Ashley first contacted me a couple of months ago to set up a portrait session for her family. Her email couldn’t have been any more perfect. She told me it would be herself, her husband, their son, and their dog. She already had a location picked out and she knew she wanted an album and DVD of images. Sounds perfect, right?
Then she told me – she’s a photographer, too! This completely changed the game. Or, so it did in my mind.
As a photographer, I know I see things the average client won’t see in their photos. Shadows bother me that they never saw to begin with. Lighting has to be perfect and a stray hair can ruin an image. I constantly have to remind myself – I am my own worst critic and they are going to LOVE their photos and not give the exposure, depth of field and shadows a second thought. When you’re shooting for another photographer, though? All of that goes out the window.
Ashley and I corresponded through email for a few days and then came the question of what I suggested she wear. She then wrote “…let’s go shopping!” I knew I liked her by her first email, but now? I think I’ve found a new best friend! We met up at Forever 21 the next week and I loved her right away. She was beautiful, genuine, funny and had amazing style. We took loads of clothes into the fitting room and passed them back and forth over the wall. Yes, this meant I bought new stuff, too. 
This past Tuesday, we met at the mall again for Ashley to have her makeup done. (This is included in every package I offer, now with a few different MUA’s around the area). Ashley knew Sarah, Sarah remembered Ashley, Sarah did a perfect job on her makeup and we both walked out with new purchases, again. By the way – Benefit Cosmetics ROCKS!
When we arrived in Archdale, at our location, Ashley said “I can’t wait to see what you write on your blog about us…” I was nervous, so I replied with “Let’s see if we can get some shots, first…” I was afraid I sounded rude, but I had to reassure her that I was there to give her what she came to me for – and because I’m sure I was WAY more nervous than she admitted to being.
Ashley’s family is so perfect and beautiful. They are a family of faith, values and impeccable talent. They are kind and patient and I could have shot with them all day, had I not have run out of suckers for Canon. I cannot thank them enough for trusting me to capture their family in the light they capture themselves – pure and beautiful. Since Ashley contacted me, we have become great friends. We shoot together, teach each other, share and learn from our mistakes and support each other. I am so grateful for that perfect email she sent, and even more grateful that she just happened to be another photographer.
How perfect was this setting she chose and how adorable are they?!
Yummy evening light – my favorite.
See what I mean? Could have shot them all.day.long.
I love Ashley’s style, and of course Elvis couldn’t have been cuter.
Ashley, you are stunning!
Working it! Ashley is an amazing photographer, so of course we had to include her other baby in some photos!
I LOVE this capture. It’s so real and raw and so them.
Sarah did an outstanding job on Ashley’s makeup, as did her hair stylist.
This shot was random and shot from the hip but it couldn’t be more perfect.
Canon was a ball of energy but a total sweetie.
Seriously? How precious is this?!
Fierce.
Handsome.
Brandon is in a Christian band here in North Carolina called The Morning, and they are ah-maz-ing!
Elvis even had his time to shine and he worked it!
You guys are perfect. Seriously.
