Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rock.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got my start the minute I picked up a camera. Ironically it was for Myspace selfies. But I started loving the moments I was catching with my family when I was 14. I originally got into film and then found my love of photography. It really took off my senior year of highschool when my theatre teacher (Ms. Caldwell-Hopkins) told me a photography class could open my eye for film. She was someone I really looked up to and felt believed in me, so I took her word for it. Then my photography teacher (Mrs. Brechbiel) showed me just as much hope and faith in my work. I always wanted to be her photo of the week! I also had a ton of support from my family. My dad saying I should start charging for shoots because he really thought I had a nack for it. My entire family helping me afford a nice camera when I was 16, always complimenting my shoots, sharing my work and they have never stopped supporting me since I started. Before I knew it I couldn’t get enough of both! I spent weekends filming YouTube videos with my friends and weekdays taking photos of everything. I love the cool shots I get now from styled shoots and posed shots from sessions…but I also fell in love with the candids of a family or a bride crying at her wedding. I really wanted to be able to show the world what I saw and felt that day. There are two reasons I really fell in love with cameras. Because I got to freeze these real emotions as well as make people feel amazing about themselves! We are in such an age of warped standards from social media that I felt I could remind everyone they are awesome through my lens!
I went to college for digital media and kept photographing anyone who would let me. I graduated and worked a job here and there. I eventually realized I didn’t want to work under anyone else, I wanted my own creative freedom. I was terrified but I got my LLC and dove in full time to my business. I grew up in Indiana but heard that Atlanta was booming in the film industry. So I took the plunge and moved down here! I had no job, very little money, a supportive husband and a lot of hope. It has had its ups and downs for sure but nothing fills me with as much passion as this field. I have met so many great people and had so many opportunities I never would’ve had if I didn’t take this leap of faith. I am so proud to now be able to be running my business full time!
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think anyone has a perfectly smooth road for their business. I’m 24 and still figuring it out for myself. I moved to a new state where I only knew about three people. I had to find all new clients on my own and it’s been hard. It still is! I go some months fully booked and others with no shoots at all. It’s really terrifying living without a stable paycheck week to week. But it has been worth it because I get to do what I love. I would say the toughest roads have just been meeting new people who want shoots and keeping stability of booking further out.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ashley Patty Productions story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a photographer and videographer! My videography has drifted more towards film sets but I still dabble in wedding/corporate videos here and there! I would say my specialty in photography is portrait work. Whether it’s modeling, seniors, couples, I just love people! I also recently just got into boudoir and it’s been really taking off!
I am most proud of how far I have come. I remember people telling me there is no way I could make this a sustainable career. I remember believing them somedays. I am so proud when I get to post my work and see people in awe. It feels like I’ve proved it to myself that my dream is worth it.
I think what sets me apart from others is probably my companies attitude. It’s about working hard, loving others no matter their background, having fun and making sure the client has fun too. I think a lot of companies forget that they started because it’s what they love. I never want to lose that fire when working with my clients. I want them to feel that I’m enjoying myself as much as they are.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Photography is an ever growing industry. I’m sure there are changes even I don’t see coming yet.
In the next five I would love to own my own studio, book out several months ahead of time and add even more fun things for my clients!
So much of my business is held back from income if I get that higher it only means a better experience for my clients!
I’d like to put together way more styled shoots, a full studio, more equipment and really hone my creativity.
I’d also like to start adding more volunteer shoots for charities. I really want to give back a community that gives to me! This business can’t run without people!
Cameras will change, trends will change but I hope I’m still having fun.
In ten years, I just hope to have a stable enough company to enjoy time with my (future) kids and have a cool business they can be proud of.
Pricing:
- Portrait Shoot 1 hour – $250
- Wedding photography starting at $1200
- Boudoir Shoot 1 hour – $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleypatty.com
- Phone: 7654306899
- Email: ashleypattyphotography@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleypattyproductions
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleypattycom
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