Michael Ash Imagery | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer, Engagement, Lifestyle and Destination Wedding Photographer serving the Philadelphia region and world » Philadelphia and International Wedding Photographer

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That’s What I Do.

Think of a defining moment in your life.

Do you have something in mind?

Think of how intimate it was; how emotional you were; how elated, angry, scared, anxious, or upset you felt.

Take your time.  Please.

Think about all the moments surrounding that moment.  Even though the incident you are recalling didn’t last a split second, more than likely one specific visual image comes to mind.  Do you have one?  That image is burned into your memory.  Its always there, waiting to be brought forward at any point you’d like.

One moment frozen in time.

That’s what I do.

Imagine if a photographer was present at each of those defining moments secretly capturing what is playing out in front of their eyes.  Maybe you knew they were there, maybe you didn’t.  The pictures you would have would be intense, alive, and full of emotion.  Rather than just a memory you would have a gift of an image.  Right there in front of you.  How amazing would that be?  How powerful would those pictures be?  Could you ever put a value on them?

That’s what I do.

In every one of those memories you drum up, in each image that comes to mind as a smile or frown comes across your face, how many of them would involve you looking and smiling at a camera.  If it involves another person, would you be looking at each other or at a camera?  If its just you, where would you be looking?  At a camera?  No, you wouldn’t.  Moments like that aren’t planned.  They are not set up, directed, or staged.  They are real.  Alive.  Together.  Apart.  Wherever they are or whatever is involved, those moments are part of a group.  I believe they should be captured in the same way.  A series of true frames that tell a complete story.

That’s what I do.

I do my best to relate to you.  I do my best to make you comfortable so I can tell that story.  We hang out, we laugh, we talk, and we have fun.  I’m not doing this to provide you with generic images.  This isn’t just a business to me. This is my passion.  I do this to capture your relationship with a camera; to capture those small moments that make up your life.  Those little things that make you who you are are what I love the most.  I’d be willing to bet its what your partner, spouse, friend, or family member loves the most as well.  I document those.  I prove to you it happened.

When you recalled those memories from 5, 10, even 20 years ago you thought of a single moment, a picture.  Perhaps you are thinking of another one right now.  In 5,10, 20 years from now I don’t want you to have to think of that moment, I want you to see it.  In print.  Right there before your eyes.  You won’t need to remember anything.  I took care of that for you.

That’s what I do.

And I love what I do.

Ryan - i’m thinking a lot of things right now. this has really helped. great post.March 7, 2012 – 11:11 pm

Meredith Maternity. Trump Towers in NYC.

andrea - wow mike. these are incredible.February 15, 2012 – 2:12 pm

jenny - love these. especially love that last one – wow.February 15, 2012 – 2:15 pm

Matt - These are great!February 15, 2012 – 2:42 pm

A. Berkoski - I LOVE this. Not just because you showed her beauty but you showed their love. Great work!February 16, 2012 – 4:09 pm

Ryan - really great atmosphere to these. like the whole lot, especially with her hand on the glassFebruary 18, 2012 – 9:39 am

Lauren Kinsey - The first one…. Gorgeous!March 28, 2012 – 8:20 pm

nirav - Mix master Mike. You’re an inspiration my friend.April 3, 2012 – 1:28 am

Blue Hill at Stone Barns Wedding in New York

A few months ago I had the wonderful opportunity to assist Brian Wright, half of the wonder duo of The Brothers Wright, for a great wedding in my neck of the woods.  Blue Hill at Stone Barns is one of those venues I’ve been wanting to photograph a wedding at for quite some time now so when Brian was searching for an assistant, I jumped at the chance.  On top of the chance to shoot at that location, I was excited about working Brian as him and his brother put out some amazing wedding work.  I definitely recommend checking out their website.  You can view Brian’s version of this wedding here.

Emilia Jane - Absolutely beautiful all around.January 25, 2012 – 4:41 pm

Brian Davis - You are the MAN! Great work!January 26, 2012 – 2:31 pm

Ryan Ray - dude! this is so awesome. GREAT job!January 26, 2012 – 3:35 pm

Ryan - looks like some great compliments to what Brian took. ha! that first image reminded me of my paintings…always great to see see your workJanuary 27, 2012 – 10:02 am

Torey - Always amazing and inspiring!February 2, 2012 – 4:09 pm

Megan + Bill. A Delaware Engagement.

This is why I take pictures.

Just a girl, her guy, and their dog.

No couches in the woods.  No stationary.  No suitcases.  No bowties, bandanas, or a balloons.  No designers picked the location.  No blogs set up the shoot.  No magazines planned a feature.

No frills.

Just them.  Together engaged.

 

lydia {ever ours} - and it’s absolutely perfect!January 13, 2012 – 2:11 pm

Sarah - This is perfect. I would let you shoot my whole engagement session on Polaroid when my time comes. Just saying.January 13, 2012 – 2:19 pm

kathleen - perfect. one of my favs by far!January 13, 2012 – 3:04 pm

jennfier kitrosser - really…my fav type of photography. natural. so so many great shots here. nice work.January 13, 2012 – 3:39 pm

Collin - This is why I love your work man. Such a treat to look through.January 14, 2012 – 5:04 pm

jorge - so so sick dude! love the pola of them on the scooter :) January 17, 2012 – 11:58 am

Ryan - oh yeah, take photos from INSIDE the beach house while the couple is OUTSIDE on the beach. why didnt I think of that one? pretty sweet framing on that one.January 20, 2012 – 10:42 pm

Becky @ Life with Kaishon - They look completely in love and so happy : )
Perfect!January 21, 2012 – 7:35 pm

Kat Braman - this might be my favorite engagement session ever! love everything about it.January 23, 2012 – 5:12 pm