Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Hathaway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I love this question because Optimism is EVERYTHING to me! I have always been a naturally positive person and I believe that trait comes directly from God. The way I look at it – I would much rather be someone that inspires people than someone to drag others down.
In a previous life when I worked in corporate world, I dealt with people like this on a daily basis with some of my peers and clients alike. At the same time, I was going through a tough divorce that pretty much broke me down. I felt I had hit rock bottom, but I got through it by infusing gratitude into each thought. I recognized my blessings and watched them multiply before my eyes. I learned you will never be placed in a storm that you can’t navigate your way out of. You are supposed to go through everything you’re meant to go through. Even the worst of times are for a reason. To allow you to grow in ways you never knew possible. Take it as a lesson and keep going. Don’t get stuck in the sadness. Use it to fuel your new beginning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hi! I’m Ashley! I have always considered myself an artist. Growing up in Arizona, I never took interest in any other subjects except history and art. Artistry may have been genetic, since my grandmother used to sketch the latest men and women’s fashions to advertise them for department stores in the local newspapers in the 1950s. I remember looking at the papers and being in awe of her talent, good enough at her craft to actually be published. I have some of them framed in my office.
My artistry developed behind the lens. Seeing the camera evolve over my lifetime always fascinated me. From film, to Polaroids, to my new Sony digital mirrorless camera, the camera is always evolving, just like this industry. Having a “good camera” doesn’t mean you’ll create compelling photos, you have to have the eye. I found that the art is in the composition. If you understand that, you can tell compelling stories through photography. I am lucky enough to show the world what I see behind my lens as an editorial photographer.
Prior to starting my photography business, I worked as a Retail Bank Manager. I held a management position for ten years before I left. I knew I was done by year five, but I had no idea what I would do if I left, as retail banking was all I knew. When it started negatively effecting my health, I knew I was being pushed to make a change. I had taken some time off and picked up my camera. The rest, is history in the making.
I help local businesses sell their products and/or services through my visual imagery. My clients include social media influencers, aestheticians, models, musicians, restaurants, and more.
People are visual and imagery can help you communicate your brand’s story in a more effective way. Visual imagery influences people’s choices, what they think, need, or want. I doubt any of us searching Amazon would buy a product if there was no image listed with the product! It’s crucial for your business to deliver a message to your consumer so they can feel, see, and understand what you’re all about. Even small projects like having a professional headshot rather than taking a selfie with your iPhone shows clients that because you made the investment in your branding, they can trust that you will invest your time in them as a client. In my spare time, I shoot for a local magazine and help with their creative direction on some of the covers. Just like my grandmother, I wanted my work to be published!
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?
Patience, Optimism, Ambition.
It can be so difficult to start over from scratch. I learned early on in my photography career that I had to be patient- that nothing good comes overnight. There were (and are) so many times that I felt like giving up because things weren’t moving as quickly as I wanted them to. In times like these, I try to be patient with myself and give myself some grace. Like any career, there are ebbs and flows. It’s just a matter of keeping your optimism high in times that you feel you are failing or not doing enough. To those facing similar obstacles – just remember, you are exactly where you are mean’t to be at exactly the right time.
I fondly remember that girl at her corporate job that was so scared to try something new, but had the strength to face her fears and do it anyway. Life is too short. Follow your desire!
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Sometimes it can be challenging to get people to see the value of my service. I have heard a couple of times that I am “too expensive,” or I can put together a proposal for someone and once they see the investment pricing, I won’t hear back. In the beginning, my prices were low because deep down, I didn’t have a lot of confidence in myself. Once I raised my prices last year and I was more confident in my approach, I started to see things trend in a positive direction. As a result, I am slowly starting to attract clients that align with my niche. I never want to settle and I always want to remember my worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyhathawayphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: @ashaz.photo
- Linkedin: Ashley Hathaway
Image Credits
All photos copyright of Ashley Hathaway Photography.
