Hey friend,
First I want to thank you so much for stopping by and wanting to learn more about me and my reason for pursuing photography. My name is Ashley and I am married to my love and best friend. Funny enough we have been married twice. The first time was October 19, 2019 at The Dutch Elm in Arundel, ME. It was a beautiful ceremony and the best day! Fast forward to February 24, 2024, our second marriage ceremony and it was just as beautiful. My husband was going through the RCIA to become fully Catholic and we had our marriage blessed within the church at St. Therese in Sanford, ME just before he received all of his sacraments. I’m so proud of him!
We live in Hollis and we have two amazing children and of course I can’t forget our whoodle Binx. He’s a wheaten terrier/poodle and he is the sweetest. I homeschool both of our children and besides being a mother, it is absolutely so rewarding and the best decision we could have made for our family. Now let’s go back to 2020 when this beautiful journey began.
January 8, 2025
Binx our Whoodle. We named him after the cat Binx in Hocus Pocus!
The Beginning
My love for photography truly began in 2010 when my niece was born. I loved taking pictures, but I had no idea what I was doing back then. Once our daughter was born in 2012, I took pictures of her everyday because I knew I would forever want to look back on those memories we had with her. Our son was born in 2019 and that is truly when I decided that I wanted to pursue photography. I was always taking pictures and video of our children together and it just felt right! I just loved capturing those moments between them.
Fast forward to October 2020, I finally decided to purchase my first DSLR camera and Smalley Photography LLC was born. The camera was a Canon Rebel T7 with a kit lens that it came with. I knew I needed to practice, practice, practice, and learn manual mode to take the best photos. More importantly, I realized that I wouldn't get to where I wanted to be without educating myself on my craft. I began taking photography courses while my children slept and I practiced all the time with our children. I truly have the best memories with them.
Taken with my cell phone at the time.
First time using manual mode, still learning..
Still working hard on manual mode, but was able to capture the sweetest moment!
The Moment of Clarity
February 2021, this was the first time manual mode finally clicked for me and I felt so happy! Ever since this moment I've absolutely loved using my camera in manual mode and I would never go back to using auto. As I became better with manual, I also began to get better at editing and truly finding my style. It is amazing the amount of an image you can bring back or take away when shooting in manual and in RAW. I've loved learning everything photography; from the technical side to the ways to create true unique emotional connections between loved ones. Photography is truly an art and I am at home behind my camera.
My Gear
As I became more knowledgable, I knew I wanted to upgrade my camera gear. I did just that, TWICE! I first upgraded to the Canon 6D Mark II and a Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 lens. I loved this camera, but shortly after I decided to purchase my workhorse the Canon R5 mirrorless camera and the Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 lens. I still use all of this gear to this day and it was the best investment. Since having these tools by my side I have captured many weddings, family sessions, maternity and newborn sessions, fresh 24 sessions, and senior sessions.
The Best for Last
As you can tell by now, I adore being behind my camera. My main reason for embarking on this incredible adventure..... was so I can always create and capture moments like this between my children and my family. They are my whole heart and soul and I would be completely and utterly lost without them. I want them to always have these memories to look back on as they outgrow wanting to have their picture taken.
Yes, I'm that sappy Mom and now more than ever I have realized just how quickly these moments will pass and be a long distant memory. They say, "It goes by too fast, so don't blink." That is the truth! I cherish each of these sessions my children let me do with them. They will never know how much it truly means to me.
I love what I do and want to share this talent with others who will feel the same. Thank you so much for reading if you have made it this far, I appreciate you so much! If you have any questions or are looking to book a session please reach out! I would be honored to be your Hollis Lifestyle Photographer!
