We were lucky to catch up with Ashlie Bradley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashlie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment in my business was investing in my photography education. When I first started photography, I thought I didn’t need to pay for education and that I could get by without it. It wasn’t until I started getting into newborn photography that I realized I needed to take classes. Once I took my first class and saw how quickly I progressed from it I was a firm believer that it was the best thing I could do with my money. I took all different photography classes and every time saw significant improvement. I still invest in education in terms of my business and never plan to stop learning. With investing in education though you also need to make sure your implementing what was taught and putting in the work to have the best success.
Ashlie, 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?
My name is Ashlie Bradley, and I am a portrait photographer based in Reading, Pennsylvania. I started my photography business shortly after photographing my sons first birthday pictures back in January 2019. I currently specialize in maternity photography but also offer newborn and family photography for my clients. I provide my clients with a full-service portrait experience. Me and my clients meet at a consultation and talk about their likes and dislikes, then I design meaningful custom works of art for my clients where they’re the focal point of the image. I provide them with professional hair and makeup, refreshments during their photoshoot and full use of my extensive client closet gowns. I think what sets me a part is the service I provide along with the beautiful images. I want my clients to feel well cared for from our first interaction to our last. Making sure they have the very best experience is super important to me. One of the things I am most proud of is winning the newborn portrait category in the Portrait Masters Awards for both January and June 2023.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has been referrals from previous clients. Because I believe so heavily in providing the best service and experience my previous clients are quick to refer me to others. I also am not afraid to ask for their referral and send them my Google review link shortly after their experience with me, this way I can rank high on Google Maps and build trust with new potential clients that way.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the excitement and sometimes emotional tears when my clients see an image, I created just for them. Their reaction is just the very best feeling because you just know they are going to forever cherish that portrait.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashliebradleyphotography.com
- Instagram: @ashliebradleyphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshlieBradleyPhoto
- Youtube: @ashliebradleyphotography1120
- Other: Tiktok @ashliebradleyphoto
Image Credits
Ashlie Bradley Photography