why?

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.” -Brene Brown..

In a world filled with to much social media telling us who we are meant to be and how we should look - I’ve found it discouraging. I whole heartedly believe that we are each on our paths and each have a story - each story is so important to tell and each story deserves to be documented. If we keep trying to be the people we aren’t - we aren’t leaving our legacy.

I lost my parents in my twenties - and it didn’t take me long to realize how the photos of their truth would be the ones I would cherish forever. My most favorite is one of my mom in her paint clothes *thats what she did, painted the interior of houses* and holding her coffee cup the way she always did. Her legs were crossed and she was surrounded by the place she loved most - her home. It speaks volumes about who she TRULY was, and where you would find her on the daily. These are the images I will and do share with my kids. It won’t be the ones where my family and I belong in awkward family photos - where we are all wearing clothing we never wore. It wont be the ones where our truth wasn’t fully told - but the ones that spark memories and life.

As I explore what it means to be the peoples photographer - I am exploring what the definition of family means. As a photographer, there was always a definition made for me. It felt uncomfortable and exclusive. I don’t want to run my business in a way that excludes. I want you to feel seen, loved and important. Family means so many things, so if you're wondering.. yes! I am YOUR photographer.

s t u f f p e o p l e a r e s a y i n g

“Ashley captures deep and true places behind people’s smiles or awkwardness. She asks not that you come fully put together for a session, rathe fully yourself, no matter what that looks like - and then manages to find, and remind you, of your truth through the most stunning images.”

“Ashley ( and Kellen too!) have been there to capture all of our special moments and the in between too. Engagement wedding and 1 year anniversary. She/they make you feel comfortable and you know your pictures won’t feel posed but unique! I am obsessed and often look back at the many pictures they have captured for us.”

“They are amazing! We had them photograph our wedding a few years ago and to this day anytime I look at our photos it feels like it was just yesterday. Their photos tell the story of our day and that is something we will cherish for years.”

“You seem to just put me at ease just through the person you are. You actually make photo shoots feel fun! I am always amazed when I see my photos afterwards - thank you for having the skills to make me look great and like myself at the same time.”