Occupation: photographer
Instagram: @ashleybatz

Where were you born? 
I was born in Marin County and was fortunate to grow up in a very 
Italian family - my grandparents are both from Monte di Procida 
(small town outside of Naples), and I spent every day after school 
there and every day over the summer. 

In one sentence what is unique about your work? 
I hope to make real connections when I'm photographing and tell and 
underlying story of my own experience.

Why do you do what you do? 
Susan Sontag said it best when she wrote, ‘To take a photograph is to 
participate in another person’s mortality, vulnerability, mutability. 
Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs 
testify to time’s relentless melt.’ With each photo I take, with each 
shoot that I complete, I’ll have encountered more people and have been 
able to connect with them in the way that I connect with the world. 
Not only are they able to understand me better and see me in my most 
comfortable surroundings, I am able to know them. And honor them. 
I'm also wildly passionate about being creative, thinking about how a 
photo transcends out of our fingertips and into the world, and bringing 
delight with all whom I encounter. 

What inspires you? 
I cry every time I watch Chef's Table. I cried during the tech rehearsal 
when I was at the Super Bowl. I am so inspired by the people who work to 
make things and who offer a piece of themselves as they put everything they 
have into their creative process. 

Describe your personal style. 
I've decided I dress like a "hot tomboy," 
though I don't consider myself hot. I think it's my silly way of saying 
that I love sneakers, sweatshirts, ripped jeans, and anything that has an urban, 
athletic edge to it. 

Your ultimate must-have. 
Cool sneakers and sweatshirts. All day every day!

What superpower would you have and why? 
Teleportation for sure. That way I could easily do photo work in all 
kinds of places!

What is next for you? 
I'm currently working on some major portfolio pieces of which I'm extremely 
proud. I'm also constantly verbally and mentally manifesting my debut in 
Vanity Fair or Vogue one day...