Meet Ashley Peck | Wedding + Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. When we adopted our son and finally became parents I knew that I needed to find work that would allow me to stay home with him. I had previously worked as a special education teacher, and while I loved my work, I needed something that allowed me to be creative and work from home. I had alway loved photography and grew up with a mother who had a studio in our home and took photos on the side. I signed up for a course to learn the technical aspects of photography, found a few friends who were wild enough to trust me and just started doing sessions. Three years later and I have a beautiful business creating timeless imagery for couples and families and I get to be home with our two boys. It has been the hardest work but goodness I love it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up with a photographer as a mother, every moment of my childhood was captured. Every photograph tells my family’s story, and I treasure those memories.

Its my love for photographs and nostalgic nature (hello enneagram 4w3!) that allows me to first connect with my clients and then document them authentically.

I create bold, true to color and timeless imagery that focuses on the candid interactions and emotional connection.

As a wedding and portrait photographer, I will be your best advocate, share all of my experience to make your session or wedding the best it can be and will constantly cheer you on!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well Denver is one of my favorite cities with its industrial architecture and energy. The Highlands has some amazing spots. I would start at Williams & Graham, a prohibition-era speakeasy, for an appetizer and drink. I would then walk up to Linger, a really cool bar that used to be a mortuary with amazing views of the city, and have dinner. You would have to get some ice cream from Little Man’s, an amazing ice cream shop set in a giant milk can. Another favorite area of mine is Rino, the River North art district. where you can see amazing murals and paintings everywhere. The Ramble Hotel is another cool spot with the coolest bar (we have yet to stay there but its on my list!). I would then recommend Nocturne, an amazing 1920s style Jazz bar with amazing food. Don’t forget to rent a scooter because its the best way to get around and see the city during the day!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to start out by thanking two dear friends of mine who are also mothers and photographers. They encouraged and mentored me when I was just starting out. I asked countless questions and they kindly critiqued my work to help me improve. My biggest supporter has been my husband, Will, who not only steps in at home when I am out working but spends hours listening as I talk through all things business.

Working as a photographer in Colorado means that I am surrounded by so many amazing women who are doing the same. I am part of a few online communities and have met the most amazing women who have answered questions, trusted me to second shoot, and just poured into me as a person. It truly is community over competition and I am so thankful for those woman who share their experience and take time to build me up.

Website: www.gatherandabide.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gatherandabidephotography

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