In this series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces key persons of influence in the city to the community.
Who is she?
Ashley Fraser is an Ottawa-based photojournalist and freelance photographer. Since 2017, Fraser has been managing the Ottawa Citizen’s Social Scene, covering events “from major galas to grassroots fundraisers,” she says. Fraser has also covered news events, performances, fashion and sports.
What is her background?
Fraser graduated from Loyalist College’s photojournalism program in 2004, but has been pursuing photography as a career since high school. Fraser has 22 years of experience in the photojournalism industry and has spent the last 20 years working mostly with the Citizen. Her work has also been featured in other outlets, such as The Globe and Mail and the National Post.
Fraser often covers charity events, medical stories and fundraisers. “She brings attention to the causes, communities and moments that too often go unrecognized,” Ottawa-based consultant Jenny Chen said in her podcast series Tune Up Your Warrior. Fraser also participates in fundraisers directly, having completed a Run For Women event on July 8 in support of women’s mental health.
What is she known for in Ottawa?
Fraser has photographed many well-known Ottawa events. She captured Freedom Convoy protesters in February, 2022, Snoop Dogg sporting an Erik Karlsson jersey during the competition for ownership of the team and Prime Minister Mark Carney playing goalie at the Riverview Park Winter Carnival this past February.
Fraser told Capital Current she has had many unique opportunities through her work, but “one unforgettable highlight was the chance to fly with the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.”
What is a lesser known fact about her?
Fraser’s introduction to photography came in high school, when she did digital retouching for a local photographer. “Though back then it mostly meant cleaning up marks and scanning negatives, not the kind of retouching people think of today,” Fraser said.
