Before I begin to capture your big moments, I would love to share more about the lens that I view the world in.

I am sure like many of you, when I was entering into my college years, there was a battle in my head about which career I wanted to pursue. For me, it was quite simple: become a teacher or build a photography business.



I knew that I loved working with students and watching them grow. But I also knew that I spent more of my childhood thinking about, taking, and editing pictures than what would be considered "normal." I wanted to chase this dream - I just did not know how or where to begin.

And so, eight years and four education degrees later, I became an elementary teacher. I spent time designing classrooms, diving into the latest curriculum, and building lasting relationships with my students for the past six years (and counting).  



It was just four years into my teaching career when I began to realize that I did not have to choose - that there was never a need to put the word "or" in between teaching and photography, that I can do both.

During the winter of 2025, I began to market myself to family, friends, and pretty much anyone that would step in front of my camera. With each session, I found myself not only gaining confidence and a sense of direction with this passion of mine but, also, building my business from the ground up.

One aspect of this process that I did not anticipate was the parallels between being a teacher and an owner of a photography business.

As a teacher, I am very familiar with organizing paperwork, scheduling meetings, adapting lessons when needed as well as creating a welcoming space filled with love and patience for the students to learn.

And, as a business owner, I am doing all that - and more! Only this time, I am sending contracts, creating invoices, booking clients, adapting photo sessions, and ensuring that each client enjoys their photography experience.

What was once a very separate direction, or life path, in my mind has now become merged together into one . . . and I would not have it any other way!

Now that you know how Captured by Ashley Ayers Photography LLC came to be, let's learn about one of your stories and share it through photography.