“I saw it as a challenge,” Voykin says, “not just the expert skiing, but doing it with heavy, expensive photo equipment and in a male-dominated industry.” At that time, very few women worked in action sports photography. Voykin knew she would need to prove herself. She committed to the challenge by showing up at Red every day to improve her skiing—even on days she wasn’t scheduled to shoot photos.
“I realized that in this career, there will always be people who doubt you, because of your gender, your ability, their own perceptions, whatever, but ultimately, the work speaks for itself.”
Ashley Voykin
By her second winter season, Voykin had become the lead photographer. In 2019, she relocated to Rossland, where the local ski community has been incredibly supportive, and becoming part of it has marked one of the highlights of her career. Today, Voykin acts as a role model for young people in the region who aim to become outdoor adventure photographers. She recognizes that her gender sometimes sets her apart, but is careful not to treat girls as anomalies in the snowsports industry. “We’re beyond the point where women have to prove they belong, that they can succeed out there,” she says. “It’s time to normalize our presence by showcasing our work.”