We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Castillo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My parents were both Marines. They sacrificed so much to provide a better living and opportunities. For my first year, I was on the base at five, I was learning and absorbing so much that was all around me. My mom being the first female in the family to join stood out to me a lot. It made me want to push and show others that being a women in any industry can be powerful. Of course, it has it perks being surrounded by so many beautiful women whose ethics and courage created this strong path for me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello! I’m Ashley, & I am a self-taught portrait photographer who has been slowly wiggled her way into the wedding industry. I’ve been married to my husband for 12 years! Wooowza, I know. We eloped right out of high school. He’s my best friend and business partner.
I have two kids Penelope (oldest) & Parker (youngest) and we have two dachshunds, Wendy & Jack Jack. If we’re not at home, we’re packing our bags to Disney and living the fairytale life. I specialize in all types of photography; Weddings, engagements, lifestyle, and a few other favorites.
There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing all of my clients having the best time and cheering them on in all phases of life. My work is based on positive vibes and fun energy. You’ll hear a couple of OOOOO’s and YAAASSSSS.
My passion also comes from a lot of disney and late 80s to early 90s Romcom movies. I a huge fan of love and all things fairytales. I want all my brides to feel as if they are a queen or the lead role in movie. I’m a lover of love, here to capture all those beautiful raw moments in your love story.
Right now, I’ve been enjoying the all the beautiful destination weddings. I have been absorbing all the different cultures and sceneries while adding a little texas sprinkle to it. Photography truly has opened my eyes and taught me so much!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Customer service should always be the top priority. It has taken me a while to improve this but I’ve seen such a difference in new and returning clients. Learn from each client and build your confidence.
Ai has shaken up the industry, at first, I was against it. After, learning and doing a lot of research it has been a huge game changer for my business. Don’t be afraid of change, take it head on and research as much as possible!
last but certainly not least, Friendship in the industry. It took me a couple of years but Building relationships within the community helped me grow business-wise. It helped me navigate certain situations and also learn different techniques in photography.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Meeting different personalities and absorbing all different energies can be tiresome. My best advice would be to remember why you do what you love but also treat yourself to a little break. Find who are and do something creative. Do something that brings you back to why you love what you do. Wheather that’s doing a small model shoot or traveling to a different city/state. Reconnect with yourself and find your vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyardenphotography.com/
- Instagram: @AshleyArdenPhotography
Image Credits
Ashley Arden Photography
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