Member Monday: Ashley Greenspan
THIS WEEK WE INTERVIEWED TGS MEMBER & MODEL/BOSS BABE AND ONE OF OUR FAVORITE FREE SPIRITS,
Ashley Greenspan
CONTINUE SCROLLING TO LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT ASHLEY, AND HER CREATIVE JOURNEY/MISSION SO FAR!
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Southern California! I work as a yoga teacher and freelance model and began my creative journey a little over two years ago. A friend brought me to a group shoot, I connected with a couple photographers there and began setting up shoots in the coming weeks. What is really important for me to remember about this journey, at one point I had no real sense of direction how I wanted to grow within this community and business. I knew I enjoyed being behind the camera but just continued to develop my niche and push forward. Eventually I learned more about myself with body language and posing, incorporating my yoga background and deep understanding of movement. Things started to click, I became more involved and eventually found TGS collective! I constantly remind myself I am exactly where I need to be and compare myself to others as little as possible. No one is you, and that is your power.
What inspired you to pursue your current creative path?
I wanted to explore this newly found confidence and to inspire those around me. I love how either a team of two, or a whole army go behind a lot of what you don't see before the final shot. Having an idea as a model, connecting with other creatives and bouncing ideas to grow and bring it to life. Knowing angles when it comes to lights, shadows, styling and most of all making it your own. I don't have what some might consider a traditional look as a model..whatever that means, and I say that because a group like TGS exists to break stigmas and getting into a creative mode with like minded, solid people is what its really all about for me.
How did you find out about TGS?
Through the super highway of Instagram, which while I try to not spend insane amounts of time on the platform..I am forever grateful to have found, know and be a member of such a strong collective!
Why did you decide to join TGS?
Their openness to let each artist as a photographer/model/stylist connect in really inspiring spaces, I felt very welcomed from the beginning and knew I wanted to keep coming back. Well organized and driven, no BS and kindness along the entire process, TGS lets me be ME and thats the best part. I typically get more nervous in portrait photography, it seems so vulnerable. Becoming more comfortable with self love for by putting myself out there allowed me to grow so much more!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Typically from Pinterest or Instagram!
Fave aesthetic, look or theme when shooting?
More moody and dramatic posing is my preference. I love the studio/indoor aspect to play with the light and elements but getting out into nature has to be at the top of my list. Its all about balance :)
Do you have creative friends you like to meetup and brainstorm with?
100%, over the last two years I have definitely connected with more creatives whether they be other models, photographers, musicians..Ive noticed a huge influx of more interesting and inspring people in my life and I aint mad about it! I love being able to relate with, seek advice, offer it back when asked and grow together as we each are on our paths to individual goals. I love finding friends in this world who support each other because Im a firm believer that is exactly how we all will succeed!
Most interesting story revolving around your creative medium?
Hmm..there was this one time at a public park in LA. For our rollerskating concept this man had asked if he could take photos/videos, we told him no and asked he respect that. Not even five minutes later he was across the park secretly recording us which didnt evoke any type of happy feelings and lets just say by the end of it, he was more understanding after my rant to him about his creep tendancies and how they wouldn't be allowed, nor would we be pushed to not enjoy the public park as everyone else was. Moral of the story, theres always that one. Lol
Random stuff about you?
Well, anything vegan I love..especially if I cook it! Succulent gardening is very important, my two cats Chicken and Waffles consume most of my time, having a 15 year old cat and a 6 month old kitten has been quite the show. I was born on thanksgiving and Im grateful as ever for yoga. What it allows me to release and in turn shape my energy to grow in this world!
