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

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Photography was something I always loved. I remember going through boxes and albums as a kid and loving all of the memories and stories behind the photos of my family.

From a career perspective, I never thought in a million years I would be a photographer!

I went to school for retail merchandising and developing a keen eye for aesthetics was extremely important. I paid attention to details and utilized photography to apply to visual design concepts, lighting, etc. in the retail world of fashion. When I became a wife and a mom, my interest in photography quickly shifted.

When my daughter was born 13 years ago, I wanted really good photos of her and my son. My husband gifted me a refurbished Canon T3 camera. I was so excited to start playing around with it. Their interactions were so cute together as siblings and I quickly discovered that there wasn’t many photographers that were offering lifestyle photography. I played, took online courses, applied the ol’ high school photography class knowledge that was hidden deep in the archives of my memory and it didn’t take long to capture what I envisioned in my mind.

My initial objective was to fulfill a personal need; nonetheless, thanks to social media, I quickly discovered that there was indeed a market for the style of photos I was taking and sharing.

Once friends started asking more and more and then strangers started contacting me via word of mouth and social media exposure — I knew I was heading in a direction that was fulfilling and unsuspected at the same time!

Once my husband convinced me it was time to make it a small business, we quickly executed all the right steps to legally establish my business. It happened in a span of a few months.

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?

I would describe myself more of a creative person rather than a technical person. My photography reflects those attributes. I like to tell stories with my images.

I love black and white but I love a warm summer haze too. I like bold contrast and buttery backdrops. My photos carry common themes but I’m not one to like or use filters. I typically don’t favor trends fads in the industry —and I’d like to think that my clients could look at their images thirty years from now and appreciate the timelessness and artistic simplicity that encapsulates their legacy.

I’m a strong advocate that photography should artistically reflect the clients not me. Therefore, no two sessions are the same! Reading people well and getting to know them, observing, and making them comfortable is all part of it!
I love that part— it’s about the people!
Every life is a valuable story, it their legacy on display.
I find it extremely rewarding to capture and preserve their memories and heirlooms for generations to come. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My family is the biggest driving force behind my success and happiness; they often inspire me and give me inspiration.

In 2018 I lost my brother (only sibling) in a fatal helicopter crash. After that, tragedy re-shaped and ignited my God-given purpose to bless people with images that they will treasure forever. It’s so much more than a business that generates my income. It’s my legacy speaking too.

I have learned the hard way that there will never be enough photos. Preserved memories, scripted or unscripted— they are treasures that can’t ever be replaced. Take lots of them.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have learned that working in a career or field you don’t like can be used as a positive means to push you towards your calling and working in a career that is fulfilling in so many ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyescolaphotography.zenfolio.com/
• Instagram: @ashleyescola.photo
• Facebook: Ashley Escola Photography