Seeing Beauty Beyond the Surface: A Nurse’s Journey Through Photography

#jointheFUN
2d
3 min read

by: Jane Ashley Villa

From hospital corridors to mountain trails, photography has become a powerful way for one nurse to tell stories of courage, hope, and quiet beauty.

I’m a theatre nurse, and before moving here in 2019, I worked as a ward and ICU nurse in the Philippines. Like many overseas Filipino workers, my journey has been shaped by courage, sacrifice, and growth. Alongside my career in healthcare, I’ve always carried another passion close to my heart—photography.

My love for photography started when I was a child, using our family’s film camera. What began as simple curiosity slowly grew into a deep passion during my high school and university years. Over time, photography became my way of seeing the world differently—finding beauty, meaning, and emotion in even the most ordinary moments.

Telling Stories Through Lens and Life

My passion for taking photos and videos eventually led me to create a YouTube channel with my husband, Ash & Dima. Through our channel, we share our travels, podcasts, tutorials, food experiences, history, and exercise content. It’s a creative space where I can express my love for photography and videography while sharing pieces of our life together.

I also created a separate Instagram account dedicated purely to my photography, @fromashtoarts. I strongly believe that everything has beauty in it, and that beauty can be captured at any moment—no matter what gear you’re using. For me, photography is less about equipment and more about perspective.

Finding Inspiration in the Unseen

What inspires me most when I take photos is the idea that beauty and goodness are often hidden beneath the surface. Not everything reveals itself at first glance. Through my images, I try to capture that quiet depth—moments that may be fleeting, but become priceless once preserved.

I’m also inspired by my older sister, who has an incredible eye for capturing beautiful photographs. Watching her work helped shape my own creative vision and encouraged me to trust what I see through my lens.

The Story Behind “Tanaw ang Bukas”

One of my most meaningful photos is titled “Tanaw ang Bukas”, which means Looking Toward the Future. I took this photo at Winnats Pass in the Peak District while hiking with friends and waiting for the sunrise.

The image shows my friend standing on the edge of a high cliff, facing the rising sun. Below us was a vast landscape covered in fog, with a long road stretching far into the distance. For me, this photo perfectly represents my journey as an OFW—the courage to face the unknown, the beauty found in every step, and the path ahead filled with endless possibilities.

What’s Next for Me

Moving forward, I hope to continue growing creatively through photography while still making time for drawing whenever inspiration strikes. I also plan to keep producing photography and videography content, using storytelling as a way to inspire and support others—especially fellow nurses—by sharing meaningful conversations and real-life experiences.

Beyond visual storytelling, I remain deeply involved in singing, hosting, and event coordination alongside my husband. These creative pursuits allow me to connect with people in different ways, and I look forward to dedicating more time and energy to developing them further.

Ultimately, my dream is to pursue photography professionally and provide beautiful, high-quality images at affordable rates. I believe that preserving life’s most important moments should be accessible to everyone, and that meaningful memories don’t have to come with a high price tag.