Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Tracy.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to tell stories. I journaled as a kid every chance I got, and I was always documenting life – usually through a disposable camera. If you asked any of my childhood friends, they’d tell you I was always the one with a Kodak camera saying “Wait, we need a photo! SMILE!” (And then rushing to get things developed at a local CVS or Walgreens ASAP.) My love for cataloguing life and writing led to my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Butler University. And after college, I landed a job in television news, where I worked as an anchor and reporter. My time in news was fulfilling, but once I met and fell in love with my husband, I realized I wanted a job that allowed me to be more creative. I left TV and took the leap to start my own photography business, having no idea where it would lead. Thankfully, I had support at home telling me to “go for it,” and ever since I took that leap, I always tell people it’s felt like life has had me on a wild, backroad journey in a pickup truck going 100 miles per hour. It’s been crazy but so beautiful. And that was more than ten years ago now! From family sessions to now mostly weddings and branding sessions, my business has grown over time thanks to a lot of behind-the-scenes work that, truth be told, can be quite lonely – but is very rewarding; and honestly, if I had to think of one just reason for where I am today and the success of my business, I would say that it’s all thanks to the relationships I have with my clients. The trust of those I serve and the connection we share allows for my art and work to be authentic and natural… and I am so grateful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh gosh, I think that if any small business owner, or person in general for that matter, were to ever say that the journey of their career was a completely smooth road, I’d be shocked! I’ve been extremely blessed in terms of the people I serve. However, the struggles I’ve faced as a business owner mostly stem from self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Pretty much yearly, even still, I question if I’m “enough” or if I like my own edits (which I tweak endlessly as I’m always working on my own presets.) And I would also say that another huge hurdle for me would be finding any “work/life balance.” I struggle constantly with establishing boundaries and daily rituals to protect my peace at home, and I think, like most small business owners, it’s a continual fight to allow yourself any true, full days off. The work never ends! And when it’s your name on the company, it’s just a very big weight to carry. It’s the greatest honor, but it definitely comes with an immense amount of responsibility, and that can be a lot to process. Having great industry friends and supportive family is everything.
We’ve been impressed with Ashley Tracy Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business specializes in wedding photography, and while I’m based near Columbus, Ohio, I capture love stories all across the country, mostly in the Midwest. ATP is known for a body of work that contains imagery with feeling, motion, and organic client connection. And as a photographer, I’m most proud of the relationships that shine through my art, highlighting some of the best days of my clients’ lives. When I’m working with a couple, we truly get to know one another, and it’s the trust we share that allows for such honest imagery to happen. If someone could learn anything about my company from reading this, it would be that most of my clients do not feel they are photogenic, but they all walk away loving the reflection of their lives they see through what we capture together. And what does that mean exactly? It means that what this company is really all about is reminding people of the true beauty of not only themselves but of their life story. And it’s about harnessing the magic each couple shares together in a way that lasts forever.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I loved spending time with my grandparents as a child. And one of my favorite childhood memories has to be the year my grandma and grandpa got me a MASSIVE teddy bear for Christmas. I remember sneaking into the hall in the middle of the night (I couldn’t sleep and wanted a peek at what “Santa” had brought me!) And I’ll never forget peering around the corner of the staircase to see this giant bear. In my mind’s eye, this bear is 4 feet tall and so wide I can barely hug him. But who knows how big it really was. I was still of the age where everything was magical. And it was the best Christmas ever.
Pricing:
- Wedding Investments begin at $4,950
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleytracyphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleytracyphoto/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashley.tracy?lang=en
Image Credits
@amitacolumbus
@auburnandivorycreative
@laurenmriley
@oldslatefarm
@lizmartinezbridal
@harperandivorybridal
@angiewarrenartistry
@denisedoesbridal
@devlingraves
@kaitmariegraves
@makingmagicwheeling
@emorymua
@kenziewiththeredhair
@blancdeblancbridal
@corimedleyannan
@tessawarden_
@eigenseeartistry
@whitebridalboutiques
@sigalmodels
@kelizaaaa
@jmemerick
@alyssarae.thompson
