Meet Asher Phoenix | Photographer, Storyteller, Mental Health Advocate

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

Hi Asher, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking is the foundation of the authentically creative and successful life that I have today. A week after turning 20, I moved from the middle-of-nowhere Kansas to Los Angeles for a real chance at a creative life. I hopped on a plane with 3 grand in my pocket, manifesting that the universe would have back back when I needed it. And that, it has. Because of that risk, I’ve had the opportunity to become a live music photographer and seasoned storyteller. Even riskier than a cross country move, however, has been coming out and living authentically as a transgender person. In revealing my identity, I understood the risk of losing connection with my family. Although that risk has become reality, it has also been a catalyst for self-development, and the chosen family that I’ve found in Los Angeles. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and the magnitude of the risks of moving to Los Angeles and transitioning have catapulted me into my wildest dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the what it truly means to be a successful storyteller. In March of 2021, I was approached by Fujifilm as a potential candidate for their online documentary series, Students of Storytelling: Chapter 3. Through this project, I was mentored by filmmaker and director Kenny Hamlett, and music photographer, Kevin Condon. They taught me what it means to authentically tell someone’s story, rather than shaping and directing shoots to fit my own narrative. Since Fujifilm, I’ve had 3 LA Times features, an Advocate Magazine publication, and a Grammy feature with my friend, Ryan Cassata. If there’s one thing that I want my brand to showcase, it’s empowerment. My overwhelming goal is to provide a safe space in front of my camera for subjects to heal their relationships with their bodies and shine. Over the years as a portrait photographer, I’ve worked with countless clients who don’t feel at home in their bodies. It’s my job as a photographer to make them feel safe in front of my camera, and I think that’s the aspect that I’m most passionate about; pushing clients towards body neutrality and liberation. I spent 14 years battling Anorexia and hated any photos being taken of me. Selfies, holiday family photos, school pictures, you name it, it made my skin crawl. I’ve been in full recovery from my eating disorder for just over a year now, and the liberation I’ve experienced from those negative body thoughts have been a huge motivating factor for my work. If I can provide solace and groundedness for a client in their body, even for only the hour that we’re shooting, I undoubtedly will.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start the day out at Descanso Gardens for coffee and a nice nature walk. Descanso has brought me so much solace during my toughest days. In n Out for lunch, obviously, because my best friend doesn’t have it where she’s from. Deukmejian Wilderness Park, which is just north of Glendale, is my absolute favorite part of LA. There’s this trail that leads to a summit called “Mummy Rock” and when I’m having a bad day (and not too exhausted to hike), I bring a yoga mat to the top and lay out under the sun while the mountains just hold me. Another favorite and must-do when my friends are visiting is Joshua Tree. There’s something so magical about being about to drive just 2 hours out of the city and lay out beneath the Milky Way with friends and my partner. Also, Knotts Berry Farm, because who doesn’t like roller coasters?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this feature, my success, and my efforts to make the world suck less, to my grandma Sam and late partner, McKenzie Jane. I received my first DSLR camera from my grandma as a birthday gift when I was 12. From then until the day she passed, she was my biggest inspiration and motivation to create and stay connected to my art. When I began experiencing depression in middle school, I would call my grandma to talk through it, and she never failed to ask, “When was the last time you picked up your camera? Keep a’ goin’.” And so, I have. 3 short months after my grandmother’s passing, I lost my life partner in a tragic accident. McKenzie Jane was also a photographer, and her brother gave me her hard drive of 7 years of photographs after her passing. I’ve drawn so much inspiration from the composition, editing, and stories of those photos. 4 months following her death, I photographed the biggest music festival in LA of the year, and made connections through that event that have helped me sustain my career’s momentum.
Lastly, I give so much credit to my Fujifilm mentor, Kenny Hamlett. Through Students of Storytelling and his expertise, I learned what it means to truly be a segway for stories. I am the storyteller that I am today because of him and his wisdom, and I cannot thank him enough for that.

Website: asherphoenixphotography.com

Instagram: @asherphoenixphotography

Other: TikTok: TokenTransmasc