Meet Ashlyn Valle | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlyn Valle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlyn, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
In the long run, I’d love to become a college professor somewhere on the West Coast. Right now, I’m working on my bachelor’s in photography at Arizona State University, and the plan is to go to grad school at CalArts. Honestly, it’d be amazing to end up teaching there one day.

I’ve always enjoyed teaching! There is just something super satisfying about helping someone understand something and seeing that lightbulb moment. That feeling never gets old.

At the same time, I also want to have my own freelance studio on the side. I’m really into portrait and concert photography, but I’m open to exploring whatever creative opportunities come my way. I’m keeping things flexible, but that’s the general direction I’m heading right now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been drawn to tech and creativity. when I was six, I made stop motion videos on my laptop just for fun. That early curiosity eventually led me to photography.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, balancing school, two jobs, and freelance work. It’s not always easy, especially with the mental health challenges I face, but I’ve learned I’m stronger than I thought.

My goal with photography is to help people feel beautiful and seen. I want my work to feel real and honest. something that uplifts and connects. At the end of the day, I just want to make art that matters.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Houston for a week, I’d definitely take them to my favorite spot, Chinatown in Bellaire. It’s such a vibrant area with so much to do and eat. We’d start by hitting up some claw machines, then dive into a hot pot meal where everyone can cook their own food at the table.

After that, we’d explore the Asian supermarkets to check out all the cool snacks and ingredients, and of course, stop by some bakeries for sweet treats! As a Filipino, I really appreciate how Chinatown feels like a close knit community where culture is alive and thriving. It’s a perfect place to experience the city’s diversity

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, my biggest shoutout has to go to my boyfriend, Jay. He’s been such a huge part of my journey. He is always encouraging me, always kind, and constantly cheering me on no matter what I’m working toward. Having someone like that in your corner makes it worth it.

I also want to shout out my Starbucks team. They’re seriously some of the most supportive and kind people I’ve ever met. Whether I’m having a good day or a rough one, they’ve always got my back. I’ve never once felt alone or misunderstood with them around.

Between Jay and my team, I feel surrounded by so much love and support!

Website: https://ashlynval.com

Instagram: @ashlynval

Image Credits
First photo (the photo of me with the red background and black dress)
Credit: @FotoLabStudio