Infocus: with film mums founder Ashley Trevisi.
Image of Ashley Trevisi
“I found my village, and by finding this village, I finally found myself. ”
Ashley Trevisi is Film Mums. When I asked her why her business is a collective, she explained, “it was my community, my mother’s group, who encouraged and gave me the confidence to pursue this dream so film mums is really all of us”. Ashley is a mother to Nate (7), Kelly (3) and Jay (18 months) and a super-talented photographer shooting old-school style with Analogue 35mm, Super 8 and Medium Format Film 120. If you witness her at work, she is super agile. For those who have played behind a lens, you’ll know that taking images on these machines is not easy, an art form unto itself.
After her first son was born, she and her husband opted for a sea change to live close to the ocean and it is here where she found her centre. From finding your village, birth trauma to accepting your postpartum body, this interview was very sincere and special. Welcoming Ashely into the Radiant Birth community.
Tell me about your practice.
I am a photographer living on Bunurong land. My work really is about snapping the moments in life that move too quickly. I document maternity, lovers, families and life. I feel utterly inspired by motherhood in all its beauty. From growing life to the chaos with kids running around, my job is to make sure a single snap instils these moments so you can remember that time forever.
film mums was only born in Jay’s lifetime. Can you tell us about your creative calling after your third birth?
My family and I moved to Inverloch. It’s been a massive awakening of creativity within myself. Once we settled, I made the most meaningful connections with some local mothers. I found my village, and by finding this village, I finally found myself. They have been my inspiration and from that film mums was born. They have encouraged me every step of this amazing journey. I finally felt brave enough to shift my hobby of documenting family and friends to a career. I’ve been taking photos since I was 16, a point and shoot in tow. Now I can still be present for my three boys whilst building my career.
You mentioned you hadn’t shot many newborns. Can you tell me more about this?
I know from personal experience feeling uncomfortable with my postpartum body was a massive struggle. So perhaps this is a massive barrier for fresh newborn shoots. Hindsight is a powerful thing. Looking back now and speaking to other mothers, it’s both theirs and my biggest regret. Capturing those special newborn moments are precious.
I want mother’s to know they are so incredibly beautiful that who you are on the other side of birth is brighter, stronger more complex. And to remind them that these photos aren’t just for us but for them. For our children to look back on when so much time has passed.
Do you think that we still have a long way to go when it comes to our embedded bounce-back culture?
It’s heartbreaking the pressure of thinking we should be “bouncing back” into our pre-baby bodies. We need to be focusing on loving, caring and supporting our community. Working on ways to find a positive relationship with our bodies, and to love ourselves. A big step to achieving this is surrounding yourself with others who make us feel seen, heard and beautiful.
I am sincerely apologetic that you experienced birth trauma. Can you tell our readers the importance of choosing a care provider that supports you and truly witnesses you?
Thank you. It was and still is traumatic, thinking back to those moments when I felt I lost my voice and the people in the room who didn’t have my back. It is incredibly important to find care providers to support you and your vision of how you want to birth your baby into this world. This encompasses all facets of birth. The healing process between births and a team to be on your level not just mentally but spiritually. This a gentle reminder that your voice matters! It’s your body, your moment. Don’t ever let anyone rob you of that.
Can you tell us what it’s like raising three sons?
Three wild loving boys, I wouldn’t want it any other way. When picturing my life as a mother I did see raising a family of boys. But they bring out the best in me, they have given me so much courage and strength that I never thought I had.
Nate my eldest, is seven. Did you know that seven-year-olds have a huge surge of testosterone at this age? He is my only son who doesn’t like his photo taken. It’s been challenging seeing him grow with BIG emotions. I won’t lie; my husband and I struggle to navigate these and this reverberates into the dynamic of our own relationship. So it’s safe to say that we are still learning but building a safe space where he can express himself.
What does the word community mean to you?
A sense of belonging to a place and people who truly understands you. Where you feel you are home, you feel heard, you feel supported and overall, a place without judgement.
What does the word mother mean to you?
So much beauty and strength.
Finally, an ideal day looks like…
Hot summer day, down at our local beach, surrounded by friends. The mums are taking turns going for a surf and kids running wild and free.
Follow Ashley’s Journey here.