Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ellis.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography started after we had our first baby. At the time, money was tight, and professional photos weren’t really something we had much extra to spend on—but I desperately wanted to capture all of those little moments and have beautiful photos of my baby to look back on.
So, I decided to buy a camera of my own. To help pay for it, I started doing small photo sessions here and there for friends, families, and anyone who would give me the opportunity to practice. I never really expected it to become anything more than that, but little by little, word started spreading and my love for photography continued to grow.
Eventually, I invested in better equipment, continued learning and refining my style, and what started as a way to simply afford a camera turned into a business that grew far beyond anything I had imagined.
Today, I get to photograph families, couples, weddings, milestones, and so many of life’s most meaningful moments. Looking back, it’s pretty incredible to think that all of this started because I was a new mom who just wanted beautiful pictures of her baby. I feel incredibly blessed by how much my business has grown and by every person who has trusted me to capture a piece of their story. I truly believe God took something so small and turned it into something I never could have planned for myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Let’s be honest…. Is anything ever completely smooth? I don’t think so, and honestly, I think that’s part of what makes the journey worth it.
Building a business from the ground up has definitely come with its share of challenges. There have been slow seasons, moments of self doubt, unpredictable weather, and plenty of trial and error along the way. Photography is also so much more than simply taking pretty pictures. You’re learning how to run a business, communicate with clients, manage schedules, keep up with editing, invest in equipment, market yourself, and still find a balance between work and family.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning not to compare my work or my journey to everyone else’s. There will always be someone doing something differently, and it took time to become confident in my own style and the business I was building.
But I think the difficult seasons are where the most growth happens. Every mistake has taught me something, every challenge has pushed me to become better, and every season has helped shape the photographer and business owner I am today. It certainly hasn’t always been smooth, but I wouldn’t change the way it has grown. I’m incredibly grateful for where it has taken me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in mainly beach photography and weddings! Living near the coast has given me the opportunity to really fall in love with beach photography. There’s something about the movement, the wind, the light, and even the unpredictability of the weather that makes every session feel completely different.
My style is very natural and true to color. I want people to look back at their photos years from now and remember what that season of life actually looked and felt like. While I always make sure to capture the traditional “everyone looking at the camera” photos, some of my favorite images are the ones in between, the laughter, movement, interactions, and little moments that happen naturally.
Weddings hold a special place in my heart for the same reason. I love being able to tell the story of an entire day, from the big moments everyone anticipates to the tiny ones the couple may not even realize happened.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many families come back year after year, and I’ve had the opportunity to photograph couples through multiple chapters of their lives, from engagements and weddings to growing families. That means more to me than anything.
I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely want people to enjoy the experience, not just the finished photos. I never want a session to feel stiff or stressful. I want my clients to be themselves, have fun, and trust me to capture the beauty in it. Every family, couple, and wedding is different, and I never want someone’s gallery to feel like a copy of the one before it.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
More than anything, I just want to give God all the glory. When I look back at how this business started, with a new mom simply wanting to take beautiful pictures of her baby, and see what it has grown into today, I know I couldn’t have planned it this way on my own.
There have been highs, lows, unexpected opportunities, and plenty of moments where I wasn’t sure what the next step would be, but God has continued to open doors and provide along the way. I’m incredibly grateful for every client who has trusted me, every family who continues to come back, and every opportunity this business has given me.
At the end of the day, photography may be my business, but I truly believe it’s a blessing God placed in my life. I’m just thankful I get to use the gift He gave me to capture moments that people will be able to hold onto for generations. All the glory goes to Him.
Pricing:
- The Snapshot $150(+tax)
- The Storyteller $200(+tax)
- The Legacy $300(+tax)
Contact Info:
