Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Isbell
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a kid, I saved up all of my babysitting money to buy my first camera when I was 14-15 years old. When I was 16, my little sister passed away, and I really learned the value of just how much photos meant when they were all you had left. I was in charge of the photos to be displayed/shown at her funeral.
After that, I became the photographer for the school newspaper and photographed for them until I graduated college.
I studied photojournalism at the University of Memphis, taking a semester abroad for photography school in Florence, Italy. When I returned, I secured an internship with Southern Bride magazine, where I interned until I graduated.
I also photographed my first wedding in 2013, which was published in Southern Bride magazine as well! Now, fast forward 12 years later, and I get to capture all the special moments in life full time!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been easy. I photographed my first wedding at 23, and had no idea how to build a business or even have clients! It has taken many years to hone my style, business sense, and also create something out of nothing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a wedding, portrait, and event photographer (but also travel and landscape)! I am probably most known for my wedding and boudoir photography (weddings for 12 years, boudoir for 8 years). I offer family, newborn, headshot, event, milestone, etc.!
I like to say that I am a very personable photographer, no feeling awkward around me! My husband says I could talk to a brick wall. I also have been a bride (2022), so I can see your wedding from both the professional and the personal side.
I like to say I stand out because have been true to my original photography aesthetic since I began my professional career- I am true to color with a pop of magic. I want you to look back on your photos in ten years and remember the exact moment I captured, with a lot of love.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I honestly think it’s photography related– looking back at the moments I don’t exactly remember (either because I was too young to remember, or it just faded) while I was preparing for my sister’s funeral. The photographs of my sisters and I, high school, etc. I still do to this today. My daughters make scrapbooks with photos of the things they’ve done (along with tickets, programs, etc.), so that one day they can look back fondly on their childhood as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smashstudiosphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/smashstudiosphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smashstudiosphoto
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/smashstudiosphoto/
