Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Russ.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a little girl, I was a child model and spent most of my time in front of the camera. I can still hear the popping of the flashbulbs, and it’s one of my favorite sounds to this day. When my husband and I moved away from Texas, I started taking pictures of our travels to document the experiences and fell in love with pictures, I snapped everything from landmarks and buildings to selfies and poses. When we moved back to Texas and decided to expand our family, I got my first DSL-R camera and realized a whole world of photography was out there beyond the small point and shoot I had been using. As I started snapping and sharing my daughter, friends started asking me to capture their memories and it started from there. While I started in children and families, I found female portraiture as a way to expand my portfolio and instantly fell in love. Capturing the essence of femininity and the natural beauty that we each radiate is both empowering and inspiring. We all have insecurities and the ability to allow someone to see their beauty the way the world sees them is the most rewarding aspect of my work. I’ve been amazed at how quickly this has grown and it is infinitely more enjoyable than I ever could’ve imagined.
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?
The road to success and happiness is never smooth. As you could imagine, I continued to ask myself if I was good enough or going to be successful. Luckily, I had the support of some great mentors and constant encouragement from my friends and family to keep me going. I ran into some health issues during my pregnancy with my first born that really put a damper on things and made me slow down to appreciate life. It was during that time of self-reflection that I realized this WAS my passion and I didn’t care if I was successful, because this what was I loved to do. I continue to hit obstacles and bumps along the way, but I look back at my passion and remember why I’m doing this to keep me going through the hard times.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in Female Portraiture and Boudoir, helping women find and express their femininity. I’m known for and sought after for my dark and moody style, not just the white and bright “Girl Next Door” look, along with my unique gifts to help women share their images with loved ones. I would say I’m most proud of my ability to adapt my style to what the client is seeking and capturing that raw look. Given my personal style and adaptability, I’ve become sought after by everyone from your everyday housewife, business woman, and Dallas Socialite to the occasional celebrity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleeruss.com
- Phone: 214-250-0160
- Email: info@ashleerussphotography.com
- Instagram: @TheAshleeRuss
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arimagesunveiled/
Image Credit:
Personal photo: Stephanie Murphree with Stephanie Murphree Photography
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