Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ward.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started photographing my kids, beginning with my firstborn son. I wanted to capture every fleeting moment, and once I realized how powerful photographs could be, I was hooked. Looking back, it makes sense. I was always the one with a camera, even growing up, quietly documenting life and preserving memories for everyone around me. That instinct eventually grew into photographing couples and weddings, where I found so much meaning in capturing connection and love.
Life later changed in ways I never expected. We experienced the stillbirth of our son, I lost my husband/ best friend, faced heavy mental health struggles, and even lost our home to a fire. I stepped away from my business during that time because survival and caring for my children had to come first.
Now, I’m slowly and intentionally returning. Photography has become my safe place again, a space to heal, dream, and create joy, both for myself and for the families I’m honored to photograph.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, not in the least. The personal losses I’ve faced changed everything, and stepping away from my business meant losing momentum, confidence, and a sense of identity I had built for years. Coming back has felt like starting from square one, rebuilding a name, a client base, and trust in myself, all while navigating grief, mental health, and the pressure of providing for my family. There are moments of doubt and exhaustion, especially in an industry that is constantly evolving, but I keep pushing forward. I want to create stability for my children and show them that even after unimaginable setbacks, it’s possible to rebuild, dream again, and find success in a new way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my core, I create photographs that are rooted in emotion and intention. I specialize in portrait work that blends honesty with artistry, images that feel real but also carry a sense of wonder. My background in couples and weddings deeply influences how I photograph people today, with a strong focus on connection, storytelling, and meaningful moments rather than stiff poses or trends.
I’m known for styled portraits that feel soulful and personal, not overly polished or manufactured. I’m drawn to light, texture, and detail, and I take time with my work, often stepping away and returning to refine the smallest elements until an image feels right. What I’m most proud of is the way my work resonates emotionally, especially with families who see themselves and their story reflected back to them.
What sets me apart is the heart behind the work. My art is shaped by lived experience, loss, healing, and resilience. I don’t just photograph what things look like, I photograph what they feel like.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Lindsay Adler has been a huge influence on my work, especially her photography education and her book on posing, which I return to often. I’m also a big believer in learning through YouTube. It’s such an incredible resource for education, inspiration, and growth, whether I’m refining technical skills, exploring new creative ideas, or learning how others approach their work. Continuous learning is really important to me, and these resources help me stay curious, adaptable, and inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raffertyandgrace.com
- Instagram: @rafferty.n.grace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaffertyandGrace
