Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe studied at the Cooper Union in New York City, where she developed her technical foundation in photography. She established her career as a professional photographer, contributing to various national publications and documenting diverse social landscapes.

Her practice is characterized by a documentary approach, often focusing on the lives of marginalized communities and the intersection of social issues with visual storytelling. She has authored several photography books that serve as both artistic archives and social commentary.

Moutoussamy-Ashe continues to be recognized for her contributions to the field of photography and her long-standing commitment to activism. Her work remains a subject of interest in discussions regarding the role of the camera in documenting American social history.