the
ARTIST
If you're searching for a photographer who captures your family's essence or elevates your brand, you've found her. Astri is a visual storyteller, turning family moments into lasting memories and creating imagery that propels your brand to new heights.
With a background in journalism and a magnetism to philanthropy, Astri's focus goes beyond mere imagery; it delves deep into the human experience. Traveling to Haiti often to document and support orphanages was one of her favorite projects; shooting the Maasai in the Serengeti was a dream come true. Astri also lends her talents and time to supporting an amazing program called Eripoto, (https://www.eripoto.org/) which is about protecting and empowering women and girls in northern Tanzania through community-based education, school programs, scholarships, and a safe house. She has been honored to work with Veterans Moving Forward, a local nonprofit who's mission is to train and provide service dogs to US veterans with physical or mental heath challenges at no cost to the veteran or their family (https://vetsfwd.org/). Her travels to places like India, Laos, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Tanzania & Zanzibar, Philippines, Ukraine, Norway, Central America, and the Caribbean has only fueled her wish for more global travel and learning about new cultures and people. For her, authenticity is paramount, and every frame serves as a testament to the truth of human experience. Her experience in travel and philanthropic photography enriches her family and brand photography with authentic storytelling and heartfelt connections. Her ability to capture genuine moments around the world translates into creating images that resonate deeply and tell meaningful stories for her local clients, showcasing that, no matter where you are, the core of the human experience remains universally the same.
She currently calls Northern Virginia home, where she resides with her amazing husband, Alan, son Kai, 11, and daughters Kylie and Katie in college. Among other accolades, Astri holds awards from the Virginia Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Amidst the acclaim, she remains grounded in gratitude, thankful each day for the privilege to pursue her passion alongside her closest loved ones.
Astri's credentials and experience are long. She has been shooting for almost 35 years, starting in a dark room in high school. With a BA in art from Luther College and a certificate in digital photography from Boston University, she had the valuable opportunity to collaborate with Susan Welchman, the former senior photo editor at National Geographic. This mentorship helped shape her into the storyteller she is today.
Snuggling on the couch & watching a great TV series with my husband.
Alaskan King Crab legs with garlic butter. That is all.
Cooking and baking for friends and family. Cooking is my love language.
The pride I have in my three kids and watching them grow as people. It fills my heart.
Music. Almost any kind. And singing.
Traveling to and learning about new cultures, their food, and their customs. I used to say that if I had Anthony Bourdain's job from the show No Reservations with my camera, I'd be in heaven.
Pottery. One of the very best compliments I've ever gotten was when my pottery professor told me when I graduated from college that I could always be a potter.
The warmth of the sun and sand, coupled with the power of the ocean. I feel an affinity with it that's hard to explain.
Don't shoot what it
looks
like;
shoot what it like.
feels
- David Alan Harvey
Nine-time award winner
Washington DC chapter, 2023 Dateline Award for Excellence in Local Journalism; Winner, Magazine Feature Photography
Winner, Interior Architecture Contest