Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Cruz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My interest in photography sparked at a young age, I was about seven years old when I got a barbie bike for my birthday and it so happened to come with a barbie Polaroid camera. I would take that Polaroid everywhere with me and snap photos of the most random things. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I began to realize that I enjoyed capturing memories, especially of landscapes and sports. I always had my camera on me, so I was kind of know by the girl who takes photos. Junior and senior year rolled around and friends started to ask me to take their senior photos, and that’s where it all started. Now, six years later, I am running my own photography business.
I never imagined myself ruining a business and people wanting to hire me to take their photos. But it is something I am truly grateful for, I enjoy capturing memories for my clients. Some people, question why people get photos done so often. Photos freeze time and capture a special moment in a person’s life. It’s not until after time passes, is when people wish they would have captured that moment. I get clients that tell me I wish I would have gotten this session with my first child or I wish I could have hired you to capture this in my life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and no… photography is such an interesting trade. I constantly struggle with is my work good enough? Why do people trust and like my work? I am my biggest critic, so that has always has limited me creatively. I think the internet has a big part as to why I always critic my work so hard, and I never say wow my work is amazing because it could be better.
As far as it being a smooth road… I feel I can go on with so many ways to answer this question. Let me just say, there are people in the industry that are so genuine and kind that have no issue with helping you, with settings, locations you name it. I have met so many amazing creatives this way, by simply emailing them or direct messaging them to tell their work is amazing and that I admire them (shoutout to Instagram because without it, I would have never discovered them). I like to think I fall under this category, do I know everything about photography? No… but am I willing to help other creatives with the knowledge I have… absolutely!
Then, there are people who aren’t so nice, they won’t even tell you what camera they use, or help with locations. I recall one time I reached out to a photographer I admired for advice, and they responded with I can’t help you with that you can google it though. I remembered being so sad that the person I admired didn’t want to help, but then I realized not everyone is the same.
I think I learned early on that as creatives we realize that everything we do has been done in one way or another. But it is our job to find a creative path that suits us best to craft our vision and make it come to life.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a photographer, I specialize in capturing memories for families, couples, birthdays… you name it! I don’t know if I’m known for anything, but every client who has referred me always tells people I have a fun personality and I’m great with kids.
The most thing I am proud of is all my clients who have been with me when my work wasn’t even that great (I’m not saying I’m great now because I definitely can improve)… but when I say not great, I mean over the satirized, unfocused, crappy lighting photos. Every time I capture my OG clients, I can’t help but be excited because not only have they grown with my business, they have become great friends and I love seeing their kids grow up. But I’m also proud of the growth I’ve had, I’ve learned so much throughout the years on how to craft my style and can’t wait to learn more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oliviaacruz.com
- Email: oliviaacruz@oliviaacruz.com
- Instagram: @oliviaashley_photography
Image Credit:
Olivia Ashley Photography
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