Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Benham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I would say the project that brings me the most meaning and joy is boudoir photography. It’s more of passion project because it means that much to me. I’ve had the honor of photographing people of every gender, of all ages, and orientation. I love making people feel empowered and beautiful through my work. The pure joy in people’s’ eyes when I show them their photos is incredible. It’s like they truly see themselves for the first time, and understand they ARE beautiful and that beauty standards don’t matter. Sometimes it’s hard to see your own body in a positive light so, I hope my work is able to shed any negative stigmas.
It has been a long road to get to where I am in my own self-love journey so I know how hard it is to get in front of the camera. I recently did a boudoir session of my own and it felt amazing! I always say we only get one body so we have to celebrate it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I first picked up a camera in 9th grade when I joined the yearbook staff at school. I fell in love with documenting people playing sports, events, club meetings, you name it. That’s when I pretty much knew I wanted to be a photographer. My dad bought me my first “real” camera. That really solidified it. I then went on to receive my Bachelor’s degree in photography from Columbia College Chicago. I started my photography business in 2015. I really got into weddings because I love capturing human connection at such a significant time in their lives.
I am most proud of having my work published on a billboard in Memphis. It was one of the coolest things that’s ever happened to me.
On your wedding day, you want someone you vibe with spending 8+ hours with you! I’m different because I, usually, try to spend time with my couples prior to the wedding. I want them to know they’re not just another paycheck and that I genuinely care about them and want to get to know. Their comfortability with me is a really big factor to me. I want them to know that I’m approachable, friendly, caring, and, most importantly, completely engaged with capturing their biggest day.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
To really build up my audience, I engaged a lot with people on social media, mainly Instagram. I found venues I loved and engaged with their audience. Working with other people in the industry and tagging each other is also a great way to have people find you.
I know right now it’s hard to get seen in the algorithm unless you post reels, which is super frustrating. I was consistent for a while, but I’m taking a break from social media in general because sometimes that’s what you gotta do.
I would say the best advice is to be yourself. If reels aren’t on brand for you, don’t do them if you don’t want to. Engage with other people within your industry. See what kinds of hashtags and people they have following their account.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Any and every business workshop and course geared specifically to wedding photographers! I learned a little later on all the business side of being a wedding photographer is hard. There’s a lot to know and do. Check reviews and find the right courses for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleybenhamphotography.com
- Instagram: @ashleybenhamphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybenhamphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-benham-38604672/