Meet Ashley Chruszcz | Lifestyle & Commercial Photographer

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

Hi Ashley, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Comparison is the thief of joy”
Sheesh. It always gets me.

As an artist, the work I create is a direct reflection of who I am on the inside. The light I notice, the colors I gravitate toward, the compositions I build, the emotions that come through in the image… they all come together to express who Ashley Chruszcz is.

While comparison is helpful in pushing me to grow and create stronger work, oh how quickly it turns. One minute it’s motivating, and the next, I’m stuck in a cold, tight box of self-doubt. Suddenly, I’m looking at the core of my work (who I am) and calling it sub-par, lacking, messy.

Why? Because some other photographer, let’s say John Smith, shared a project that looks completely different than how I would have interpreted the scene. And here’s the thing, those images reflect him. His eyes. His experiences. His voice.

And guess what? I’m not John Smith.
And that’s the beauty of it.

Keeping that truth in the forefront of the mind can be tricky. But necessary. Because my voice, my perspective, my way of seeing the world is what backs the work that I’m truly passionate about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In the world of photography, light is the most exquisite component. It shapes compositions, constructs emotions, and sways our feelings. Growing up, painting and drawing were valuable hobbies for little Ashley. I studied the way light fell… the way it moved and balanced on the objects I painted, and how it partnered with color to achieve the completed image. When I got my hands on a camera, I quickly realized the characteristics of light are the same in both painting and photography and I transferred those studies into the world of image making.

I consider my style to be a mix of commercial lifestyle and documentary work, blending the two together to create warm, movement filled, inspiring imagery. While this is my current style, it wasn’t always. Consistently playing with natural light, testing with models, experimenting in post with color grading and retouching… all these things over time have led to my style. And while I’m here now, I am almost certain I will not stay here. I will keep chasing new colors, new light, new compositions that evoke creativity within me.

I have been a freelance photographer for about a year and a half now. And those ebbs and flows are reaaal. Over this time, I’ve come to understand is the importance of:
– Meeting people and staying connected to industry peers
– Keeping the creative muscle working and continually shooting projects that keep me in love with photography
– Being humble to learn new things and to ask questions in the industry
– Maintaining a morning routine on days where I’m not on set.
– Sharing work!! People aren’t going to see my work if it stays on my hard-drives, it’s has to be sent out into the world.
These things are not easy to live out 24/7, but it has been crucial to continue forward, one step at a time. My work as a freelancer is backed by the passion I have for creating art. For blending light and movement. For the craft of evoking emotion in people. For creating something out of nothing. For partnering with brands and clients to make their vision visible. For telling the stories of people, that otherwise wouldn’t be told.

Something I want people to know about my story is this:
As I watch ocean waves crash and explode with mist that catches light and dances in the air… as I admire mountains standing humbly as entire ecosystems move in harmony… as I notice the sun rises and sets in its rhythm, painting the world with the most inspiring light each day. I’m reminded of how intentional creation is.
How incredible is it that the same God who created all of this also created me? I am made in His image. And if I am made in the image of the Creator, no wonder I’m creative! Every artistic expression I make is simply a reflection of His beauty, an extension of His design, and a continuation of the purpose He’s placed in me: to create for Him.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
While I live in Riverside, I frequently find myself on the coast, mountains, and desert… which are all within an hour(ish) drive!
A week in the springtime with a friend would look like this:

– Day 1: We would start in Riverside check out my favorite coffee shop, Arcade Bakehouse, then we’d go play pickleball at the nearby courts, and end with a dinner at Dapper, a green, gold, and wood filled restaurant with the most delicious steak nachos and espresso martinis.
– Day 2: We’d be headed up to my hometown in the Big Bear mountains and hit the slopes on a lovely springtime bluebird day. After a few hours, we would pickup coffee from “The Village” and find a turnout half way down the mountain to watch the sunset over the rolling mountains.
– Day 3: We’re headed to Palm Springs! Endless vintage shops would call for some cowboy boot hunting. After some thrifting time, we’d get lunch at Porta Via, a delicious, bright, cheerful restaurant that has the most kind staff. Then we would catch some live music at a local wine and cheese spot.
– Day 4: Beach bound! First stop would be at Freelance Coffee in Newport Beach, then we’d be headed to Crystal Cove State Park. This beach is my favorite spot to swim in. If you walk all the way left, there is a huge cliff. In the afternoon, the sunlight bounces off the rock and back in to the water, illuminating the California water to look a little more like Hawaii. After that, we’d drive with the windows down, music blasting, and head to the classic In-N-Out.
– Day 5: Since we stayed in an Airbnb with walking distance to the beach, we would drive down the coast and walk around the cute town of Encinitas. Gelato 101 is first on the list with the very best mango gelato. We would continue our walk, stopping into the various shops and art museums. Then we’d head back towards Huntington and make it in time for some line dancing at WestWood Coast.

From there it’s a short drive back to Riverside, and my friend would’ve seen the va

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?
I attended California Baptist University as a photography student and I’ve got to give that team credit! From hiring industry professionals as professors, training us to carefully dissect images and critique what makes an image good, to consistently relying on fellow students who have now turned into great friends and industry piers, CBU was wonderful.
Along with my studies, my family and friends are constant supporters and motivators as I continue into the world of freelance photography. I’m just so thankful for the people I have in my life.

Website: https://ashleychruszcz.com

Instagram: @ashleychruszcz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleychruszcz/