Before I became a photographer though, I was a successful cosmetologist, and photography was just my side hobby. I entered the beauty industry with the goal of doing makeup for film. I was lucky enough to be able to work on some great projects as a makeup artist. But my direction evolved as time went on and I gravitated more towards hair. I worked as a hairdresser for several years and had an amazing and loyal clientele. After I started having children, I backed off from the beauty industry to be a stay at home mom, during which time my passion for photography really ignited, and I knew it was something I had to truly pursue. I switched gears and worked hard to grow a photography business. It's been an exciting and vulnerable experience, and I get such a thrill from each unique photoshoot and all the people I get to meet and exercise my artistic freedom for.
When I started my photography business, one of my key values was to make sure that my prices were affordable. It has always been shocking to me when I have searched for a photographer and saw the prices that they charge. I have opted out of having professional photos taken for so many special events in my life because I couldn't afford it. And that is so sad to me! I never want anyone to look at my prices and be turned away because it's too expensive. I believe beautiful, professional photos should be available and affordable for everyone. So my mission is to keep my prices low and my quality high!
My style is very casual; very documentary-like. I aim to create a final gallery of stunning images that feels like a story. I try to not create an atmosphere of rigid posing but instead, with gentle guidance and prompts, capture real, genuine moments. I hope that after spending time with me, you feel like you were with a good friend having fun! I prefer to shoot outdoors in beautiful, scenic locations, using the natural lighting and scenery to my advantage. Outdoor sessions are perfect for maternity and family. I also do home sessions, where I come to your home and do an intimate session in your comfortable space. Home sessions are perfect for newborns.
If you like my work and it seems right up your alley, please reach out, I'd love to chat and set something up. Let's create some magic and have some fun while doing it!
Feel free to visit my FAQ page to see answers to additional popular questions.
"A long time ago, a photograph was special. Pictures were few and important and treasured. Now, anyone can take a picture. Our phones are full of thousands of forgotten snapshots from our daily lives, and the ‘photograph’ has lost its significance. The purpose of a photographer is to keep the significance of the photograph alive by being able to capture the magic of a single moment in a way that differentiates an ordinary picture from a work of art.”
-Ashley Craven
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A little about me--my name is Ashley. I was born and raised in a small rural town in Northern California, so I am partial to the quiet, country life. I grew up on a small farm--we raised chickens and goats, rode our horses, and grew our food. I was raised in a home that loved Jesus, country music, and homeschool life.
I developed an undeniable interest in photography around the age of 14. My parents bought me my first 4-megapixel digital camera for my 16th birthday and I became obsessed with taking "artistic" (more like mediocre at the time) pictures. Fast forward 15 years and with more experience and professional tools, I have turned my love for being behind the lens into a service I can share with the world.
I met my wonderful husband in 2012 and we have been married for 8 years now. We have two hilarious and spunky daughters, who are my muses! My husband served in the United States Marine Corps and as a veteran's wife, I have an immense appreciation for the servicemen and women who serve our country and sacrifice their physical and mental health for their country and our freedoms.
When I'm not working on a photo project, the things I enjoy in my free time revolve around all things in the creative realm. One of my all-time favorite hobbies is to upcycle. The saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," is a statement that has pretty much become my mantra! I love to take something outdated, possibly a little damaged, and give it some love and transform it into a completely new and fresh piece of furniture or home decor. I also love to paint, sing, and volunteer at my church. But mostly, my free time is spent with my family. My husband and my kids are my world, and they always come first.
A Snapshot Of Me
Behind the Lens
