Ashley Joyce began studying art and photography 12 years ago at the University of New Mexico with no real idea where it would lead her. Through hard work, persistence and talent her photos are now being featured in July’s issue of Vogue magazine.
“As a New Mexican who grew up in small towns I mean this is huge to me to see my work in Vogue,” Joyce told KRQE. “It’s just really really exciting.”
Joyce was born in New Mexico and now is a Denver-based wedding and elopement photographer after initially wanting to focus on fashion photography in New York. Interestingly, Vogue, one of the world’s largest fashion magazines, saw her work and wanted to feature her. Joyce’s work is out now in British Vogue’s July issue, and her photos will also be in the August and September issues.
“I got the invitation by email from British Vogue and could hardly believe it as they mentioned they wanted to showcase my work in an upcoming magazine and online feature,” Joyce told KRQE. “I honestly thought it was fake. I thought it was too good to be true, but it was real. They wanted to feature me and I couldn’t pass up such an incredible opportunity and it’s been a real dream come true.”
Joyce was given the freedom to choose what she wanted to be featured and selected a queer couple she photographed in Colorado.
“A lot of publications especially ones that aren’t specifically queer or LGBTQ focused there aren’t very many queer couples featured,” Joyce told KRQE. “Since they provided me with the freedom to choose what I wanted to I really wanted to highlight this couple and their wedding.”
Joyce said her New Mexico roots give her constant inspiration. “Growing up in that environment fostered a creative energy that only New Mexico could provide,” she said. “It’s something that I will carry with me wherever I go.”
Her advice to aspiring photographers is to be persistent. “I’ve been a photographer for over 10 years,” Joyce said. “This wasn’t just a quick and easy thing. I’m here because I put in a lot of time and a lot of work and a lot of patience as well. Just keep going no matter what and just know that you will achieve your dreams as long as you can keep pushing yourself.”