We recently connected with Ashley Buchholz and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a photographer, I am committed to keeping my pricing affordable for my clients. Despite being young and skilled, I have intentionally kept my rates lower than most photographers at my skill level. This is because I believe that professional photography should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget.

One of the ways I am able to keep my prices down is by keeping my expenses low. I don’t have some expenses that other photographers have since I am 22, which allows me to pass on the savings to my clients. I also keep my workflow efficient and streamlined, so I can deliver high-quality photos without wasting time or resources.

I also want clients my age to be able to access professional photos. As a younger photographer myself, I know how important it is to have high-quality photos for special moments in life. I want to make sure that young people like myself can have access to professional photography without breaking the bank. I learned how important this is since I am currently planning my own wedding and having to budget everything out is very stressful.

Despite my commitment to affordability, some of my peers have judged me for my pricing. They think I should charge more since I have the skill and experience to do so. However, I believe that keeping my prices affordable is a positive thing for my clients. It means that more people can have access to professional photography and have a positive experience working with me. I have developed some of the most amazing relationships with clients who have now turned into friends, Ultimately, that’s what matters most to me as a photographer.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When COVID-19 hit, I saw an opportunity to pursue my passion for photography and turned my hobby into a profession. Starting out as a wrestling photographer I was able to work on my camera skills. Soon I was shooting for the University of Northern Colorado wrestling team and even for USA wrestling events. This soon led me to explore other forms of photography, and I turned my love for sports photography into a full-time job as an elopement and wedding photographer.

Starting a photography business at 19 was scary, but it was a passion that I could not ignore. With my camera in hand, I set out to capture the beauty of two people coming together as one. As my skills grew, I began to see success in my business and soon found myself photographing couples, weddings, and elopements full-time.

Now, as I graduate college, I am proud to say that I have a thriving photography business that has allowed me to travel the world, capturing love in all its forms. Whether it’s a couple saying “I do” in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, capturing a special moment on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, or shooting adventure elopements in National Parks across the country, I am there to capture their memories and create photographs that will last a lifetime.

It has been a journey full of hard work and dedication, but it has also been one of immense joy and fulfillment. Seeing the love and happiness on my clients’ faces when they see their photos is a feeling that cannot be matched. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day, and I look forward to continuing to create beautiful and meaningful images for couples around the world.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media has been a game-changer for my photography business. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have allowed me to connect with a younger audience and showcase my work too new people. I have found that social media is a great way to engage with potential clients and to share my work globally.

My TikTok account, in particular, has been a huge success for my business. One of my videos went viral, and in just a few days, I gained over 400 new followers on Instagram. The exposure from the video helped me book out for 2023 in the month following its release.

Instagram has also been a valuable platform for me. Through the use of consistency and engaging with my followers, I have been able to build a loyal following and showcase my work to potential and current clients.

When trying to start building a business on social media there are a few important things to keep in mind. One of the key aspects of social media success is consistency. It’s important to post regularly and maintain a cohesive brand image across all platforms. Another factor in social media success is engagement. I make it a priority to respond to comments and messages from my followers, which helps to build a more personal connection with my audience. This has resulted in repeat business and referrals from satisfied clients.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

As a photographer, it’s important to be strategic with marketing efforts and not waste money on targeting the wrong audience. That’s why I rely on a variety of methods to reach potential clients, including the Zola vendor platform, referrals from previous clients, and social media.

The Zola vendor platform has been a great resource for me in connecting with new clients for weddings and elopements. By creating a detailed profile and showcasing my work on the platform, I have been able to attract couples who are actively searching for photography services for their big day. Referrals from previous clients have also been a valuable source of new business for me. By providing exceptional service and creating stunning images, I have been able to build a loyal client base who are eager to refer me to their friends and family. Lastly, social media has been a powerful tool for reaching new clients. By posting my work regularly and engaging with my followers, I have been able to connect with potential clients without having to advertise.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashleykristinephoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ashleykristinephoto
• Facebook: Ashley Kristine Photo
• Other: Zola: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/ashley-kristine-photo