Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Koser.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic lung disease, it has no cure. But one day they will find one. I was given the gift of a second chance at life for years ago when I had a double lung transplant. I promised myself that I would live my life to the full list and not take one breath for granted. Modeling gives me that rush, that excitement. I love encompassing emotion and different personalities through photos. I am so grateful that I get to work such amazing people.
I have always believed that positivity is one of the best ways to cope with things and being happy and smiling is some of the best medicine. This helps me through my whole life. And I feel like it is contagious just like when you yawn someone else yawns. I love meeting all the artists. I love helping new models pose and find they look that just makes the photographer go “ THAT’S IT!” That’s what we want!!!
I love seeing my photos and just saying to myself I am a warrior in this battle of health and today I won again. Today I was healthy enough to go to this amazing shoot and take this amazing photo.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles and obstacles are my everyday. I have had over 100 procedures. I have had over ten surgeries. I take over 50 pills a day. I do thre-four hours of breathing treatments a day.
Guess what?… even though I go through all that day to day I would never change my life. I remember back to one photoshoot I was given the opportunity to wear a 3D printed dress that looked and represented lungs. You could not imagine the feelings that were rushing inside me to wear something like this but…!
The thing was there were all these other models there they were beautiful, 6ft long legs walked the runway. I felt out of place… A photographer and visionary, who I am proud to call my friend Christyl O Flaherty said to me “ your story makes you stand so much taller than these other girls. So go out there and represent your story. Stand tall and strong and proud”. I will never forget that day.
My challenges have made me so strong, and I am so thankful for that. I believe it has also made me a more positive person. I feel blessed and in a way happy I get to show just how strong I am every day by waking up and breathing being able to fight whatever challenge comes my way Next.
Please tell us about @cfwarrior_ashley.
I am proud to say I am a published model and certified makeup artist. I have been modeling for seven years. Every shoot has been a blast. I have sat and balanced on 6ft ladder for a whole shoot. I have worn a mermaid tale and got to take photos underwater. Encompassing characters that I never thought I could have been so much fun. I feel privileged to get to work with such talented people.
I am so proud of how far I have come from posing here and there, being hesitant in front of the camera to now helping new models pose and find their inner selves — helping them become someone else. How to move in fluid-like motion and just embrace everything. Modeling is like acting. I love getting into character.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories is when I was five, and I got to go to sea world and sit on the REAL SHAMU. Back then you were picked out of the audience, and you got to sit on a real live killer whale. It was so so cool.
I remember I was in front of a huge stadium full of people and they asked what does Shamu feel like? I was like he is really rubbery. But it came out wubbery. I just kept waving and waving to everyone. My parents knew back then she loves the camera and being in front of people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cfwarrior_ashley
Image Credit:
Photographer – @jeffb.photos, @dpgphotos0105, @alisonhuntley, @christlyoflaherty, @cbaileystudios,
@dcurryportraits
MUA – @jenjennyjennifer, @calivixen
Studio – @musefactorystudio
Makeup Artist: @beautybyseptember, @beautybyseptember
Event: @musefactorystudio, @musefactorystudio
Designer – @amykarle, @musefactorystudio
Wardrobe: Llenuel Fo
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
