Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Rhae.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into photography started long before I ever called it a business. I’ve always been obsessed with storytelling. Whether that was through writing, theater, music or capturing little moments on my phone just because they felt beautiful. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a photographer, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. I’ve always been one to notice emotion, color, movement, and the tiny in-between moments most people overlook.
After years of using an iPhone, I officially picked up my first “big girl” camera in high school, where I would photograph the football games on Friday nights, and often of my friends. After high school, I worked in various coffee shops while still doing photography as a hobby. I eventually bought my own camera and stepped into the creative side of things at a local coffee shop in my town. I did their social media, branding, photography, and eventually became a barista there too. That job opened my eyes to how much I loved creating… not just taking photos, but telling a brand’s story and building something meaningful.
From there, I moved into the performing arts world where I became the creative director and resident photographer. I helped build that business from the ground up, from communication systems to social media to all the visual branding. During my first year there, I also gave freelance photography a shot during my free time, photographing families, couples, and seniors. I loved it but at the time, my plate was too full and I eventually had to step back from freelance work.
After three years in the performing arts world, I felt the Lord nudging me toward a new journey. So in March of 2025, I officially launched Ashlyn Rhae Photo, and it has been the craziest, sweetest, most fruitful journey I’ve ever stepped into. These past ten months have been a season of growth and creativity I could’ve only dreamed about. My work went viral online, my audience grew overnight, and instead of overwhelming me, it has grounded me. It reminded me why I do this: to love people well, to document their milestones with intention, and to create art that feels like a memory.
Today, I’m a full-time photographer serving seniors, couples, and creatives across the DFW area. My style has grown into something that feels deeply personal to me: warm, dreamy, colorful, emotional, nostalgic – the kind of photos you can step back into. I’m building a business that blends storytelling, emotion, and faith, and I feel incredibly grateful for every step along the way. Honestly, I still feel like this is just the beginning… but I’m so proud of where I started, and even more excited for where God is leading me next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any creative journey, mine has had seasons that stretched me, refined me, and honestly pushed me closer to the Lord than anything else has. Before starting Ashlyn Rhae Photo, I spent years pouring myself into jobs and environments where I often felt overextended, undervalued, or unsure of my direction. I loved the work I was doing, but I carried a lot of responsibility, and at times it left little room for my own creativity to breathe.
One of the biggest challenges was navigating a season of hurt and burnout from my previous job. It was a job I poured my whole heart into, and stepping away from it was incredibly hard, but also necessary. Leaving that chapter required courage I didn’t know I had, and it forced me to rediscover who I was outside of other people’s expectations. That’s ultimately what led me to start my business.
Another challenge was simply figuring out how to do this on my own. Entrepreneurship is full of learning curves. The finances, the workflows, the marketing, the self doubt that sneaks in when you’re trying something new. But every challenge has helped shape me into the photographer and business owner I am now. It has taught me boundaries, intentionality, resilience, and the importance of listening closely to God’s direction over all the noise.
Looking back, the hard moments were never wasted. They pushed me exactly where I needed to go, and they made this season of learning how to run my own business and watching it grow even more meaningful and beautiful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait photographer specializing in seniors, couples, and creatives. But at the heart of it, I’m a storyteller. My work blends warm, dreamy light with bold color and a soft editorial edge. I love creating images that feel fresh and confident, but still emotional and nostalgic… like a memory you can literally feel when you look at it. If you scroll through my work, you’ll see lots of sunshine, movement, golden tones, and expressive details. I’m drawn to the in-between moments: the flip of the hair, the genuine laugh, the quiet stillness, the sparkle in your eyes. I want my photos to feel alive. Warm yet refreshing, cinematic yet real, polished but still you.
What I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve created for my clients. It’s not just about showing up and taking pretty pictures. I help with vision planning, outfits, locations, posing, and creative direction from start to finish. I show up as your photographer, but also your hype girl, your creative brain, and your biggest encourager. My goal is for you to walk away not only loving your photos, but loving how you felt while taking them.
What sets me apart is the emotional depth and intentionality behind my work. I’m an Enneagram 4, so I feel everything deeply, sometimes too much haha. I think that shows in the way I photograph people. I pay attention to the little things that make you uniquely you. I build each session around your story, your personality, and the season you’re in. I’m always aiming for a mix of timeless beauty and bold creativity. My faith also plays a huge part in how I create. I truly believe the Lord called me into this work, and I want every session to reflect His light and love. Photography is how I connect with people, and I hope my clients feel that peace and joy when they’re in front of my camera.
At the end of the day, I don’t want to just take photos that look pretty… I want to make art that makes you feel something. Something confident. Something joyful. Something true. Something you’ll be obsessed with years from now. That’s what sets my work apart, and that’s why I love what I do.
What are your plans for the future?
As my business continues to grow, I feel like I’m stepping into such an intentional and inspiring new season. Creatively, I’m leaning more into a bold, soft-editorial style while still keeping all the warmth and emotion my clients love. One of the biggest things I’m excited about is continuing to build a boutique experience for my seniors. They are the heart of my business, and I want their time with me to feel special from beginning to end. In this next year, I’m launching a curated client closet, and I’m hoping to partner with local creatives to offer optional hair and makeup so seniors can walk into their session feeling pampered and confident. It’s important to me that they not only feel beautiful, but also feel supported, celebrated, and cared for every step of the way.
I’m also growing my senior and couples packages, introducing more creative studio-style shoots, and launching my Team ’27 Senior Rep program! I’m incorporating more fine art elements and printed artwork into my process, too. I want my clients to walk away with heirloom pieces that hold the emotion of their season… something tangible to treasure long after the digital gallery is delivered.
On the creative side, I’m dreaming bigger for myself… I hope to start traveling more for sessions, taking on destination shoots, and saying yes to larger projects that stretch me artistically. And long term, I would absolutely love to own my own studio one day. A space filled with natural light, curated sets, and endless room to dream. It’s a ‘one day’ goal, but it’s definitely on my heart.
Most importantly, I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people God brings into my business. This past year has shown me so clearly that His timing is perfect and that every season has purpose. I’m excited to keep growing in a direction that feels aligned and true to who I am as an artist. If this is only the beginning, then I can’t wait to see what He has planned next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashlynrhaephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynrhaephoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ashlyn-Rhae-Photo/61561492962506/#
Image Credits
Ashlyn Rhae Photo
