Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gabrielson.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I never really knew exactly what I wanted to do, but I was always the creative type. I played the piano, guitar, took dance lessons and I loved to draw. Photography was not something that came into my life until college.
It was my Junior year of college, and I was getting ready to spend the summer in Barcelona. It was a study abroad trip, and I would be learning about Spanish Art and Literature. My Grandpa gave me a camera that Christmas so I could take photos of my adventures overseas. I am forever thankful for that Christmas present! From the moment I landed, I could not stop taking pictures of everything and everyone.
When I got home from my trip, I immediately went into an editing frenzy and posted all of the photos on social media. I continued to take photos of friends/family because I was obsessed with my new hobby. As time went on, people began reaching out on social media, asking for me to take portraits of their family, engagement photos and before I knew it I had booked my first wedding. I was not expecting that my new passion would transform into a full-on career, but it did! In April 2014 I launched a website, invested in more equipment, got my business license and made AshGabes Photography official.
I am now entering my third year as a photographer, and I still cannot believe this is what I get to do every day. Being 25 and running my own business has been an incredible experience, to say the least. Each year has brought new challenges, mind-blowing opportunities and a whole lot of growth.
Great, 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?
Being a photographer is super fun and fulfilling – but also a lot of work. You are a business owner of 1 [usually] so you are the face of your brand. There is no one else. You are doing your own marketing, web copy, branding, accounting, customer service and the list goes on.
Social Media Marketing is one of the more difficult aspects [for me]. It’s an outlet to promote your brand and attract potential. There are a ton of crazy talented people on social media doing the exact same thing, and you can very easily get sucked into comparing yourself to others work or success. It sounds cheesy, but reminding myself that I am on my own path of success and that there is no one else like ME really helps me get through those moments of insecurity.
Please tell us about AshGabes Photography.
My company is called AshGabes Photography. I am a southern California based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer. A lot of people ask where my name came from, and it was my nickname all of high school and college. My full name is pretty long, so using AshGabes felt short, sweet and true to me.
I think what sets me apart from others in my field is my colorful style and a strong emphasis on capturing candid moments. When a client books me for their wedding or family photos – that is their biggest reason why. I do my best to allow my client’s personalities shine through, and capture them as they really are. I also think my experience working in restaurants and customer service really shaped who I am as a business owner. I hear from my clients a lot that they love how organized I am, and great with communication.
What I am most proud of is that I recently accomplished one my of biggest goals. For the past couple of years, I have been working two full-time jobs, corporate life and photography. This year, I quit my corporate job, and I will finally be a full-time wedding + lifestyle photographer. It’s something I have worked so hard for and dreamed about for so long. I really cannot thank my clients enough for believing in me and supporting my business.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I am really close with my grandparents on both my mom’s side and dad’s side. My parents had me at a young age, so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. I even lived with them at some points. It’s very difficult for me to pinpoint one memory, but my happiest times as a child were spent in their homes. The best meals, laughs, birthdays and holidays were always spent there.
Pricing:
- Wedding Collections begin at $2100.00
- Engagement Sessions being at $200.00
- Family Portraits begin at $200.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashgabes-photography.com
- Email: ashgabes.photo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashgabes_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashgabesphotography/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ashgabesphoto/
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