READING TIME: 5 min 0 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/2024
UPDATED: 08/29/2024
Wedding and event photography demands a rare blend of technical mastery and emotional intelligence. It requires an artist who can not only operate complex equipment but also anticipate and capture fleeting moments of profound significance. Ashley Noelle Edwards embodies this unique combination of skills, elevating the craft of photography to a form of visual storytelling that resonates deeply with her clients and admirers alike.
Based between the sun-drenched hills of San Francisco and the misty shores of Cork, Ireland, Edwards brings a truly global perspective to her work. Her dual residency isn't just a geographical quirk; it's a reflection of her ability to bridge cultures and find beauty in diverse settings. "I have always had an innate ability to see everything in a beautiful, romanticized way that is also uniquely my own," Edwards explains, her words painting a picture of an artist whose vision transcends borders and cultural boundaries.
In an age dominated by digital technology, Edwards stands firm in her commitment to film photography. "My main medium is photography and my specialty is working with real film," she states proudly. This dedication to a seemingly antiquated medium isn't mere nostalgia; it's a deliberate artistic choice that infuses her work with a depth and character that's hard to replicate digitally.
"My photos have been published internationally both online and in print, have earned high dollar awards in artist-judged competitions, and have catapulted several wedding industry brands to success in the luxury market," Edwards notes, underscoring the enduring appeal of her film-based approach.
Edwards doesn't just take pictures; she weaves visual tales. Her approach goes beyond mere documentation, diving deep into the emotional core of each event she captures. "Everyone who knows me knows that I have this very distinctive style and the gift of being able to elevate everything I touch. Beyond that, though I have high-level technical skills and abilities in several different genres of photography, including fine art, reportage, still life, and editorial," she explains. "I am not only capable of showing you through images what your wedding day looked like and what it felt like to be there, but I am going multiple steps further and capturing the many layers of your day. The nuance, the emotional expression, body language, facial expressions that say so many words without speaking."
This ability to capture the unspoken, to freeze moments of profound emotion in silver halide, sets Edwards apart in a crowded field.
While Edwards is undoubtedly the star of the show, she's quick to acknowledge the crucial role her husband Brendan plays in her work. "My husband, Brendan is currently being trained as my expert second photographer for weddings and has been assisting me, rolling my film, and steadfastly catering to my beloved clients for the past five years," she shares.
This partnership extends beyond the practical aspects of photography. "We make a wonderful team and typically stay in touch with our wedding couples and their families even when the wedding fun is over," Edwards adds, highlighting the personal connections that form an integral part of her approach.
Edwards' toolkit is as diverse as her portfolio. "Various medium format film cameras, 35mm film cameras, digital cameras, a few Canon lenses, Sony lenses, gorgeous Zeiss lenses," she lists, before adding with a touch of whimsy, "For fun, I also bring a Holga, vintage Olympus point & shoot, a drone, and Super 8mm vintage film camera from the 1960s. For lighting, I use a combination of various cinematography lights and flashes, as well as whatever light is occurring on location whether it be sunlight, candlelight, or a sea of iPhone flashlights like it's a U2 concert."
This eclectic mix of equipment allows Edwards to adapt to any situation, capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups with equal skill. But her artistry doesn't end when the shutter clicks. Post-processing plays a crucial role in achieving her signature style.
"I do whatever it takes using expert-level post-processing tools and skills to finish my images to my artistic standard," Edwards explains. Her approach is meticulous and thoughtful, beginning long before she sits down at her computer. "For both my film images and my digital images I work very intentionally as I am shooting, then I am collaborating closely with my film lab, and finally making important post-processing decisions as I am editing."
Understanding that each couple and event is unique, Edwards tailors her services to meet specific needs. "I create custom quotes for each wedding, as I do offer far more than just photography!" she explains. "In general, my couples spend an average of $10k-30k with me for their weddings, which could include prints, everything shot on 50-100 rolls of real film, content creation, Super 8mm, drone, and more."
This flexibility extends to her coverage as well. "Together, my clients and I decide how many hours of coverage is necessary to achieve their desired outcome," Edwards states, emphasizing her commitment to realizing each couple's unique vision.
Despite her international appeal, Edwards maintains an exclusive approach to her work. "I accept no more than fifteen weddings per year, as I shoot internationally and also have several fashion and commercial photography jobs each year all over the world," she reveals.
This limited availability allows Edwards to pour her heart and considerable talent into each event, ensuring that every client receives her undivided attention and artistic vision.
More than just a photographer, Edwards becomes a trusted confidante and advocate for her clients. "We communicate and we communicate well. I ask the right questions. Questions my clients had no idea anyone even needed to ask them about their wedding. I obsess over client satisfaction and am often a trusted advocate for my clients' wedding vision," she explains.
This holistic approach extends to practical advice as well. "Hire the best possible hair and makeup artist. This is something that greatly impacts the images that photographers aren't able to control. If you aren't happy with how your makeup appears or the style of your hair, these are things that would be an enormous undertaking to "fix" in post. Best to be happy with who you hire as your beauty team and be sure to do trials!" Edwards recommends. "I also highly recommend consulting an esthetician at least 6 months prior to your wedding so you can proactively feel the best in your own beautiful skin! This will help you be more relaxed and confident in front of the cameras, which is the best-case scenario. But hey, even if you don't feel the most confident, I am your perfect photographer because my personality, vibe, and way of working naturally brings people comfort and helps them get the best images of themselves possible!"
For Edwards, photography isn't just a job; it's a calling. "The absolute gift and privilege of being able to live my dream life of being commissioned to travel the world and photograph the most beautiful things I've ever seen, including human connection, in my own artistic way. It's just incredible. I'm so fortunate," she reflects, her words brimming with genuine enthusiasm.
In a world where anyone with a smartphone can call themselves a photographer, Ashley Noelle Edwards stands apart as a true artist. Her work isn't just about preserving memories; it's about elevating moments, finding beauty in the smallest details, and creating visual stories that resonate long after the last dance has ended.
