We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Preece a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for my business came to me during one of the most uncertain times in my life. I’d spent 10 years in the corporate world, working hard at a job that felt steady and safe—until it wasn’t. Two weeks before the world shut down from COVID, I was let go during a mass layoff. At first, I felt completely lost. But as I sat with that loss, I realized something bigger: we all experience losses—jobs, people, and even those little everyday moments we don’t think about until they’re gone. It hit me how important it is to hold onto the now.

I’ve always been that friend—the one with my iPhone in hand at every party or event, capturing the laughs, the love, and the magic of the moment. But after losing my job, I felt this itch for something bigger. On a whim, I bought a professional camera. I had no idea what I was doing, but I started asking my friends and family to get in front of it so I could practice. The rest, as they say, is history.

I fell in love with photography. The way it freezes time and tells stories. And more than anything, I fell in love with capturing couples. There’s nothing more beautiful to me than the way two people love each other, in all their unique, messy, real ways. My focus became clear: Your love story, your way. Whether it’s an engagement, a wedding, or just celebrating everyday magic, I want my couples to feel seen and celebrated exactly as they are.

Losing my job taught me how much we all lose in life, but it also showed me the power of preserving what matters. That’s why I do what I do—so that love, those stories, and the people we cherish don’t just live in our hearts but can be held onto forever. To me, photography isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about preserving the feelings, connections, and moments we never want to let go of. The loss of that corporate job turned out to be my greatest gain.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into photography began during the COVID-19 shutdown, a time when life felt uncertain and disconnected. Losing my job during that period left me craving human connection and creative expression. I started taking creative iPhone photos at home, which sparked a deeper love for capturing life’s beauty. That curiosity led me to buy my first camera, invite people in front of it, and completely fall in love with photography. It was a leap of faith that turned into a lifelong passion.

Connection and emotion are at the core of everything I do. Watching my kids grow and experiencing the loss of my grandpa, who was the only father figure in my life, taught me just how fleeting time is. Those personal moments have deeply influenced my work. I understand the importance of preserving memories, which is why I’ve made it my mission to help others capture theirs. Whether it’s celebrating love, milestones, or simply the beauty of now, I aim to create photos that are timeless, authentic, and full of meaning.

I specialize in capturing love stories in all their forms. My work includes couples’ “just because” photos, engagements, proposals, weddings, elopements, boudoir sessions, and all the beautiful milestones that come after the wedding. My style is warm, romantic, and moody, with a focus on raw emotion and genuine connection. I’m not just taking pictures; I’m documenting the essence of who you are and the love you share.

What sets me apart is the experience I provide. From our very first conversation to delivering your final gallery, I’m here to make the process seamless, fun, and stress-free. I want my clients to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. My goal is to create a space where you can relax, be yourself, and trust that I’ll capture your story with care and dedication. Beyond the photos, I strive to build genuine connections with my clients, becoming more than just their photographer—I want to be their cheerleader, hype girl, and friend.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to capture life’s most meaningful moments. Seeing the joy on their faces when they receive their photos—or hearing how much those memories mean to them—fills my heart. I pour everything I have into my work, and I hope it shows in the way my clients feel cared for and in the lasting memories they take away.

For me, photography isn’t just a career—it’s my way of celebrating love, connection, and everything that makes life so beautiful. Whether it’s your wedding day, a growing family, or simply a moment you want to hold onto forever, I’m here to tell your story with heartfelt dedication and an unwavering commitment to preserving those precious memories.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine connections and focusing on creating an unforgettable client experience. Word of mouth has been a game-changer for me—when people feel valued, celebrated, and completely at ease during their session, they naturally want to share that experience with their friends and family. I believe in going beyond just delivering photos; I aim to create memories and connections that last far beyond the session itself.

Social media has also played a huge role in connecting with new clients. I use platforms like Instagram to showcase my work and let my personality shine through. I don’t just share pretty pictures—I share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and glimpses into my life as a mom and creative. By being authentic and relatable, I’ve found that people feel more comfortable reaching out to me because they know who I am and what I stand for.

Lastly, staying consistent with communication and maintaining strong relationships with past clients has been key. Many of my clients return to me for their milestones or refer their loved ones, which feels like the biggest compliment. It all comes back to connection—when you lead with kindness and care, it creates a ripple effect that continues to grow your business in the most organic and meaningful way.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Staying in touch with my clients and building loyalty is all about connection for me—it’s at the heart of everything I do. I want my clients to feel like more than just clients; I want them to feel like friends. During the planning process and their session, I make it a point to really get to know them, so they feel comfortable, celebrated, and genuinely cared for. Whether it’s helping with outfits, hyping them up during the shoot, or sending a little follow-up message to check in, I’m always here for them.

After their session, I love keeping the connection going. I share sneak peeks that feel like a little gift, deliver galleries in a way that’s exciting and personal, and make sure they know how much I appreciate them. Social media is another fun way to stay in touch—I love keeping up with their posts, cheering them on in life, and dropping little comments or messages to let them know I’m thinking of them. It’s just a natural way to stay connected and keep that relationship alive.

A lot of my clients end up coming back for other milestones, and that means the world to me. I make sure they feel valued by offering first dibs on things like mini sessions and giving them a little VIP treatment when they return. Honestly, it’s all about showing up, being genuine, and letting them know how much they mean to me—not just for their business, but for trusting me with their memories. That trust is something I never take for granted.

At the end of the day, I’m here to capture their moments, but I also want to be part of their story in a way that feels real and lasting. That’s what it’s all about for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jordanashliephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.ashlie.photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.ashlie.photography/

Image Credits

All Photos provided are taken by me, Jordan Ashlie Photography (aka: Jordan Preece)