks, and later dripping with sweat as the third game of beach volleyball begins.
During that scene, a limitless number of moments pass. As a photographer, it’s crucial to identify the ones worth capturing and rely on your discernment to know when your decisive moment is. While this applies to many photographers, growing up in California has allowed me to take this process and apply it to a vast range of environments like the coastline, local islands, mountains, forest trails, and the many desert landscapes.
Has anyone influenced or encouraged your photography in a meaningful way?
I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by supportive individuals such as my family, professors, friends, and industry professionals I’ve met along the journey. However, when answering who has influenced me the most, God takes the cake. I believe we are created in His image, and the beauty of the world around us is a testament to His artistry. It’s a privilege to reflect my Creator by bringing beautiful things into existence. He designed me with this purpose, and my role is simply to embrace it and keep creating.
Why do you think photography is important, and what are your goals as a photographer?
We humans love memories, sometimes a little too much, anchoring ourselves in the past. Photography serves as a vital instrument in our journey forward. As a photographer, my goal is to craft images that resonate deeply, spark emotion, and inspire action. Whether it’s photographing a product that persuades you toward a specific lifestyle, shooting travel brands that make you want to hop on a plane, or documenting a personal story, I strive to create compelling compositions that immerse the viewer in the experience.
Outside of work, what are your favourite subjects to photograph?
Fish are my favorite subjects. When snorkeling or scuba diving, the fish you see have a blue cast due to the refraction and dispersion of light in water. The water molecules absorb all colors except blue. That means when you’re looking at a fish underwater, your retina can’t perceive its true colors. But when they’re brought into the air, the beautiful sunlight reveals their vibrant, undistorted hues, and I love crafting images that show their genuine colors.
(Fun fact: I’m allergic to all fish, so I admire them from afar.)
You’ve photographed in incredible places: Maui, Kenya, Alaska, London, Portugal, Canada… Which was your favorite to photograph, and why?
Newfoundland, Canada, is truly a special place, and I’d return in a heartbeat. The friendly locals, breathtaking scenery resembling a mix of Norway, Iceland, and Ireland—and charming towns make it a destination that fills me up completely.
While there, I had the unique opportunity to photograph researchers studying anadromous brook trout. These fish migrate from freshwater to saltwater, similar to salmon, and are carefully caught, anesthetized, and surgically tagged. The tags allow researchers to track their movements using hydrophone receivers strategically placed along the shores, providing valuable insights into this fascinating species.
When traveling, what does your camera setup look like?
I’m a minimalist. I typically bring one body switching between my Sony A7IV and my Sony A6400 (I love its small on-camera flash) and one lens, usually my Sony 24–70mm f/2.8. I believe less gear helps me prioritize in-the-moment shots. If I had to stop and think about which setup would be best, the moment would be gone. Art can be created with anything; it depends heavily on the artist’s vision and execution.
Do you have any big trips or projects coming up that you’d like to share?
An upcoming project I’m excited about is a documentary piece on the process of making olive oil. I’ll be visiting an olive tree farm and spending time with the team, learning the delicate ways the olives are crushed, processed, and preserved into the glorious oil we all know and love. I want the images to be bright, raw, and colorful with tones of cream, green, and yellow and focused on the genuine hearts of the people who built the farm.
