Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Stanley
ashLEY, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey! I’m Ashley- an untraditional wedding and family photographer born, raised, and still thriving in Cleveland, Ohio.
I love living in Ohio, having the countryside just an arm’s reach away but always coming home to the noise of the city streets.
I’m a Gemini, and I won’t let you forget it. Connection and friendship are something I seek from everyone I meet. I feel deeply, and I love strongly. My determination can be felt to a fault, but I’ll always push for what I believe in, and I bring my whole self to everything I do. I love to make people laugh, and my family and friends are the most precious things in the world to me.
I take pride in being a chef’s lover. Sam and I met eight years ago; we started dating only six days after we met- it was instant recognition. We are complete opposites, but to me we’re the definition of soulmates.
Motherhood cracked my world wide open- when my son Demitri was born he became my muse. He didn’t just bring purpose into my life, he made me realize that life could be lived outside of the limits I’d set myself. In those first weeks postpartum, the two of us exhausted yet exhilarated, I picked up my camera again; which inspired me to quit the 9-5 office life and motivated me to launch my photography career full-time. (We are currently expecting our second child; baby girl is due October 2024).
I’ve always loved taking photographs. Documenting moments, making a second last a lifetime through the click of a shutter. But I was always the one behind the camera, never in front of it, and it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized how precious and tangible photographs could be- so I expanded from primarily shooting weddings, to also focusing on motherhood and lifestyle family sessions as well.
To sum it up… I’m a little weird, a little loud, I laugh at my own jokes, love to travel, networking with other creatives, trying new restaurants, making random conversation, and creamy coffee!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Full transparency- first and foremost; I’m a full-time mom (soon to be mom of TWO!) Dedicating time to my work can unfortunately take the backseat at times; so I’m incredibly thankful to have such understanding and patient clients!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to describe my work as FUN and UNTRADITIONAL- I’m not your typical “cookie-cutter” photographer. My editing style can be defined as warm, bold, and moody.
I LOVE the unusual, I LOVE the creatives, and I LOVE a bit of chaos!
I’m a passionate supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights and firmly believe LOVE IS LOVE! I pride myself on honesty and openness at all times and will never try and sell something or push a client into decisions that are not right for them. I treat my clients like friends.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The truth is- photography is an incredibly saturated field, but there is plenty of work out there for us all; so BE YOURSELF- and let criticism fuel your creativity!
Pricing:
- local weddings + elopements average $2,500-5k+
- available for destination travel ($)
- sessions $400/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleystanleyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystanley_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashLEYstanLEYphoto
- Other: ashleystanley.photo@gmail.com
