Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Walker.
Hi Ashton, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember! My first key experience I remember was when my mom and dad gave me this pink, Canon, point-and-shoot camera when I was about 13 years old. We were moving overseas for my dad’s job so they were hoping that might get me excited about it. And was I ever! I took pictures of EVERYTHING. Every room in our apartment we were staying in, the water bottles, the milk cartons, you name it. Fast forward to high school, I always ended up in some photography class because I just found it so fun and interesting! Once I got to college, people started asking me to take their senior photos, engagement photos, and then my very first wedding!!! I remember being so nervous the night before and checking to make sure I had all my gear and that my batteries were charged… it was terrifying. I then graduated from college in 2020 and made the decision to dive headfirst into full-time photography amidst the covid craziness and all of that somehow got me to where I am today!
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?
My photography journey has definitely not been an easy one! From the constant covid reschedules at first to flying by the seat of my pants when it came to running and managing my business all by myself for the very first time. It was rough to say the least. But with each trial came a learning experience and I have become a better photographer and business owner because of it!
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 typically specialize in photographing everything couples! So usually proposal, engagements, and wedding shoots are my first love!!! BUT!!! I also love it when couples return to me for other milestones in their lives!!! Pregnancy announcements, maternities, and newborns!!! It’s so much fun and such a blessing to have these clients who know and love my work that come back again and again!
I think I’m most proud of my interaction with my clients and the experience I try to create for them at their photoshoots. It’s so incredibly intimidating to stand in front of a camera lens and just act like you’re having the time of your life when you’ve never done something like that before! So, I love to chat with my clients and get their mind off of the camera and more on having a good time with their partner! Because once that happens, then the good photos just follow suit. I also feel like that is what sets me apart. I love to go above and beyond for my clients and have real relationships with them. When I am talking to one of my brides or potential brides, I want them to feel like they can come to me with any questions about their big day or anything at all! That’s definitely something that I pride myself on and try my best to make sure everyone I come into contact with gets that experience from me!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never take this job for granted. It’s so easy to fall into ruts and routines creatively when it feels like you’re just shooting the same thing over and over. But each couple has their own love story to be told and it is so important to me to showcase that through their images as best as I can! So anytime I’m feeling down or uninspired I try to slow down, take a step back, and remember why I started this business in the first place and that it is not about me, it’s about the people I am able to serve!!!
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $1,500
- Engagements starting at $225
- Couple sessions starting at $200
- Maternity’s starting at $225
Contact Info:
- Email: ashtonkayphoto@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.ashtonkayphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton_kay_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonkayphotography
Image Credits
Ashton Kay Photography
