Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Hathaway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I learned a lot about success and sales when I worked in Corporate America. Over seventeen years, I worked my way up the corporate ladder and found that all of my success came from one simple thing – relationships. I developed relationships by keeping my promises through follow-up. This brought a lot of value to my clients which helped build trust. By implementing this in my work ethic, I created a sense of loyalty that brought them back time after time. I believe this is what led me to be a top performer. In the end, I learned that since you can’t pour from an empty cup, it’s not so selfish to fill your own cup first.

Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Ashley and I have always considered myself an artist. Growing up in Arizona, I never took interest in any other subjects except history and art. Artistry may have been genetic, since my grandmother used to sketch the latest men and women’s fashions to advertise them for department stores in the local newspapers in the 1950s. I remember looking at the papers and being in awe of her talent, good enough at her craft to actually be published. I have some of them framed in my office.

My artistry developed behind the lens. Seeing the camera evolve over my lifetime always fascinated me. From film, to Polaroids, to my new Sony digital mirrorless camera, the camera is always evolving, just like this industry. Having a “good camera” doesn’t mean you’ll create compelling photos, you have to have the eye. I found that the art is in the composition. If you understand that, you can tell compelling stories through photography. I am lucky enough to show the world what I see behind my lens as an editorial photographer.

I help local businesses sell their products and/or services through my visual imagery. My clients include social media influencers, aestheticians, models, musicians, restaurants, and more.

People are visual and imagery can help you communicate your brand’s story in a more effective way. Visual imagery influences people’s choices, what they think, need, or want. I doubt any of us searching Amazon would buy a product if there was no image listed with the product! It’s crucial for your business to deliver a message to your consumer so they can feel, see, and understand what you’re all about. Even small projects like having a professional headshot rather than taking a selfie with your iPhone shows clients that because you made the investment in your branding, they can trust that you will invest your time in them as a client.

Some photographers will take any project without asking any questions. Not me! I want to develop a deep sense of communication with my clients to better understand their business needs so that I can deliver a quality product that is worth the investment. I do this through pre-production and post-production calls to discuss all the planning and details. I encourage client feedback. I believe this sets me apart from others. I take pride in my work and I believe that shows in the planning that goes into each shoot. I love to play with organic textures and color to build the composition around my subject

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

I worked retail banking for seventeen years. During 2021 (the height of Covid), at 34 years old, I was promoted from Assistant Manager to Banking Center Manager. Like everyone else, we had staffing challenges and I was running a staff of two to three people to do the job of at least 10 people. This forced me and my team to work longer hours and do the jobs of those positions that we had difficulty filling. I was run down and exhausted. I remember feeling like my soul had left my body. I ended up in the ER due to stress and the physical implications it had on my body. It was then that I knew I had to make a decision. I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew chasing a salary and benefits wasn’t worth my health or my life. I was doing a disservice by staying and I knew it was time to put in my notice to my manager. I had no other jobs lined up and I knew it was a leap of faith, but it was now or never. I spent at least six months recovering, resting, and getting healthy again before even thinking of my next move.

I remember asking myself, “If I had to pick a job that would be a dream for me and not worry about money, what would it be?” Right then, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to order that Sony camera that had been sitting in my wishlist on Amazon.

I realized that trying something new was probably more valuable than staying within the borders and people’s expectations. During that year I started to take pictures of people that I knew to get some practice. I reached out to former clients and leveraged my contacts that I had within the community. I passed my card out to everyone I knew, dropped them in beauty salons and friends’ places of business and I slowly started to gain exposure as I reintroduced myself to my community.

Each day I continue to grow and learn in new ways I never thought possible. Instead of being bitter about my experience with my bank job, I am extremely grateful that I was able to obtain all of the skills I can carry with me on this journey. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. To all of the thirty-somethings starting over, know it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Everyone is on their own path and learns at different stages. That is what makes us so individual and so beautifully unique.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In the initial stages, I had to think outside the box on how to get my name out. I reached out to a local magazine that was just starting up in the North Valley and asked if I could partner with them as a contributing photographer in exchange for photo credit. On the first shoot I did for them, they put my work on the cover. I continue to work with them as I feel this is a distinct way to build my reputation as a published photographer. I leveraged this opportunity to network and meet new prospects. Funny to think that I am following in my grandma’s footsteps by working with a magazine. Now I can frame my published work next to hers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashleyhathawayphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: @ashaz.photo
• Linkedin: Ashley Hathaway