Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Casey Leffew
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography journey when my husband surprised me for Christmas with my very first dslr camera back in 2016. I took that camera with me everywhere, set up photoshoots of my husband and I and just photographed whatever and whoever I could. I stared nursing school a couple years after, receiving my first camera and throughout nursing school I started booking paid photoshoots. As I completed my program I was still booking shoots when I had the time, but nursing school and passing boards was taking up most of my tome. Fast forward to searching for a LPN job and the first one out of school not working out, I decided to book more sessions and weddings as I looked for another job. And during that process the pandemic happened, so I decided to take a pause on nursing career journey and try to lean into photography more and more and realized I enjoyed it so much. To be able to work with couples and families is what I really loved doing. The Great Smoky Mountains is such a huge destination spot for families to come and couples to visit and it is even on par some years with Las Vegas for destination weddings. My business continually grew year after year and I booked more and more weddings, family shoots and engagement sessions. Last year, I welcomed a baby boy into the world with my husband and to be able to work throughout my pregnancy and take a maternity leave was so special. I am also able to now have a career that affords me the ability to spend most of my time with him and create a schedule to where my days are spent with him and I am able to also edit on the computer or get to emails while he naps or nurses. I also wouldn’t be able to do this career without my hardworking husband. He is the person who first believed in my ability to pursue this passion as a career by purchasing my first camera for me. Photography is honestly, my dream career and I have loved getting to do this job full time for the last 5+ years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been the smoothest, but I have always found a way to get inquiries and bookings. I don’t limit myself to just weddings. I enjoy photographing elopements, couples, families, milestone photography and the occasional senior sessions. I think that has helped keep my photography business going. I also try to elevate my client experience every year.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in photographing couples and families in the great smoky mountains. I believe that a big thing that sets my work apart is I have the ability to also capture the beautiful scenery in my work as well.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe I have been successful because of the experience I provide for my clients. I really want to become more than just their photographer. I want to become a friend as well, my goal is to make them feel at ease during their sessions, elopement or wedding. I provide guidance during any shoot, but I try my best to also make it super fun. If I can get a couple laughing or a family having fun with their kiddos then the photos always turn out sooo good. It’s important to feel comfortable and have a lot fun as well, that’s when the genuine smiles can come out.
Pricing:
- Wedding packages begin at $2450
- Sessions packages begin at $325
- Elopement packages begin at $1250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyleffewphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyleffewphotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AshleyLeffewPhotography/
