Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Cochran.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’ve been infatuated with photography for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I would spend hours looking over my parents’ photo albums and admiring old film photographs that my grandfather took. There was something so magical about seeing moments frozen in time from the years before I was born.
I’ve also always had a creative side. I loved drawing, playing music, and always had some sort of camera… but all of that was just for fun. I never took any of my hobbies too seriously and focused on academics. After high school, I attended the University of Tennessee and received a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Soon after graduating, I became a speech-language pathologist treating children in elementary and middle school.
Last year, the infamous 2020, proved to be a transformative and life-changing year in several ways. I became a mother as my first daughter was born, right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Life felt like a blur, and I wanted to document her quickly changing features and milestones with high-quality photos, rather than phone camera snapshots. Since schools were closed, I was temporarily out of work and started learning how to shoot in manual mode with the DSLR camera that my husband bought me for Christmas. Photography quickly became a creative outlet for me, and eventually turned into this little business!
Currently, I run my photography business part-time and continue to work full-time as a speech-language pathologist. Something that both of these jobs have in common is getting to work with children and seeing their faces light up. In my photography, I like to have some posed portraits but also aim to capture candid moments with genuine expressions and emotions.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh, there have been plenty of challenges. From learning the technical aspects of photography to juggling a small business with a toddler and a full-time career… I’ve made lots of mistakes along the way, and I’m sure there are more ahead. I try to look at everything as a learning opportunity, though. If you’re not learning, you’re not growing!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in lifestyle portraits, photographing children, families, newborns, couples, and seniors. I use natural light to capture images on location, whether it be at someone’s home or at their favorite park. I aim for my sessions to feel relaxed and genuine so that personalities and relationships can shine through in the photos. My style is still developing, but I think of it right now as timeless with a moody edge.
During a session, my approach with clients is casual, calm, and genuine. I give gentle direction and guidance to try to help people look and feel their best. I’m an introvert by nature and very observant. I try to pay attention to details like what makes someone’s eyes light up, what makes them laugh, the lighting, the background, and how people interact together.
What matters most to you? Why?
Life moves so quickly and it’s easy to overlook the little moments that one day, we will miss. I’m passionate about using photography as a means to press pause on a moment, take a closer look, and truly appreciate the beauty in it. My ultimate goal is to deliver photos that people will keep forever to reminisce and treasure whatever stage of life they are in.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@ashleycochranphotography.com
- Instagram: @ashleycochranphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleycochranphoto
Image Credits
My headshot – Devon Adrianne Photography
