Originally posted 4/7

Lifelong photographer Robertsen Ashman turned his focus to music photography in the past seven years, and he has since worked with many of our local musicians, such as the Head and the Heart, Drew Grow and the Pastor's Wives, Kelli Schaefer, Ravenna Woods, My Goodness, the Black Whales and several more. We are proud to present a showing of his work at our West Seattle cafe beginning Thursday, April 14 (also the date of West Seattle Art Walk).

Drew Grow & the Pastor's Wives - Photo: Robertsen Ashman

Ashman says, "The collection that I have printed to show at Easy Street consists of ten 20X30 inch metallic prints mounted on foam core. I chose each one based on the musician's / band's relevance to the local scene. Including the Head and the Heart's original album cover image and the very first promo shots of them before they signed with Sub Pop and embarked on a global tour, also a tour de force from Portland-based label Amigo/Amiga including Kelli Schaefer and Drew Grow featuring a secret house show in Seattle and on-location portraits in Portland."

Kelli Schaefer - Photo: Robertsen Ashman

Ashman says this about his background and style: "I have been photographing people, places and things since childhood. My deep love for music turned me toward band photography seven years ago when I crossed paths with Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden. Ever since, my goal has been to offer bands promotional images that fully capture the soul of each particular band's sound. With the recent renaissance of the Northwest music scene there are plenty of talented musicians to work with. I tend to avoid the 'live shot scenario,' I find that if you shoot ten band at the same venue they all look the same. You will see in my work that I seek locations that are aesthetically simple, yet texturally interesting, creating a simplicity that allows the musicians' personalities to come through in their look, both fashionably and emotionally."

The Head & the Heart - Photo: Robertsen Ashman

Ashman's images have been featured in the Seattle Weekly, The Stranger, City Arts Magazine, Oregon Music News, the Portland Mercury and numerous online music blogs and websites. His works have been used on album covers, website designs, tour posters and various promotional materials including matchbooks and t-shirts. He  may also be accepting an offer to work in tandem with Doe Bay Festival’s confirmed lead photographer, Dylan Priest for this year's festival.