Ashley Danielle Photography

04/02/2026

I’m incredibly grateful—3 amazing people have already donated and will be receiving a digital image from this trip. Thank you so much for your support! 💚📸

This means more to me than I can fully put into words. Every bit of support brings me closer to making this conservation photography expedition to Colombia and Panama (starting May 15th) a reality.

I’m still working toward my goal and could truly use the help. This opportunity will allow me to document endangered wildlife, share their stories, and continue using photography as a tool for education and conservation.

📸 As a thank you, anyone who donates $50 or more will receive a digital wildlife image from this upcoming trip—something meaningful that you helped make possible.

If you’re not able to donate, sharing this post would mean just as much to me.

👉 https://gofund.me/8c5ca511e

Thank you again for supporting this mission and believing in the power of protecting wildlife—one image at a time.

With gratitude,
Ashley Danielle

Help Me Protect Endangered Wildlife Through Photography in Colombia & … Ashley Hamilton needs your support for Join Me in Saving Wildlife, One Photo at a Time

03/16/2026

Introducing Willow 🌿

This beautiful Bornean Eared Frog—often called a dragon frog because of the little horn-like ridges above the eyes that give it the look of a tiny rainforest dragon. 🐉

Quiet, watchful, and full of personality, Willow is a reminder that some of nature’s most fascinating creatures are also the smallest. 🐸✨

Ashley Danielle Photography offers pet portraits of all kinds—because every creature deserves to be seen. 📸

01/10/2026

Last night, my local photography club, Blue Ridge Photographic Arts Society, unveiled their inspiring 'Favorites of 2025' gallery, and I felt thrilled to see all three of my submissions accepted. Crimson Glance, a vibrant Crimson Rumped Tananger, Golden Focus, a captivating female Basilisk, and Gaze Through the Rain, a stunning Keen Toucan, all taken in Costa Rica, evoke cherished memories of growth and camaraderie. Which one resonates with you the most? 📸❤️🎉

12/08/2025

The past few months have been a bit of a creative lull for me. Life has a way of piling things on, and somewhere along the way, the joy I normally feel when I sit down to edit slipped into the background. I’m sharing this because I know many artists and creators go through these quiet stretches, and it’s easy to feel alone in them.

But this morning, something finally shifted. I opened my laptop without forcing it, and the first images I felt drawn to were some of my favorite macro shots from Costa Rica. As soon as I started working on them, I felt that familiar spark again: the meditative focus of macro work, the thrill of revealing tiny details that our eyes can’t normally appreciate, the memory of being surrounded by lush rainforest and other photographers who share the same passion.

I was also reminded of how strong and supportive the photography community can be. A fellow photographer I met on that trip recently received a group gift after his equipment was stolen, and seeing his joy reminded me why I love this field so much. There is something incredibly special about artists lifting one another up.

Today’s edits were more than just photos—they were a step forward, a breath of fresh air, and the reminder I needed that inspiration always finds its way back.

If you’re seeing these images because you love macro or wildlife photography, I hope they bring a bit of wonder to your day. And if you’re a creative going through a slower season, I hope they remind you that your spark isn’t gone… it’s just resting.

Thank you for being here and for supporting this journey. ❤️📸🐸✨

11/05/2025

🐊“Captain Hook” — The Hidden Giant of the Tarcoles River
Tarcoles River, Costa Rica

Just beneath the shimmering surface, a legend glides in silence. Captain Hook, the dominant male of the Tarcoles River, moves with the calm confidence of a king who knows no rival.

Only the top of his head breaks the water — eyes forward, still as stone — concealing the immense power that lies just below. Estimated to be over 70 years old and possibly exceeding 16 feet, this American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) has become a living landmark of Costa Rica’s wild heart.

Locals and guides know him well; photographers chase his fleeting surface ripples. In his quiet presence, the river tells a story of age, dominance, and untamed grace. 💦📸

April 8, 2025

10/31/2025

My daughter and I made the shortlist for Close Up Photographer of the Year! 🎉📸❤️

10/09/2025

🌙 Capturing Bats in Flight — Costa Rica, 2025 🦇

Earlier this year in Costa Rica, we had the rare privilege of photographing bats in flight under the stars. The concept made perfect sense, yet the timing proved to be the true challenge. Most frames caught only the flicker of wings or a tiny creature tucked inside a blossom — beautiful, but not the moment I was after.

With just a handful of chances to capture the shot, I reminded myself this was a first — an opportunity to learn, experiment, and embrace imperfection. Then, near the end of the session, it happened: wings extended, face visible, tongue outstretched mid-flight. A small victory, but a meaningful one.

Moments like this remind me why I love the craft — the balance between patience, timing, and the unexpected. ✨

Embrace the process, and the magic will follow.

09/21/2025

Jim & Kailey | Engagement 💍

There’s a rare kind of love that seems to echo the beauty of the mountains themselves—enduring, breathtaking, and timeless. Capturing Jim and Kailey’s engagement in Crested Butte, Colorado was like photographing poetry written in light and laughter. ✨💍🏔️

August 16 , 2025

08/04/2025

🎉 It’s my 44th birthday today! 🎂✨ And while I do love cake and confetti, what I’d really love this year is a little help chasing my wildest dreams—literally! 🐾📸

Instead of gifts 🎁, I’m asking friends and family to consider donating to my GoFundMe, which supports my upcoming photography trips to Panama and (fingers crossed!) Colombia or Tanzania. These adventures fuel my passion for wildlife conservation and creative storytelling—and every bit of support helps me shine a light on species and ecosystems that truly need our voices.

If you were planning to send a birthday surprise, let’s turn it into something wild:�🌍🦍🦋🐸🐍🦜🦚🦧🪲🌺🦁

🎁 Donate or share here: https://gofund.me/9443a6dc

Thank you for being part of my journey—this wild heart is ready for another year of purpose, passion, and muddy boots. 💚🌿

Help Me Protect Endangered Wildlife Through Photography in Colombia & … Ashley Hamilton needs your support for Join Me in Saving Wildlife, One Photo at a Time

07/15/2025

After a long work week🫨, I really needed to decompress, so it was a no-brainer—I grabbed my camera, stepped out onto my deck, and got lost in the world of flora and fauna. 🌿 Amid the peaceful moments, I kept hearing a persistent buzzing 🪰 behind me. Curious, I turned around and spotted a few flies hanging out on top of my trash can (no surprise there!). I noticed they’d sit still for stretches of time, so I thought, why not give it a shot? To my amazement, the flies got used to me being so close, and one even let me gently touch it. It’s incredible how a spontaneous moment can turn into an unexpected macro session! 📸

Olympus OM I Mark II
Olympus 90mm Macro lens
Godox V1 Pro on-camera flash
Cygnustech diffuser

06/17/2025

Just received another donation to my GoFundMe! 🙏 Every bit of support brings me closer to two photography trips through Central and South America, where I hope to document endangered species and share their stories with audiences back home. Thank you for helping me turn passion into purpose — conservation through imagery. 🌎📸💚

Help Me Protect Endangered Wildlife Through Photography in Colombia & … Ashley Hamilton needs your support for Join Me in Saving Wildlife, One Photo at a Time