Welcome to my blog
So this is a place I rant and rave, wear my heart on my sleeve, gush on my family, and most importantly share my art...the photo stories of wonderful couples and people I cross paths with. Don't be afraid to bookmark it, or leave a comment. I love hearing from everyone and anyone. Check back frequently...I will try to keep you updated.
Twitter
I have been thinking a lot- okay almost all encompassed- with stories and "what is her story, and his story and their story"... I had the privilege of being a student at the Eddie Adams Workshop in New York State a few weeks ago. I could have never guessed it would leave me in such a state. I feel alive and thinking and really seeing. I was left with so information I can barely sleep.
As a person with lots of media photographers for friends we always have those long talks with each other about how we want to make people cry with our pictures...there have been some really influential people in my life that have inspired me to do more, see more, take more, create more. I want to name those people hopefully with links so you may be inspired by them. JT Lock, Stacy Pearsall, Beth Caporaletti, Cherie Cullen, Clarence Brown, Ken Hackman, Ami Vitale, Mary Calvert and a whole heap of others that will probably come to me while I am sleeping. (Clarence I need your web address.)
Photojournalism is not something that has come easy for me. I am a person that is usually turned off by confrontation. Stepping into someone's personal space is just that, so personal. It is uncomfortable and a crazy place to be, for the first time.
Shooting weddings and engagement sessions has nothing on shooting an assignment or photo story...trying to convince someone that you are there to take pictures of them, and why, and for what, and who will see these...yadda yadda. People are so resistant to media these days, and maybe always have been for the most part, especially with the internet and all the weirdos out there. This workshop renewed my love and admiration and respect for the photojournalists that make us cry and laugh and astounded with their images. This workshop drove home that I have found my calling. It was a little hard to walk away from a future in photojournalism, that appeared to have limitless possibilities. From flying in C-17s which I loved so much...but there was another plan for me and I am head- over- heels about my children and being able to run my own biz and weddings and brides and not being shot at anymore. This is it for me...what I was made to do!
So I photographed "T" who owns a Barber shop in Ellenville, NY. It is a small town, a unique and quirky town- surrounded by tree- covered mountains & foothills. T was unique and cool and funny and he and I shared a bunch of laughs. I didn't get to shoot T for the full two days, like I was supposed to, which was a bummer. He had some issues that kept us from meeting on Sunday.
T's Barber Shop- Link
As a person with lots of media photographers for friends we always have those long talks with each other about how we want to make people cry with our pictures...there have been some really influential people in my life that have inspired me to do more, see more, take more, create more. I want to name those people hopefully with links so you may be inspired by them. JT Lock, Stacy Pearsall, Beth Caporaletti, Cherie Cullen, Clarence Brown, Ken Hackman, Ami Vitale, Mary Calvert and a whole heap of others that will probably come to me while I am sleeping. (Clarence I need your web address.)
Photojournalism is not something that has come easy for me. I am a person that is usually turned off by confrontation. Stepping into someone's personal space is just that, so personal. It is uncomfortable and a crazy place to be, for the first time.
Shooting weddings and engagement sessions has nothing on shooting an assignment or photo story...trying to convince someone that you are there to take pictures of them, and why, and for what, and who will see these...yadda yadda. People are so resistant to media these days, and maybe always have been for the most part, especially with the internet and all the weirdos out there. This workshop renewed my love and admiration and respect for the photojournalists that make us cry and laugh and astounded with their images. This workshop drove home that I have found my calling. It was a little hard to walk away from a future in photojournalism, that appeared to have limitless possibilities. From flying in C-17s which I loved so much...but there was another plan for me and I am head- over- heels about my children and being able to run my own biz and weddings and brides and not being shot at anymore. This is it for me...what I was made to do!
So I photographed "T" who owns a Barber shop in Ellenville, NY. It is a small town, a unique and quirky town- surrounded by tree- covered mountains & foothills. T was unique and cool and funny and he and I shared a bunch of laughs. I didn't get to shoot T for the full two days, like I was supposed to, which was a bummer. He had some issues that kept us from meeting on Sunday.
T's Barber Shop- Link
0 comments so far
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Inspiration and a photo essay
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.ashleybrokop.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/123
I met April, Ian and their dog Drake for engagement pictures. I love dogs just as I love kids for the element of uncertainty and surprise they bring to situations. You never know what you are going to get and Drake was well behaved and a lovable, friendly dog. April makes her own fantastic jewelry, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and her and Ian will be married next May.
1 comments so far
kristin williams says:
Love the lighting & all of the colors! And what a beautiful dog!!
(10.31.10 @ 09:39 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
April & Ian (and Drake) | an esesh
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.ashleybrokop.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/122
So I screwed up the family tree, and the history, and a bunch of this wedding's back-story was confusing, but darn-it these pictures will hopefully make up for it.
There are some couples that are as expressive as the day is long, and this is one of those couples. I wanted to explain a few things just to be clear- they saw each other before the ceremony, they then signed the Ketubah (or marriage contract), then there is a Bedeken (the veiling of the bride), and then we headed to the ceremony. Jewish ceremonies are really amazing and this Rabbi was hilarious, and serious and perfect for Caroline and Adam. They wrote their own vows and had everyone dying. Tears were in everyone's eyes because they are both really funny people. The band was AMAZING...simply amazing. My newest favorite wedding band EVER. They are called Walrus and they hail from Greensboro, NC. Book them, don't think twice. If you want your friends to dance like it is their high school reunion and like no one is watching...call them now. This band had falsetto, and guitar solos and ballads, and the lead singer reminds me of Jack Black...he is that entertaining. People were shagging, and rocking all in one night. I serious love them so much I took videos of them on my phone and watch it over and over. "Don't stop believing"... I usually cringe when those types of songs are played at weddings because they are always played at weddings. It is everyone's song... When you hear Walrus play it...air guitar and everything, I promise...whammy! Caroline, vouch for them, if you will.
I will now shut up and let the pictures speak. Happy Thursday!
There are some couples that are as expressive as the day is long, and this is one of those couples. I wanted to explain a few things just to be clear- they saw each other before the ceremony, they then signed the Ketubah (or marriage contract), then there is a Bedeken (the veiling of the bride), and then we headed to the ceremony. Jewish ceremonies are really amazing and this Rabbi was hilarious, and serious and perfect for Caroline and Adam. They wrote their own vows and had everyone dying. Tears were in everyone's eyes because they are both really funny people. The band was AMAZING...simply amazing. My newest favorite wedding band EVER. They are called Walrus and they hail from Greensboro, NC. Book them, don't think twice. If you want your friends to dance like it is their high school reunion and like no one is watching...call them now. This band had falsetto, and guitar solos and ballads, and the lead singer reminds me of Jack Black...he is that entertaining. People were shagging, and rocking all in one night. I serious love them so much I took videos of them on my phone and watch it over and over. "Don't stop believing"... I usually cringe when those types of songs are played at weddings because they are always played at weddings. It is everyone's song... When you hear Walrus play it...air guitar and everything, I promise...whammy! Caroline, vouch for them, if you will.
I will now shut up and let the pictures speak. Happy Thursday!
5 comments so far
Brian says:
I feel like I was there - what amazing shots. We were all invited but the date clashed with Jasmine starting school, so reluctantly, we had to decline.
(10.08.10 @ 03:23 AM)
Sharon says:
Ashley,
The rhinestone bag that Caroline carried belonged to Adam's great-grandmother!
Adam's mom
Caroline Rich says:
Ashley, you truly captured one of the best days of my life. Thank you so much!!! You are incredible!
(10.09.10 @ 01:46 AM)
Caroline Rich says:
So happy Ashley!! Can someone become addicted to looking at their wedding photos? Well because of you and your talents, I think I am! :)
(10.19.10 @ 01:31 AM)
Kim Clark says:
Ash the pix are gorgeous of course..i am in love w this bride's dress!!
(11.08.10 @ 09:53 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Caroline + Adam extended mix
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.ashleybrokop.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/121