Ashley Trevisi - Film Photographer
We spoke with Ashley / @film.mums about motherhood and film photography. Something which at first glance may seem like a strange coupling, through our conversation began to make perfect sense. Ashley speaks to intimacy with subjects & the technical aspects behind her work.
What was the catalyst for starting your project 'Film Mums'?
After our second son was born, my husband and I opted for a sea change. It is here on Bunurong land (Melbourne, Victoria, Aus), where I found my centre. I found my community, my village of motherhood. Who encouraged and gave me the confidence to pursue this dream, so Film Mums is really all of us.
How would you describe your work?
Moments as you are in your beautiful chaos. Photographing my clients with their loved ones alongside them. highlighting the beauty found in everyday life.
Your work has a lovely feeling to it, how do you achieve this?
Simply allowing the people I'm photographing to be who they are. I enjoy getting to know each family the most. My sessions always feel that we are friends just hanging out. And also letting children just be children and capture them in their natural state.
Why do you choose to shoot the majority of your work on film?
I have loved film photography since I was sixteen years old. The way film shows the imperfect, yet nevertheless raw and beautiful. Film images seem more authentic to life. Photographing on film has taught me to slow down and appreciate each frame.
What is your go to film stocks & cameras?
At the moment with the high demand for film, whatever Kodak film I can get my hands on. Which has been fun to photograph with other types of film. Capturing on my 35mm Pentax k1000 that I’ve had since I was 16. To exploring medium format with my Mamiya 645. I’m looking forward to investing in more cameras and really dive deeper to explore more with film.
WOTW TIP: Getting into film photography? An affordable way to start, we recommend a half frame camera with some Kodak Gold.
Who or what keeps you inspired?
I'm constantly inspired by and pulled to the beauty of motherhood. Being a mother has taught me a lot. Both love for my boys and love for myself. What my body had gone through and the changes I had undergone. I want mums, especially, to be aware of their incredible beauty as we are born into mothers. Also, to constantly remind them that these photographs are just as much for them as they are for us. For our children's future reference after so much time has passed.
How does capturing your life help you capture other people's lives?
Since having my boys, I've enjoyed documenting their lives through my lens, catching them at various life phases. This allows me to consider how I might picture others. I want to encourage others to want to document their own lives by sharing my own images of my life with my clients and being vulnerable in front of the camera.
What is the main goal with your photography?
To capture real-life family moments and to get more mothers in front of my camera. It can be intimidating to become a mother and to feel as though one has lost one's identity, but I want all mothers to feel at ease and for me to show the beauty of motherhood to them.
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