Hey everyone!
Most of you know me for capturing heartfelt family moments and the natural beauty of Whidbey Island and Oak Harbor. But there’s another part of me that’s just as important — the part that’s always curled up with a good book. my shelves are stacked high and my TBR list never seems to shrink.
Lately, I’ve been daydreaming about how these two big loves — photography and reading — could come together. After all, both are about storytelling. Books build entire worlds with words. Photography captures emotion and atmosphere in a single frame. They both make you feel something, and that’s where the magic lies.
So, I’m beyond excited to announce a personal passion project I’ve been planning: bringing the magic of books to life through my camera lens.
📖✨ My Creative Process (So Far!)
This idea has been swirling in my mind for a while — and now, I’m finally letting it take shape. I want to visually interpret some of my favorite books and genres, creating images that echo the mood, setting, and emotion of those stories.
Here’s how I imagine it working:
- Highlighting passages that spark visual ideas
- Scouting locations around Whidbey Island that match a book’s vibe
- Sourcing props or costume elements tied to key story moments
- Collaborating with models to embody the essence of characters or themes
Some photos might be cinematic and moody, others quiet and symbolic. I want each series to feel like stepping into a page.
🖤 Early Concepts for Fantasy Lovers
As a die-hard fantasy fan, of course my first ideas lean heavily into that genre! Here are a few early inspirations:
🪞Gothic Fantasy: Inspired by One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig — fog-laced forests, timeworn windows, spellbound glances. I want to capture the sense of magic humming just beneath the surface.
🗡️ Heroic Journeys: Think Throne of Glass — a portrait that reflects Celaena Sardothien’s strength and haunted past, or a shot that hints at her assassin’s grace and fire.
🪐 Dystopian Drama: Books like Red Rising evoke intense contrasts — I envision high-stakes emotion using dramatic light and shadow, or symbolic color palettes to represent caste divides.
Of course, I’m not limiting myself to just fantasy. Literary fiction, sci-fi, cozy romance — if it stirs something in me, I want to capture it.
📷 Let’s Build This Together
This project is about creative freedom, storytelling, and celebrating the power of books. But it’s also about connection. I’d love to hear from you!
- What are your all-time favorite books?
- Are there any characters or scenes you’ve always wished you could see come to life?
- What “vibe” from a novel would you love to see translated into a photo?
Leave your ideas in the comments — who knows, they might inspire my next shoot!
💬 Stay Tunedou can follow along with the project as it unfolds on nd right here on the blog. I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes peeks, concept sketches, and final photo sets as they evolve.
Thank you for joining me on this new journey — I can’t wait to blend imagination and imagery in a way that feels both magical and deeply personal.
With love,
Ashleigh
