Rising Stars: Meet Ashley Coakley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Coakley

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into dog photography began with a lifelong love for dogs and a passion for storytelling through imagery. Growing up, I was always the one with a camera in hand, capturing life’s little moments. But everything changed when I welcomed my own dogs, Luna and Arwen, into my life.

Together, Luna and Arwen have inspired me to capture the unique personalities and bonds that make our pets so special. They’ve shown me how fleeting these moments can be, which fuels my passion for creating tangible art that freezes time.

Through Dog Inspired Photography, I’ve had the privilege of helping other pet lovers preserve their own memories, turning their dogs’ quirks and personalities into wall art, fine art albums, and more. Every session is designed to be stress-free and fun, ensuring that the results are as beautiful as the moments they represent. My goal is always to capture the joy, connection, and love that our dogs bring into our lives.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth. Starting a business comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it involves something as personal and emotional as photographing beloved pets.

One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to create a stress-free environment for both dogs and their humans during photo sessions. Dogs can be unpredictable, and not every pup is immediately comfortable in front of the camera. It took time, patience, and lots of practice to develop techniques that bring out their natural personalities while keeping things fun and relaxed.

Another challenge has been balancing the creative side of my work with the business side. Marketing, maintaining a website, and managing client relationships are just as important as taking great photos, but they require a different skill set.

Finally, there’s the emotional side of this work. Capturing memories of dogs nearing the end of their lives or working with grieving owners after a loss can be deeply moving but also heavy. These moments remind me how precious these memories are and inspire me to give every client my absolute best.

Despite the challenges, the joy and gratitude I see in my clients’ faces make it all worthwhile. Every obstacle has shaped me and helped me create an experience that’s truly meaningful for the people and pets I work with.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a dog photographer and the owner of Dog Inspired Photography, where I specialize in capturing the personality, quirks, and connections that make each dog and their family unique. My work focuses on creating tangible, high-quality printed art, including wall art, fine art albums, and desktop frames, so my clients walk away with lasting pieces they can treasure forever.

I’m known for creating a stress-free and fun experience for both dogs and their humans. Whether it’s calming a nervous pup or capturing the perfect action shot of a high-energy dog, I have the patience and expertise to bring out their best. My clients appreciate that everything is handled for them—from the session planning to the finished artwork—so they can simply enjoy the process.

What I’m most proud of is the way my work touches lives. Seeing a client’s reaction when they first view their photos or hearing how their wall art brings them joy every day reminds me why I do what I do. It’s especially meaningful when I’m able to preserve memories of dogs nearing the end of their lives.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my focus on delivering the highest quality printed art. I don’t just hand over digital files—I provide art pieces that are built to last, preserving your dog’s story in a way that can be enjoyed for generations.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support system I’ve had along the way. First and foremost, my own dogs, Luna and Arwen, have been my biggest inspiration. They’ve not only deepened my love for dogs but also taught me so much about patience, connection, and capturing authentic moments.

My clients also deserve a huge amount of credit. Their trust in me to capture such personal and meaningful moments is something I never take for granted. Many have referred me to their friends or returned for multiple sessions, and their belief in my work has been instrumental in growing my business.

I’ve also had wonderful mentors in the photography community who generously shared their expertise and guidance when I was starting out. From technical skills to business advice, their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue this path and build something I’m proud of.

Finally, my friends and family have been my biggest cheerleaders. Whether it’s helping me brainstorm ideas, supporting my creative projects, or simply reminding me to take a break when needed, their love and encouragement have made all the difference. Every step of this journey has been shaped by the incredible people and dogs in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.doginspiredphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doginspiredphotography/