Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Pollard.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for anything artistic. Whether it was drawing, designing, decorating or anything crafty. At a young age, my mother put me into modeling for about eight years and during that time I was mesmerized by the artistic process that went into photography and creating that perfect picture. So even as a young girl I would dress my younger siblings, cousins and friends up and do fashion photo sessions with my grandma’s camera. It wasn’t until after a paralegal degree, marriage and three children that I finally got my first, what I like to call “big kid camera” that I decided to take a leap and start taking photos professionally. I remember being so worried that people would not like my photos or that I would not be able to provide them with what they were looking for, especially because I didn’t have any type of degree relating to photography. So in the beginning I was doing photo sessions basically for free. Majority of my clients were friends and family and the occasional session with my kids, who sometimes were not so happy to be taking pictures so often. I continued to work hard, trying to make each photo session better and better. Really trying to understand what it takes to create that perfect photo. I realized that things were progressing when I began to get consistent referrals and return sessions from those that I had previously done photo sessions with. I have such joy seeing where I started and where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road and in some sense, it is still a lot of work to keep growing. In the beginning, it was very difficult especially because I did not get to school for photography and I did not have a large portfolio like other photographers. It was very discouraging because I didn’t know how someone would choose me over another photographer who had been doing it for years. I didn’t know if it would amount to anything. Not to mention I had three young children who still required a lot of my attention. So putting all my time into building this business seemed like an impossible task. It took a lot of support and encouragement from my husband, who pushed me to stick with it and before I knew it my business was slowly growing just based off of referrals.
Ashley Pollard Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a portrait photographer. I offer family, engagement, newborn, lifestyle, senior, head shot and event photography. I am not your typical photographer as I like to think outside the box and really plan a session that fits my client’s personalities and ideas.
I am known for capturing vibrant, beautiful natural interactions on camera, bringing a whimsical touch to each photo. I also try to make each experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
It’s not only just the end picture that matters, it’s the experience each client has, so each session is a memorable one. I am proud that each client has had an enjoyable experience and have loved the photos captured. My business has been built off of referrals and the satisfaction of my clients.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is not just about how much money you make, but in the quality and satisfaction of your clients. If they leave the session happy and excited for their photos then I have accomplished my first step towards success. When they receive their photos and I can see they are happy and in return comeback to hire me again or refer me to friends, I know it was a successful session.
Pricing:
- Family, Newborn, Lifestyle sessions expect to spend $300-$400 depending on location.
- Engagement, Headshots, Senior sessions expect to spend $180-$240 depending on location.
- Event photography expect to spend $400-$1200 depending event size and location.
- Mini sessions (45 min) $120.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashley-p-photography.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleypollardphotography/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleypollardphotography/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
