We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashleigh Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashleigh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission ties into how I was able to name my business Kimarie Photography. I’m big on family.. we are a tight knit bunch. My Godmother (or Nanny as we New Orleanians say) died unexpectedly in 2013. Sent a shock across the entire family. Within the first 6 months of her passing I ran across a photo of her. It came at the right time, too, because I was in a deep moment of sadness at the time. It was an ordinary photo of her being her. To anyone else there would be nothing special about this photo. And the joy that came over me… that’s when it hit me. I had always enjoyed Photography, but this was an epiphany showing me the power and impact an ordinary photo can have. The memory it can spark. You relive the moment. I said “this is what Photography is about”. And I feel every family should have the opportunity to have professional photos to remember these special mundane moments by! So I decided to pursue photography professionally. And I named it in her honor.. Kimarie Photography in honor of Kimberley Marie.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So, again, I’ve always enjoyed Photography. When I decided to pursue it professionally I knew I had my work cut out for me. I honestly just didn’t know how much!

I spent year one learning how to use my camera, edit, and the business of it all. I spent year two taking pictures of literally everything and everyone. This is where I also learned what I didn’t enjoy in Photography, and what niche I wanted to specialize in.

I have always prided myself on transparency. Being an over-communicater has honestly served me well in business. My clients know exactly what they can expect from me. Most say I just have a way of making them feel comfortable. And I’m really not doing anything outside of being myself!

No faking or pretending. Just me in my element, working on my craft, and working within my passion. And they all can see my passion for my work and what I do. And, to me, that makes the difference.

I’m constantly learning this craft in an effort to provide the best service possible to each and every person who chooses to work with Kimarie Photography. I always strive to be MY best, not THE best. I realized at an early age that I was just different. And now, I embrace it!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I honestly wish I had gotten a mentor in my niche from the beginning. I spent so much time and money on all the wrong things.

From classes to equipment, a lot was wasted because I was so green. I did what I saw others doing and buying what I saw others buying. Not realizing I didn’t need 80% of what I was doing. It was all wrong!

Now I try to work with new photographers to help them avoid a lot of pitfalls that I took. A mentor in your field is gold!

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

That you can’t say no. You have to take every booking that comes your way so that you can be profitable.

That’s a lie!

In my early years as a professional photographer, I took a booking I really didn’t want to take. And the experience was horrible. From beginning to end, it was just a horrible interaction between this client and me. And after it was over, I sat my camera down for a year. Never again!

Me saying no when the relationship won’t be a good “marriage” is the reason why I am not burned out. It’s helped me to keep my passion for the craft. Yes, I expect to be paid for efforts but I am not driven by the money. I’ve realized over the years my motto, as it relates to this story, is “you keep your money, I’ll keep my peace, and we’ll call it even”.

You do not have to say yes to every assignment. Saying “yes” when you really want to say “heck no” will not lead you any place good.

Protect your peace!     

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.kimariephotography.com
• Instagram: @kimariephotography
• Facebook: Kimarie Photography
• Linkedin: @kimariephotography
• TikTok: @kimariephoto