We recently connected with Ashley Dietze and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
I got my first camera around my sophomore-junior year of high school back in 2015/16 and I would just take photos of everything! My senior year, I had a friend who wasn’t really able to afford to have senior pictures done because of how expensive they could be, so I offered to take them for free. I had so much fun working with her and making sure that she felt comfortable and beautiful during the session. When my friend got her pictures back, she was so excited and loved feeling beautiful in them. That really sparked my mission of trying to branch out and actively work on this business to try and make sure that every single client that I have the privilege of working with, leaves their session feeling confident and have the ability to just enjoy the moment instead of stressing out and picking out every single flaw. I may not be the most popular photographer or the make the most money from it, but knowing that I have been able to impact as many people as I have in that way and allow people who may not be able to afford too much but still want those forever memories is how I consider myself a successful photographer/business owner.
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?
My name is Ashley Dietze, owner of Ashley Dietze Photography. I am also a full time K-12 Art teacher in Iowa. I do a wide range of photography, including seniors, engagements, weddings, family, sports, couples, and mini shoots. The reason I do what I do is because I want everyone I work with to have their moment and have memories that last forever. Having your picture taken can produce a lot of anxiety for people, so my goal has always been to reduce that feeling for them and make it fun. I have had clients come to me wanting so bad to get professional photos done, but everywhere else they went was either too expensive or not able to personally connect with them. Something my parents have instilled in me, is to yes be firm and not allow anyone to walk over me, but to also have morals. My dad actually owns his own business and I’ve seen how he treats people. He never treats them like he is more significant than them, but rather that they are a human being in need. He taught me that when I have the ability and the means and skills to help someone, I do it, no question. That’s what I base my business on. I think being a teacher also helps with this because I have built up so much patience, understanding, and a love for helping others. I take the time to listen and build a relationship with my clients and treat them with the respect and kindness they deserve. I think what I’m most proud of is just how far I’ve come and not letting it go to my head. It can be hard to gain some attention and to not start working just for the money and lose those morals that surround the foundation of what you’ve built, but I have always stood firm in mine and it will never change how I treat people. For people who don’t know me, thats the main thing I would want them to see in me and my business and for that to be their first impression of me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Other than what I’ve previously mentioned, I think the most rewarding part of being an artist is to have people who want to continue coming back to you because you made them feel important. I take that same approach into teacher my art students and do everything in my power to make them feel safe, loved, empowered, gain confidence, and to want to continue to learn and grow. Being able to take my experiences and help other up and coming artists and fellow creatives with their journeys is the most rewarding thing I could experience.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth I think is one of the most impactful things. Social media is great to market yourself and allow people to see what you do, but having clients you’ve already worked with and continue to work with talk about you and their experiences with you can be your first impression on those they’re talking with. That eventually grows bigger and bigger because they might be at a family reunion and they’re sharing their recent family photos and then they talk about who did them. They start to reach out and then tell their friends at game night and it continues to grow. I’ve also been very blessed with amazing friends and family who constantly help to promote me whether it’s sharing my posts, wearing my business shirt or asking me for business cards to keep so they can hand them out. I wouldn’t be as successful as I am now without their love and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleydietzephotography.com/
- Instagram: @ashleydietzephotography
- Facebook: Ashley Dietze Photography