Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Cochran.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started doing photography as a hobby about 5 years ago, when my oldest was a baby. Pretty quickly, I became obsessed with learning as much as I could about photography and started practicing with other people too. Family, friends, and then friends of friends were asking me to take their photos, so eventually I opened my business in 2021!
In the beginning, I did all kinds of photo sessions…couples, high school seniors, college graduates, maternity, family, newborn, etc. After some time, though, I realized that childhood is what I truly love photographing. Today, my business centers around photographing children and families.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a constant learning experience. Figuring out my path and vision for my business was probably the biggest struggle. Finding balance as a small business owner and mom of two young children has also had its challenges at times. Now, I just focus on what I love photographing the most, only taking the work that I can do at the moment, and the rest has fallen into place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in child and family portrait photography, combining lifestyle and fine art approaches. I enjoy photographing very simple, everyday moments and natural emotions, but often with a planned vision in mind and I like to try to think as a painter would in regard to lighting, color theory, composition, etc. For example, if I know I will be photographing in a field of purple lavender, I will suggest clients to wear clothing that complements the setting (i.e. wearing a complementary color like yellow/beige, or using a monochromatic color scheme with purple). But then during the session, I focus on photographing the simple moments that naturally take place (i.e. kids running through the field, observing a bee, smelling the flowers, etc.).
After a lot of trial and error in the beginning, I’ve developed a pretty distinct style over the years. I only use natural light, and I love for it to be soft, low, and directional. The way I use light and shoot lends to the depth and rich color in my images. I don’t pay much attention to all of the trends in photography anymore, and instead focus on what I’m personally drawn to and how I see things.
One of my personal goals was to become a Click Pro Elite, and I was accepted at the beginning of last year! I also am a member of The National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers.
What matters most to you?
My children are everything to me and the reason behind everything I do. Capturing their childhood is my biggest passion and whenever I feel in a rut, I always try to remind myself why I began doing photography in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleycochranphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleycochranphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleycochranphoto
