The Beginning
In the fall of 2005, I was brand new to my elementary school. The school I had gone to in first and second grade closed its' doors and it was time to go to my neighborhood school. I remember trying to make friends and being successful (for the most part). Grade school is easy, you just have to be nice to make friends.
During reading time I found myself in the corner of the classroom where a door lead to one of the other 3rd grade classrooms next-door. Sometimes during indoor recess or during some more leisurely parts of the day, the teachers would open up the adjoining door.
One time when I was in my little corner, a little girl Jordan was on the other side. I don't know what it was, but I wanted to be friends with her so bad. Whether it be her infectious smile or kindness that exuded through every word that she said, I knew I had to be friends with her.
Little did I know "having" to be friends with someone can come off quite aggressive and weird, but I didn't stop trying to befriend Jordan.
After more subtle attempts and hanging out at recess, next thing I knew I was having a play date at her house meeting her mom, so loving nicknamed "Aunt Weezy" (still saved in my phone to this day as such. Love you Lisa).
I remember playing Mario Cart and trying to convince Jordan I was a pro when I had literally never played the game in my life. Many sleepovers, High School Musical watch parties, and gushing over boys, Jordan and I remained friends through the years even if we drifted apart a bit after elementary school. Still invited each other to parties and celebrations.
Circa 2012 at Jordan's birthday at Jumpstreet (I think?) Jordan fact check me on this when you can. This is the earliest photo I can still find of us, but you know I have an even more pixelated one somewhere. Just give me 8 - 100 business days and I'll back to you.
Stopping by to say "hi" for Jordan's Birthday .... Circa January 2015
She stopped by to say "hi" for my birthday .... Circa March 2015
One of my first shoots in downtown Denver exploring RiNo. Circa November 2017
Jordan took her own graduation photos and asked me to help edit them. Featuring her now husband, Jordan. Circa April 2020
A New Era
After grade school, Jordan and I frequented each others houses less and less. Although always leaving room for an invite to a celebration or a text for a happy birthday. While our elementary friendship outgrew itself it was still one with a steady reminder of the good things of childhood.
When one of us did something we were proud of the comments on social media came coming. "Proud of you! This is awesome" "So cool. So proud." "Love this! Love you!" I know that we both see each other on the sidelines cheering each other on. Maybe not in the same "We're all in this together" fashion *cue the dance we all learned and can still do to this day. Thank you Zac Efron* but in a way that makes you feel like someone who has seen you grow your entire life can still be in it with you... through all the struggle, hardship and celebration. Jordan has always been a supporter of my work. I even had the pleasure of doing her brother, Cameron's high school graduation photos!
Thanks for bearing with me through my horrible story telling skills, but this is the time where the stories start to tell themselves. Starting out at the beginning of the shoot to get things started off. Just some simple warm up shots.
I like to start off casual because you never know how someone may react in your prompting or crazy ideas (I have a lot of them).
Moving on to a move artsy side of things. I will be showcasing the 5 what I like to call "art pieces" I did for this shoot. I have started experimenting more with editing to give my photos more movement and life. I think I have done the best job that I can to start out. But I am in-love with every single one.
I love rich deep colors
I have been slowly changing my editing style and this photo specifically makes me feel some type of way.
THANK YOU TO BOTH JORDANS...
This shoot was a huge step in the VERY RIGHT DIRECTION for me. I felt so in my element and comfortable to explore my new methodology.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WATCHES ME EVOLVE THROUGH INSTAGRAM & more
Thank you to all of the people who have been supporting me with silent support of liking and loving the newer photos I am taking. Specifically, my best friend who I would not have kept going without: Megan. Megan you keep me inspired. Thank you for always being there for every great and terrible idea I have. I don't know what I would do without you. Matt Cobos - local comedian, true friend. Always supporting my art no matter what form it is in. Roger Haak - local comedian, organization freak. I don't know what I would do without your help in so many aspects of my life. Thank you for cheering me on. Trudi. My stepmom, Queen of "What's the worst they are going to say? No?". I don't know what I would do without your wonderment of me. You make me feel like the best photographer in the entire world. Even when I was young in my career and didn't know what the hell I was doing. Bri - also a best friend, encourager of all my wildest dreams. Who else is going to ask me "how do we make it happen?" like you do. Thank you for not batting an eye when you wake up to a paragraph of texts and 8 photos because I need someone's opinion.
There are probably many more people I could thank but I want to say thank you to everyone who has watched me on my journey. This is also a soft launch of a new brand of Ashley Creative Co. Stay tuned. Love you so much!
P.S. See below... I had to save the best for last ;)
