Why I’m Not the Cheapest Wedding Photographer (And Why That’s Actually a Good Thing)
I’ve been told my whole life that I’m “too sensitive”.
That I feel things too deeply.
That I care too much.
That I should toughen up or learn to let things go.
But what I’ve come to believe is this:
That same sensitivity — the one I was told to tone down — is the exact reason I was meant to do this.
It’s the reason I cry during first looks with couples I just met that morning.
It’s the reason I intuitively know when a moment is happening before it even unfolds.
It’s the reason so many of my clients walk away saying, “I didn’t even notice you were there, but somehow you got everything.”
I don’t just photograph weddings. I feel them.
And then I translate that emotion into imagery you can hold onto forever.
In the past few days, I’ve had a couple people tell me that I’m “out of budget,” and honestly? That’s okay.
Because I’m not trying to be the most affordable photographer.
I’m trying to be the most irreplaceable one.
In an economy where everything feels uncertain — people are still choosing to invest in things that feel meaningful. They’re spending on experiences that bring connection, on dinners out that spark joy, on moments that make them feel something.
So why would your wedding photography be any different?
This isn’t just about pretty photos.
This is about trust.
This is about artistry.
This is about having someone by your side who sees you clearly and documents you with care.
Because when your wedding is over — and the music fades, and the florals wilt, and your dress is hanging in the closet — what’s left?
Your photographs.
Your tangible proof that it was all real.
That you were there.
That you were loved.
And if you’re looking for someone who just shows up with a camera, snaps the basics, and sends a gallery — I’m not your person.
But if you’re looking for someone who pours their heart into this work, who notices the hand squeezes and teary smiles and deep breaths before you walk down the aisle…
Then maybe, just maybe, I’m exactly what you’ve been looking for.
And if that means I’m “out of budget” for some — that’s okay.
Because I’ve built this business for the people who don’t just want photos.
They want their story told.
With honesty.
With heart.
With soul.
“Booking Ashley as our wedding photographer was the best decision we’ve ever made. Based on her fantastic portfolio and the wonderful consultation we had with her; we had high expectations, but Ashley managed to exceed them ten-fold! Ashley is an incredible photographer, and human, and we highly recommend her services. We already can’t wait to book with her again for anniversary pictures and any other excuse we can think of!
The booking process was so simple, and we hit it off with Ashley immediately. We loved how much she truly cared about nailing down what we wanted our wedding photos to look like. On our big day, she came fully prepared and was a consummate professional while still being incredibly personable and kind. We had a micro-wedding (18 guests) in the backyard of an airbnb and Ashley did a wonderful job of moving around to get the perfect photos without drawing any attention to herself.
We did our portraits immediately following our ceremony and we deeply appreciated the way Ashley gave us the space to act like madly in love newlyweds while taking the most incredible candid shots and then reeling us in for our posed portraits. Most importantly, we had so much fun with Ashley!! We are both very awkward when it comes to having our photo taken, but Ashley kept us laughing and we forgot she was even holding a camera. She also went above and beyond to get the perfect shot; at one point she was fully laying on the ground switching between cameras and lenses!
Ashley’s photos of our big day absolutely took our breath away and we are so excited to have phenomenal photos that we will get to cherish for a lifetime.”
If that sounds like you, I’d love to meet you. Reach out here.
Or check out some real love stories I’ve photographed here.