Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Pettit
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was little, I loved taking photos. I got my first DSLR camera in 8th grade when I took a photography class in junior high and I fell in love. I remember me and my friend in the class going around the school during class time and taking “artsy” portraits of each other. Looking back, they definitely were not that artsy or great, but I did get a feel for holding a camera in my hand and the basics of photography.
Fast forward to 2021 — I got married to my best friend, Bryan. Bryan and I both share a love for travel and the outdoors. In our first year of marriage together we visited 4 countries, 25 states, and 18 national parks! Our travels inspired me to break out my camera again, and eventually get a new one, to be able to document our travels and have high-quality photos of us and the places we were visiting.
This re-sparked my loved for photography. I had forgotten how great it felt to hold a camera in my hands and the magic of capturing a moment! Some friends noticed me getting back into it and asked me to take photos for them to commemorate big milestones like graduations and maternity announcements.
I always knew I enjoyed photography, but when I would do it for friends and family, I would always give the disclaimer, “I’m not a professional!” I was scared and had imposter syndrome — I knew I had an eye for photography, but felt like I didn’t have good enough gear, enough experience, good enough editing skills, etc. to actually call myself a photographer. I also was so afraid of what other people would think; I didn’t want to be just “another girl who gets a camera and calls herself a photographer.” This worry and comparison to others is what held me back for so long.
My husband saw me struggling with the self-doubt and fear, but kept encouraging me and validating that I was good enough. He kept telling me that if I was spending that much of my time doing this, that I should at least be compensated for my time. He also reassured me that the worst that could happen is I find out I don’t enjoy it and just continue on with my normal job. Eventually, he kept pushing me and cheering me on so much to pull the trigger, invest in some new gear, and try it out as a business!
I created an Instagram account and was still SO scared people would see it (but ironically, wasn’t that the point?). I posted on Facebook groups that I was offering “Pay What You Can” photos so I could gain experience and build up my portfolio. This led to about 10 different shoots, including couples, families, seniors, and even a bridal shoot! I was so nervous for my first shoot and had screenshotted a million different pose ideas and was so sweaty when it ended. But I was so proud of myself for putting myself out there and trying something new — and they loved their photos!
Eventually, I did enough shoots and had enough people reaching out for photos that I started realizing, “Maybe I am actually good at this?” In my head I had always told myself that it was a pipe dream and that in another life if I hadn’t become a teacher, I would’ve been a photographer. I knew plenty of other people who started their own businesses or became self-taught photographers, but it had never occurred to me that that could be me too! So, I created a website, started setting actual prices, second shot weddings for a photographer friend, and booked more shoots, including my first wedding! I also sought out opportunities to do shoots in places my husband and I were already traveling to. For example, I did a couples shoot in San Diego, an engagement shoot in Joshua Tree, a proposal in Venice, and a couples shoot in Lake Como!
At this point, it’s a balancing act keeping up both my regular job (I’m a 4th grade teacher as well) and my photography business, while still trying to grow and scale it. I always pictured myself having a safe 9-5 job, like being a teacher, until I retired, but now I feel so empowered knowing that I have the choice to choose what I want to do and what makes me happy, and that I have the power to make it come true. I love the freedom, flexibility, and creativity that photography allows me. I love capturing the authentic love, giddiness, and excitement of people’s happiest times of lives. I love the people it allows me to meet and the connections and relationships it allows me to form. Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself being a full-time photographer, but I hope that at some point in the near future I will be able to transition to make it my full-time job and make my way into the destination wedding world!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like starting any business, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. However, in some ways I think it was smoother than I expected it to be. I can be a very anxious person and an over-thinker. My own worst enemy is myself. Like I said before, I was full of self-doubt, comparison, and fear. I counted myself out before I even gave myself a chance. I thought that there was never any way I would be good enough or that people would like my art enough to pay for it. Then, once I started, I still was filled with doubt and would find myself wanting to hide it from friends and family to avoid any embarrassment if it didn’t work out. Every step I took, it was only myself holding me back.
I found that the photographer community was so willing to help, whether it be with allowing me to shadow them at a wedding, editing tips, posing ideas, etc. All I had to do was ask! I found that people were not only willing to pay me for my services, but that they said they loved my work! All I had to do was put myself out there! I found that my friends and family were super supportive of my work. All I had to do was share what I was doing!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer!
I specialize in couples and weddings. I also take on some seniors and families. My Instagram bio says “your personal hype girl” and “capturing adventurous and authentic love.” Those two things to me are what I am known for and sets me apart.
I love love. I have experienced my own love story, I am in love, and I love seeing my friends and family fall in love. In my opinion, love is the most important and raw human emotion there is. It is such a privilege to me to capture that emotion in a physical way and create something that people will look back on for years and years.
Because of this, I believe that everyone has a story to be told and that it deserves to be told! I often have clients say “We are so awkward!” or “We don’t know what we’re doing, just please make us look good!” I of course will offer prompts and will help them look good (and I will cheer you on and hype you up like no other during your shoot!), but mostly I just focus on getting them to focus on each other and having fun with each other. It sounds so cheesy, but I truly want to just be a third wheel tagging along on one of their dates and getting them to play with and love on each other. I create photos that make you feel the emotion that was happening at that moment.
I also am an avid traveler and adventurer! I’ve lived abroad in three different countries, speak Spanish and Portuguese, and have been to over half the states and national parks. I am so willing to venture out to a new territory, hike several miles for an epic view, or fly to a new country to get my client’s dream photos. This gives me a unique perspective for couples who want to encapsulate adventure into their photos.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the geographic location of Lehi and Utah in general! The Utah mountains are incredible and there are SO many gorgeous locations I can offer to my clients for shoots — mountains, lakes, red rock, fields, salt flats, and more. Geographically, Utah is so diverse and I love that.
However, what I would say I like least about our city is the lack of diversity people-wise. Utah is very mono-cultured, and having grown up in Seattle, I really value a melting pot of ideas, beliefs, languages, and ethnicities. I do think that Utah is getting better in that aspect though!
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $850
- Couples starting at $200
- Bridals starting at $250
- Seniors starting at $200
- Families starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleypettitphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleypettit.photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562419395411
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleypettitphoto/
