PDX Profile: Misha Ashton, of Ashton Photography + Design

What a treat to introduce you to Misha Ashton, her cameras and her photography. She's a purest when it come to printing what's actually on the film and not making digital alterations. There are a few images scattered in this interview, but you can check out her website, blog, Flickr and Etsy to see even more.
 

How did you come to be a photographer?

I got my first SLR camera when I was 14. Like most, I took a black and white photography class in high school. I was also head yearbook photographer for two years. I spent my first few years out of high school in Seattle working multiple jobs trying save up to go to art school. I eventually decided to move back to Portland and get my associate's in business in hopes that by then I would have the money or be old enough for grant money. I also worked in a camera store, which is where I accidentally discovered the developing process I use in most of my work, known as cross-process. While working and going to school full time, I met many professional photographers and started freelancing as a wedding/portrait photographer. After community college, I got my bachelor's degree in graphic design at PSU. Throughout my six years in college, I have only taken three photo classes, but I've been taking photos pretty much ever since high school.
 

What inspires your work?

My biggest inspirations are just the world in general. My favorite thing to do is wander around, just me and my camera, and take pictures. Broken-down, rustic things are what appeals to me most. I like to think that my photos show people that there is beauty in everything and to show them the world through my eyes.
 

You create other things with your images. Can you explain a little more about that and your process?

Whenever I get a roll developed, rather than putting the photos into an album or discarding the images that don't turn out, I cut them up and use the abstracted colorful parts of my images in pendants and belt buckles to fuse my love of photography + fashion and create wearable art.

Among all the things you've made, do you have a favorite?

Always my 35mm slide film, cross-processed, taken with my Nikon F100 and 24-85mm 2.8 macro lens!!! : ) I have a bit of a love affair with my equipment and the Kodak slide film that I shoot with.

What is the biggest challenge, in your opinion, of running a business from home?

Distractions, distractions!!!
I started working for myself while I was still in school, so I am pretty good with organization and multi-tasking. I make to-do lists almost everyday--with my daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Having so many different things that I do can get a bit overwhelming.
 

How would you describe the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"

Well I guess for me, my art is my photography--the "fine art" photos, wedding photography, fashion and the likes. Craft is all the rest that I do with it, like mounting my photos on woodblocks, greeting cards, jewelry, etc. You can't have one with out the other and they hold different meaning to everyone.
 

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?

All of my art is taken with 35mm film and nothing is PhotoShop-ed. What you see is what you get. This past year I was so busy with my photography (weddings, craft fairs, etc) that I didn't even get to go to my college graduation. So this year I have started a photo-a-day project. I am just getting into learning about my Holga camera (which for me is quite the challenge--not being able to focus and frame the photo exactly the way I want it. I always have my Holga camera on me and strive to take at least one photo a day with it. With every roll I get a little better. The goal is to always be thinking about my photography and art.

Misha's Links

Ashton Photography + Design Website
Ashton Photography + Design Blog
Misha Ashton on Etsy
Misha Ashton on Flickr