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

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

The idea of starting my own photography business crossed my mind so many times over the last 10 years or so but it felt intimidating. I didn’t know a thing about starting a business and I also had a different full-time job that I really liked and wasn’t necessarily looking to leave. One day, I realized that I could probably just do both. I decided to keep my full-time job while starting a part-time photography business on the side. I am fortunate to have a close friend who does photography and who had also recently launched her own business. I relied on her for a lot of information and guidance about starting my website, figuring out pricing for photo sessions, registering my business, etc., on top of also making sure I had all the necessary gear and equipment I would need for the photo sessions I was offering. Once I had a list of the steps I needed to take, the process didn’t feel as intimidating and I started feeling the excitement and anticipation of launching something of my very own.

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 have enjoyed photography as a hobby since I was in high school. I was always the person in high school and in college who was taking way too many photos and videos of my friends and family. I started getting more serious about photography after college when I got my first “real” camera, and my interest just grew from there. My photography business, Sugar Birch Photography, is based in southeast Michigan. I take photos primarily in the metro Detroit area but I have done photo sessions in many parts of southern Michigan and I am always open to traveling! I currently offer family, maternity, and engagement sessions but I am excited to start offering wedding packages in 2024!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I have such an amazing group of friends and family who have helped to support me in so many different ways. Specific to helping me grow my business, though, is the value of the word-of-mouth marketing that my friends and family provide for me. They are always willing and eager to share my name and my work within their own networks and this has helped me immensely!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is seeing the finished product (usually in the form of a digital gallery) and then sharing that finished product with the client. I love the thought of giving people actual physical evidence of special moments in their lives and it feels especially rewarding when clients share how much they love their photos!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sugarbirchphotography.com
• Instagram: @sugarbirchphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sugarbirchphotography