Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Fackrell.
Hi Ashlee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started photography when I was just a kid. I took a photo class in 7th grade and needed a camera, my parents got me a canon rebel 2000 film camera and I was hooked. I fell in love with developing my own film and the magic behind it and from there I fell in love with capturing moments in time and preserving them forever. One of my favorite things to do has always been to look at old photographs and imagine the story.
I photographed my first wedding in May of 2005 and I’ve never stopped since. I can’t explain the feeling of knowing that I get to spend the most important days of my clients lives with them and create something that their families will have forever!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anything is a smooth road and sometimes I still have challenges that I have to find my way around. I worked a full time job for years and did photography full time after I clocked out, I made it through a recession and covid. I think obstacles can really push you to your limits in good and bad ways and I try to focus on the good. There have been many tears, doubts and fear with running your own business but the reward is worth it.
I once had a client that was in love with her images but her mom wasn’t and she sent me a really horrible email telling me that I ruined their wedding day. I was devastated, I cried for hours, and almost threw in the towel right then and there. I was so close to calling all my clients and telling them someone else would be photographing their sessions and that I was done. I’m so glad someone talked some reason into me and pointed out that the things she was upset about were things I had no control over like the time of year and what other people were wearing.
I learned a lot from that and it’s made my communication with my clients ahead of time even better then it was and helped me make my business better.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
If you asked me this question pre-covid I was known for being a wedding photographer but that year really changed my business and now I photograph mostly families however my heart keeps pulling me back to weddings and newborns so we’ll see where the future leads me.
I think something that sets me apart is the experience I give my clients. I really do love each one of them and love being part of their lives. There is so much talent out there and it can feel defeating to just try to make prettier pictures than someone else. I really want my clients to know I care about their session as much as they do, we have fun, laugh run around and play at my sessions. I don’t try to get the perfect poses with every hair in place etc I want to give you real raw emotions of you and your loved ones interacting with each other in a fun positive way.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love listening to audiobooks while I work, I love fantasy and romance books, and love to draw inspiration from them as well as music. I have different playlists that I listen to on the way to each session to help get my creative flow going. I don’t think I could do anything without music and I love when clients want music playing at their session!
I love to keep learning as well so I’ve always got a list of podcasts or workshops that I watch to always stay current.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.afackrell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fackrellphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afackrellphoto
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@abfack
