Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Fermo.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Ever since I can remember, I have always found peace in a creative flow. However, figuring out how to channel that artistic energy into something that could also support my family was a path I was constantly chasing after. Deep down, I always knew in my bones that a corporate 9-to-5 job would never bring me true joy or fulfillment.
After I had my daughter, everything shifted. I knew I needed to figure out a way to work for myself, not just for the independence, but to build a life centered around my family. Photography gave me exactly that. It created a way for me to stay present and home with my daughter, while also allowing me to meaningfully contribute to supporting our household. Beyond that, it filled my creative cup in ways I didn’t know were possible.
Over time, I’ve poured my heart into growing a business that is thoughtful and sustainable for the long haul. Beyond the creative work itself, it has been such a lovely, grounding way to connect with incredible people and plant genuine roots in an area I’m not originally from.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, it has been a relatively smooth road, which I’ve been incredibly grateful for. The biggest hurdle along the way has simply been juggling childcare and scheduling alongside my husband, especially since we moved to the area four years ago without any family or local support system around us. Building a life and a business without a built-in village takes constant coordination, but my husband has been my absolute rock and biggest supporter, doing whatever it takes to help keep our family and my business running smoothly.
The beauty of this work is that there is no arbitrary finish line, but entrepreneurship is rarely a straight or predictable path. Every season brings its own unique set of rhythms, challenges, and growth opportunities. Learning to navigate those shifts step-by-step and leaning into the flexibility it affords our family has made every part of the journey completely worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ashley Fermo Photography?
When I first started out, I had my sights set exclusively on birth photography, thinking I needed to niche down right away. But as I spent more time behind the lens, I realized that my true passion isn’t tied to a single category but driven by connecting with people and celebrating all the different seasons of life.
Over time, my work has grown to capture everything from birth, newborn, and maternity sessions to family milestones, business branding, surprise engagements, birthday celebrations, and weddings. I take a lot of pride in welcoming every unique session that comes my way and seeing each one as an opportunity to push my creative limits.
What truly sets my work apart is the atmosphere I create during a shoot. The best compliment I ever receive from clients is how comfortable I make them feel—often telling me it feels as though we’ve known each other for years. At the end of the day, my ultimate goal is to make you feel special and truly seen. I gently guide and pose my clients so they look and feel their absolute best, while wholeheartedly welcoming the beautiful chaos that naturally comes with real life, especially with little ones. Ultimately, I just want to deliver photos that feel warm, genuine, and true to who you are.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t give up, and don’t wait for the fear to go away before you take action. Do it scared! The fact that you want something so deeply is often proof that your future self already has it, and you’re just in the process of catching up. Building a business is rarely an easy or predictable road, but navigating those challenges and coming out on the other side is what makes it so incredibly rewarding. Trust your intuition, lean into the uncertainty, and just keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyfermophotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfermophotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyfermophotography/
