We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashleigh Campbell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashleigh below.

Ashleigh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In June of 2020, my entire world (as well as everyone elses) seemed to flip upside down. In the middle of a worldwide pandemic, I had lost my job from a career I was very passionate about. I got to travel the world and made wonderful friends within that profession, but I wasn’t happy with where I was. The day I was let go (through text), I felt devastated and terrified. I didn’t know what this meant for my fiancé and I and jobs were scarce during that time. The next day, my fiancé and I were going over my options when he brought up the idea that I pick up my camera again and start a business. I turned it down, but he insisted I finally chase that dream. I had wanted to be a photographer for over 15 years, but each time my dream was within reach, something seemed to snatch it away from me. Whether that be life events, a pandemic, or even imposter syndrome (it’s a thing, trust me), I never got that opportunity.

About a week or two later, my fiancé used the remainder of our money to purchase a brand new camera. I was terrified. In my mind, that was money to help cover the bills until I found a job, but he saw it as my future and knew I’d find a reason not to purchase it, so he took matters into his own hands. From there, I met many wonderful mentors who were kind and patient enough to slowly teach me the ins and outs of the wedding industry. Suddenly, I had booked my first wedding as the main photographer, and it took off from there!

Not to say it has been smooth sailing, as there was a pandemic and a majority of my couples were affected in one way or another by the pandemic, but I started to meet the most amazing couples that started off as clients, and ended as dear friends. Looking back, I can remember that fear of wondering how we were going to pay our bills when I had just lost, what I thought, was my dream job, to just running head first into the unknown, hoping that I’d come out on the other side with something to show for it. While that was a scary time for us (and everyone), I’m so thankful my fiancé gave me that nudge to conquer my fears and finally take control of my own happiness. That nudge has gotten me here; connecting with beautiful and kind clients who allow me to photograph one of the most beautiful moments in their love story.

Ashleigh, 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?

Photography has been a hobby that I have done for most of my life. It started in middle school, where I began to carry a camera around at all times, and lasted well through high school. In my twenties I upgraded my equipment a few times and had entertained the idea of starting a business, but I ultimately felt “imposter syndrome” took over and never had enough faith in myself to see it through.

In 2020, the world was flipped upside down. Just as most people experienced, I was laid off from a career field that I loved and was devastated and absolutely terrified. I was struggling to find a new job, and during that time depression crept in slowly and eventually pulled me under. My fiancé (boyfriend at the time) used what little money we had left to purchase a used Canon camera so I could dive back into my favorite hobbies again. On many occasions, he pushed me to try to make a career out of photography, but continued to believe my work just wasn’t good enough. Fast forward a year and weddings began to come back and I found myself booked up for all of 2022!

Currently, I offer photography and videography services for elopements and weddings! Prior to the pandemic, I worked in the travel field and gained experience in setting up trips and planning activities for clients. I used the knowledge from that field to help create amazing elopements for my couples, and have worked with some of the most talented photographers and videographers who have been so knowledgeable and encouraging over the past two years. I found myself drawn to a more journalistic and moody art form of photography. I felt pride when I could capture a couples love exactly as is. It’s raw, it’s intimate, and it’s images I look back on proudly.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Currently, my goal is to travel more for future elopements and weddings! My experience within the travel industry has brought me so much joy, and to be able to blend the two things I’m passionate about is the ultimate dream!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

On two separate occasions, I’ve given the benefit of the doubt to clients when I was just trying to be kind, but their intentions weren’t the best. People will attempt to guilt trip you to get what they want, especially when they know that you desperately want to make your clients happy. Always have a solid contract in place! This protects you, your business, and your clients!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashcampbellphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleigh.campbell.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleighcampbellphotography