faculty

Ashley East

Ashley East is a fine art photographer and commercial retoucher based in New York. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Photography. Her most notable body of work, American Ruins, spans nearly two decades and documents the haunting beauty of foreclosed small businesses in towns across the United States affected by deindustrialization and economic decline. Through her lens, Ashley captures not only architectural decay but also the personality of these places—the silent narratives of resilience, abandonment, and change embedded in forgotten corners of the American landscape.
Ashley has also built a successful career as a commercial retoucher. Her meticulous eye for detail and refined aesthetic have made her a trusted collaborator for luxury fashion and lifestyle brands. Her portfolio includes work for global brands such as DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld, and Donna Karan. Her work ranges from fine art and auction catalogs to e-commerce and editorial campaigns.

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