We were lucky to catch up with Ashlee Burke recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashlee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
In the dynamic landscape of today’s digital age, where our online presence often precedes personal interactions, the mission of my brand photography business holds profound significance. I believe that the photographs we share serve as our first hello to the world, making the need for high-quality, professional images paramount. As a brand photographer, my commitment goes beyond just capturing moments; it’s about empowering fellow creatives and entrepreneurs to authentically showcase their brand stories. Being somewhat of an introvert myself, I understand the unease that comes with being in the spotlight. Drawing from my own childhood experiences of reluctantly posing for stiff, unauthentic pictures, I am driven to create a different narrative for my clients. My mission is to provide a safe and enjoyable space where individuals can embrace their true selves. I aspire to craft images that not only reflect the essence of my clients but also evoke excitement and pride when shared—a departure from the forced, joyless photographs of my past. Ultimately, my goal is to enable clients to present themselves authentically and confidently in the digital realm, fostering a connection that goes beyond pixels and screens.
Ashlee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey as a photographer kicked off when my son was born. I delved into family photography and cherished it for over a decade. As my kids grew, I craved being more present with my family in the evenings and on the weekends.
That desire nudged me toward supporting fellow women creatives and entrepreneurs in visually shaping their brand stories. It’s been a transformative shift, from capturing family memories to empowering others through photography. I am certain this work is my soul’s purpose.
At LoveJoy Collective, I’m all about solving your visual brand needs in a way that’s uniquely you. In today’s digital jungle, your online presence is basically your first impression, and I get that. My mission is to be the problem-solver for creatives and entrepreneurs, capturing photos that go beyond pixels—they tell your brand story. Whether it’s bringing out the personality of your product or showcasing the heart and soul behind your business, I’ve got you covered. No stiff, forced poses here. Instead, I create a laid-back, enjoyable experience that allows you to show up just as you are. I’m not just taking pictures; I’m crafting a visual language that resonates with your audience. From headshots to capturing the essence of your brand, I’m here to make your visual identity pop, so you can proudly share your story with the world. Let’s turn your brand vision into pixels that speak volumes.
What sets my photography business apart is the deliberate focus on creating a space where my clients not only get scroll-stopping photos but also feel genuinely seen, heard, and free to express themselves. It’s more than just a photo session; it’s an experience. I strive to foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable, where their stories are heard, and their personalities shine through the lens.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Leaping solely from capturing family moments to diving headfirst into brand photography was a whirlwind decision and a total pivot, but I’m glad I followed through on it. It was all about trusting my gut and taking a leap of faith. I realized that my passion lay in storytelling through brand photography, so I quickly pivoted. Sure, it was a bit nerve-wracking transitioning gears so fast, but it felt right.
I chose to embrace the challenge and focus entirely on helping businesses visually tell their stories. And you know what? Following that instinct and making that quick shift has been incredibly fulfilling and exciting. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m loving every minute of this new adventure in brand photography. So my two cents are, follow your intuition and don’t let fear hold you back.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Like many business owners, I navigated my way through the challenges of COVID, and it wasn’t a walk in the park. During those uncertain times, resilience became my middle name. I had to get creative and find unique ways to keep supporting my clients while ensuring the bills were paid. That’s when I introduced Porch Photo Sessions—a bit of an out-of-the-box solution to fill the gaping gap left by the pandemic. It turned out to be a win-win, allowing me to continue providing support to my clients while prioritizing everyone’s safety and well-being. Adapting and rolling with the punches became the name of the game, and I’m proud to say we weathered the storm together. Here’s to the strength we found in adversity and the creative solutions that kept us going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovejoycollective.co/
- Instagram: Lovejoycollective.co
- Facebook: Lovejoycollective.co