Meet Ashley Linville | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Linville and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always loved taking photos. It was a fun hobby since I was editor of my high school yearbook. After I had my daughter, it became more than a hobby. I would analyze images to determine what made that one better than the other. I would change angles and lighting. My point and shoot was no longer enough, I wanted to be able to manipulate the photos so they captured this fleeting moment. I had baby blues (I don’t know if it was quite postpartum depression, but it was a tough transition) When I was behind my camera, the feelings were less intense. I was focused on documenting this moment. I put together beautiful family books documenting our year. It was so fulfilling. I love having these images to look back on. After having my second, I wanted to give moms these images. I wanted everyone to have images of themselves loving on their kiddos. I started a Facebook page and thought that would be a perfect start. I asked my daughter’s preschool about doing a fundraiser which turned into preschool photos twice a year. I decided that if I was capable, I would say yes to any referral that came my way. I have done family sessions, small weddings, kid portraits, boudoir, brand photography, and senior portraits.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m not trendy. I never have been. I like colors, I like routine, I like the simplicity of life. I spent the first few years doing what was expected. I took photography classes to learn how to draw out emotions and how to curate these beautiful moments. Those images are amazing and I love them…but they aren’t me. I crave the laughter and the joy and the studious moments. But, I am uncomfortable with the hard, I don’t seek them out. I feel awkward photographing them. I feel like I am intruding.
Once I quit chasing trends that don’t feel like me, I started really loving my sessions. I encourage families to dress in colorful clothes and really compliment the locations I enjoy shooting at. I love shooting downtown, and in peak summer with beautiful greens. I won’t force anyone into something they don’t love. I am not shy about sharing my opinion. I was so scared of losing a client in my first few years that I thought I could change my style to fit everyone. Now, I know that part of the beauty of there being a lot of photographers is that there is a style for everyone!
I am not naturally comfortable in front of a camera. I think most people feel the same way, I utilize this feeling to help people look more comfortable. I want everyone to remember how much fun and how much love their family has. I want my seniors to look back and think how cool they were their senior year. I want our time together to be fun. I make fun of myself, I like to laugh, I like to take the photos that make you smile. I’ll pump up your kids, I’ll get them laughing and being silly. I’ll make your senior feel 100x cooler than I am. I will get more excited than you when we nail the perfect shot. I care a lot about our time together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am more of a homebody, and I always have been. I do have a few local treasures that I love and are worth wearing pants that button to go to!

My first destination would be a hike. I love discovering new places and being outside is worth it every time! I pick up the big kids walking home from school every day. We walk on this gorgeous trail, it is the best way to start the evening chaos after a school day. Some of my favorites are Garden of the Gods–it’s still breathtaking and I’ve lived here since I was 10. Ute Valley Park, Red Rock Open Space and Starsmore Center are also favorites!

Pikes Peak Lemonade would be high on my list, their drinks are the best and my husband might claim that I single-handedly keep them in business.

Shopping downtown is a must. I love terra verde, pikes peak lemonade, savory spice, Rocky Mountain Soap, and the Candy bar.

I am obsessed with Loyal Coffee. I buy their beans and make aero press coffee every morning. It is my guilty bougie splurge.

Typically I have my kiddos with me, so most of our spots are kid friendly, we can’t pass up the zoo. We go often in the summer! We also spend lots of times at parks and playgrounds.

I love the Rabbit Hole, it’s so fun and unique and the food is amazing! Caspian Cafe is another favorite, I have never gotten food that I didn’t love. I’m a sucker for a good taco and Dos Santos changes them often so I get to always try something new!

I’ve only gone once but am planning a milestone birthday for my oldest at Glen Eyrie Castle. It is beautiful and such a magical experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a lot of people to contribute my success to! For starters I have an incredibly supportive husband and family. There is always someone willing to watch the kiddos so I can get to a shoot or have time to edit photos.
I had a few mentors. I originally reached out to Meg Koning when I was first picking up a camera. She is the best hype girl. She encouraged me and helped guide me through editing and running sessions.
Kati Moser, has been my rock. She is always pushing me to do the hard things even when I don’t feel ready. She also breaks me out of any editing funk that I am in. She is another hype woman in my life! She always encourages all of my out of the box ideas! She has had me tag along for sessions and we have so much fun shooting together!
I have been part of Co Springs Moms Collective, and they have given me a platform to share all of my mom thoughts monthly. The group of women that make up this blog are so incredible to talk though things, they make room for all opinions, even the hard ones!

Website: https://www.ashlinvillephotos.com

Instagram: @ashlinville

Facebook: Ash Linville photography

Image Credits
Ash Linville Photography