Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Shoemake.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a natural light photographer based in Hall County, Georgia, serving the greater Northeast Atlanta area. I’m a wife to my sweet husband, Steven, and a Mama to our three very active, fun little boys—our newest arriving this past August! And I can’t forget our loving beagle, Avery, who has been part of our family from the very beginning.
My love for the arts began when I was a little girl. Whether it was acting, dancing, singing, or drawing and painting, creativity was always a part of who I was. I first became interested in photography in high school, where my friends and I would set up photoshoots just for fun. Years later when I was searching for a wedding photographer, I began thinking: “Is photography something that I could possibly do in the future?”
I had just graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education, but I was still searching for a career that truly fit my personality. Photography felt like the perfect blend—I could express my love for creativity, meet new people and work with children.
That’s when the challenging part began. How would I gain the skills and confidence to start a photography business? I knew I had a lot to learn, so I dove into online courses and practiced with friends and family every chance I got. In February 2022, I finally took a leap of faith and launched my business. It felt like a “now or never” moment, and I’m so grateful I chose now.
Photography brings me so much joy. It allows me to meet wonderful people, form genuine connections, and create beautiful, lasting memories for families during each unique season of their lives. There’s truly nothing more fulfilling than knowing I can give others something they’ll cherish for years to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. Since starting my business, we’ve welcomed two more children, and caring for our three boys keeps my days wonderfully full—and also extremely busy! Balancing motherhood with building a photography business hasn’t been easy, especially when it comes to finding the time and energy to give the business the focus it needs.
Another challenge has been learning how to share my work with others and connect with potential clients. Since I’m not originally from the Atlanta area, most of my existing network live further south, which meant starting from scratch. Learning to navigate social media and figure out how to attract clients has been a big learning curve—but it has also been a rewarding journey. Along the way, I’ve not only grown as a photographer, but also as a person, and I’ve loved discovering what I’m truly capable of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in using natural light to create images that feel honest, joyful, and full of love. I primarily work with families, couples, and newborns, capturing the unique connections and emotions that make each story special. I love shooting both outdoors and in cozy indoor settings—wherever the light and the moment feel most authentic.
I’m really proud of how far I have come. Over the years, I have invested countless hours into classes, growing my skills, and building my photography gear. Along the way, I’ve gained confidence in both myself and my craft, and it’s so rewarding to see that dedication begin to pay off.
What truly sets me apart is how much I value the relationships I build with my clients. I want every person I meet to feel important, heard, and at ease. I know being in front of the camera can feel intimidating, so I focus on creating a relaxed, fun environment where genuine smiles and real moments shine through. My background in elementary school teaching also serves me well when working with children – I love making sessions playful and keeping little ones engaged with fun games when possible.
Most of all, I truly want my clients to love their photos. I strive to provide excellent communication every step of the way and to understand their vision so I can bring it to life as beautifully as possible. It’s so fulfilling to capture memories that families can cherish for years to come.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband and family have been my biggest cheerleaders in pursuing my dream of building a photography business. Funny story—back in college, when I was dating Steven, he encouraged me to buy a really nice camera so I could start practicing photography. Just a few days later, worried about the expense and knowing I didn’t have the time to devote to it at that point in my life, I drove an hour to Best Buy and returned it!
Years later, shortly after we were married, he encouraged me again to take the leap and invest in another camera. This time, I dove in wholeheartedly, actively pursuing my dream—and kept that camera! I’m also incredibly lucky to have a few sweet and supportive photographer friends who constantly serve as a source of encouragement. We push each other to grow, try new things, and keep moving forward creatively. All of the support I have received from family and friends has been invaluable on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyshoemakephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshoemakephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyShoemakePhotography/
Image Credits
Ashley Shoemake Photography
