We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Koch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

In any small business, there are always highs and lows. It has been challenging at times and I often wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. As a full-time wedding photographer, I have had to sacrifice time with my family and friends in order to keep things running smoothly. Yes, it would be great to have my weekends back and enjoy a meal with my husband without my phone blowing up. But I have to continuously remind myself that I am in the driver’s seat and it’s ok to say “no.” “No” to taking on too much work and “no” to answering emails and calls after business hours. Running a small business is demanding and takes a lot of focus and determination, but it is also very rewarding. As a small business owner, I have full control over my schedule and my personal time, which is something I wouldn’t have with a “regular job.”

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?

Growing up, I always had a camera in my hands. Whether it be a disposable camera, film camera, or digital camera – I was always taking pictures of everything. It wasn’t until college when I discovered my passion for creativity and working with people, which inspired me to launch Broad River Photography in 2007. That same year, my grandmother gave me an old Minolta film camera and several glass negatives for Christmas. It was in this moment I discovered that my grandmother was a photographer and writer for the local newspaper. This was the camera she used, and the glass negatives was from one of her projects. So maybe becoming a photographer was in my genes?!

When I started my photography business 15 years ago, it was challenging to grow and build a brand because there was no Facebook, no Instagram, no Pinterest…if you wanted to advertise and get in front of people you had to invest in bridal fairs, print advertisements, visit venues and vendors, and leave business cards at all the local stores. It was hard work, but the work paid off. I have built a business that is focused on loving and serving clients and it’s these amazing people that make me love what I do! I specialize in weddings and portraits, but have a secret passion for branding and food photography. I have a Masters degree in Business and Marketing, a Masters Graduate Certificate in Communication and Human Services, and a Bachelors degree in Communications and Photojournalism. I have many goals for the future and excited to see what the next 15 years will hold for Broad River Photography.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I am most known for my client experience – I will always serve and love my clients first. Anyone can take a great picture, but not everyone can create a great client experience. There are many emotions tied to images and it’s the photographer’s job to make an unforgettable experience so that when the client looks back at their portraits, they remember how they felt and how happy they were in that moment. I have a very positive and energetic personality that radiates onto to my clients and helps them feel comfortable in front of the camera. I am very proud of the relationships that I’ve built with my clients and vendors. My positive energy helps to create a fun and happy environment for people to be themselves and allow me to capture organic and authentic portraits that become a part of their legacy. I want my couples to be able to show their wedding portraits to their (future) grandkids and they say, “I know that smile, my grandmother still smiles like that.”

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I’ve found for growing my clientele is vendor networking. Networking is a crucial aspect of the wedding photography industry. It’s about building strong relationships with wedding vendors and gaining their trust. If you can do this, then your clientele will increase and the referrals will come. Keep in mind that networking is not a business meeting – you must find commonalities and tell them what you like about their business before diving into a business partnership. Effective networking will not only give you more brand exposure and awareness, but can also teach you new business skills. Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the best ways to increase your brand awareness, and therefore increasing your clientele. Use your networking opportunity to expose your brand in a more personal way, and the clients will come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://broadriverphotography.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/broadriverphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/broadriverphotography

Image Credits
Broad River Photography