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

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally started way back in high school. I chose photography for my senior project, not fully realizing at the time how much it would shape my future. My dad bought me my very first camera for that project—something simple, but to me, it felt like holding magic in my hands. That camera was more than just a piece of equipment—it was a gift of belief. He saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself.

I spent hours learning how to use it, teaching myself how to play with light, emotion, and composition. I fell completely in love with the process. I loved that I could freeze moments—real, honest moments—and turn them into something people could feel forever.

But after high school, like a lot of people, I took a more traditional career route. I chose the “safe” option, the one with the clearer path and benefits package. Photography stayed with me, though—quietly. I’d pick up my camera here and there for friends, for fun, for sanity. It became my escape, my creative outlet, the thing that always brought me back to myself.

And over time, I realized I kept coming back to it for a reason. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was my calling. I’d feel most alive when I was behind the lens, connecting with people, telling their stories. Eventually, I had to stop ignoring that pull and step fully into what had always been mine to begin with.

That camera my dad gave me was the start of it all. Looking back, it wasn’t just a gift—it was a nudge toward the life I was meant to live.

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?

Absolutely! I’m a photographer, storyteller, and passionate creative who believes deeply in the power of connection. My journey into photography started back in high school when I chose it for my senior project. My dad bought me my very first camera, and I still remember the thrill of holding it for the first time. That camera sparked something in me—I became obsessed with capturing emotion, movement, and those little in-between moments that often go unnoticed but mean everything.

Even though I went down a different career path after high school, photography was the one thing I always came back to. It followed me like a quiet thread through every season of my life. I’d shoot for friends and family, always chasing that feeling of creating something real and meaningful. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t just a hobby—it was who I was. So I made the leap and built my business from the ground up.

Today, I offer photography services that go beyond just beautiful pictures—I capture people’s stories. From weddings and portraits to boudoir and branding sessions, my goal is always the same: to create an experience that feels natural, empowering, and honest. I work with couples, families, business owners, and individuals who want more than just posed smiles. They want real, soul-stirring imagery that reflects who they truly are.

One thing that sets me apart is how deeply I connect with the people I photograph. I don’t believe in surface-level sessions. I take the time to know my clients—their quirks, their vision, what makes them light up—so I can document them in a way that feels personal and authentic. As an Enneagram 8, I bring bold energy and fierce loyalty into everything I do. I advocate for my clients, help them feel seen and celebrated, and create a safe space where they can show up fully as themselves.

What I’m most proud of? Building a business that’s rooted in heart. I’ve photographed once-in-a-lifetime moments, cried behind my camera during vows, danced barefoot at receptions, and cheered for women stepping into their power in front of the lens. I’ve created a studio space, Luminova Studios in Ball Ground, where other creatives can gather, grow, and bring their own visions to life. I’ve stayed true to my voice, and my clients trust me not just for the quality of my work—but for the experience I deliver.

For anyone new to me or my work, I want you to know this: when you hire me, you’re not just booking a photographer—you’re gaining a teammate, a hype woman, and someone who genuinely cares about telling your story. Whether it’s the chaos, the quiet, the joy, or the vulnerability—I’m here for all of it. That’s the heart of what I do, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the impact my work has on people—especially when they see themselves in a new light through my lens. There’s something incredibly powerful about capturing a moment that someone else might have overlooked, and then watching their face light up when they see it. Whether it’s a bride seeing herself as radiant and confident, a mother holding her child in a fleeting, quiet moment, or a business owner finally feeling like their brand looks like them—those reactions are everything to me.

I think the deeper reward is knowing that I get to help people feel seen. Truly seen. So often, we’re moving through life too quickly to notice the beauty in the everyday—the connection, the softness, the strength, the spark. As a photographer, I get to pause time for my clients and reflect that beauty back to them. I get to tell their stories with honesty and intention.

It’s also deeply rewarding to build lasting relationships through my work. Many of my clients become friends. I’ve documented their milestones, watched their families grow, and been invited into some of their most intimate, sacred moments. That level of trust is humbling, and it never gets old.

Creating something that lasts—something people will look back on for years with tears in their eyes or laughter on their lips—that’s the kind of fulfillment I don’t think I could ever get from anything else.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t an overnight thing—it was a slow, intentional process rooted in showing up as myself. In the beginning, I posted like most people do: sharing the best images from my sessions and hoping for likes. But I realized pretty quickly that while beautiful photos caught people’s attention, it was connection that kept them coming back.

Once I started opening up—sharing behind the scenes, personal stories, struggles, small wins, and even the chaos of being a mom and business owner—things began to shift. People connected with the realness. They weren’t just seeing my work; they were getting to know me. And the more I leaned into that authenticity, the more my community grew.

I also started using video—especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels—to bring people into my world in a more dynamic way. Whether it was tips for clients, quick photography hacks, or just funny, relatable moments from sessions, those little glimpses helped me build trust and stay top-of-mind. I wasn’t just promoting a service—I was building relationships.

My biggest advice for anyone starting out:

1. Be consistent, not perfect. Show up regularly, even if you don’t have the “perfect” post. People care more about realness than polish.
2. Tell your story. Share who you are, not just what you do. Your personality is your brand’s secret sauce.
3. Engage with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, cheer people on. Social media is about community, not just content.
4. Use video. You don’t need to be an expert at it—just be you. People love seeing the face behind the brand.
5. Stay in your lane. It’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing, but your magic lies in your own voice and vision.

At the end of the day, social media is just an extension of how I connect with people in real life—by being honest, intentional, and showing up fully. That’s what’s helped me build not just an audience, but a loyal, engaged community who truly believes in what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gingsnapstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingersnap.studios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gingersnap.studios1