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

Sharon, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I actually started photography back in 11th grade. It was the only thing that kept me in school, honestly. Everything else felt like noise, but photography gave me something to look forward to. I started out taking photos of my friends, then got asked to shoot events and weddings. I had no idea at the time that it would turn into a full-blown career. I just knew I loved it.

Fast forward a few years, I kept shooting on the side while working other jobs. But the idea of doing photography full-time never went away. It kept tugging at me. Eventually, I quit my full-time job and just went for it. I built a website, figured out how to make it official, and started booking clients one at a time. There was no fancy launch. I didn’t have a business plan printed out and pinned to the wall. I just kept showing up and figuring it out as I went.

The real shift happened when I leaned into what I loved most: newborns, motherhood, and families. I took everything I’d learned over the years and poured it into creating a calm, supportive experience for my clients. Every detail mattered, from the way I set up my studio to the way I read a baby’s cues.

Going from idea to execution wasn’t about one big moment. It was a thousand small ones. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

Sharon, 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’m Sharon Asby, a professional photographer based just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. I specialize in newborns, maternity, family, and milestone portraits, and I’ve been doing this for over 12 years now. I started photography back in high school. It was honestly the only thing that kept me showing up. What started as an elective turned into something I fell in love with.

I went full-time with photography while living in West Palm Beach, Florida. In the beginning, I photographed aspiring models who needed portfolio shots. Over time, those same clients started having kids, and that’s how I naturally transitioned into photographing children. I also worked for several photography companies, including a studio inside the mall and Teddy Bear Portraits, where I gained a ton of experience working with kids and preschools.

Now I run my own studio in Mount Juliet, inside a cozy historic building that used to be a bed and breakfast. It’s a warm, welcoming space where families can relax. We’ve thought through all the small comforts like snacks, a changing table, and comfortable seating. I’ve taken courses in newborn safety and anatomy, and my sessions are always calm and flexible. I follow the baby’s cues and make sure every parent feels supported from start to finish.

What sets my work apart is the experience. I’m not just clicking a camera. I’m paying close attention to emotion, energy, and connection. I want people to feel seen, understood, and completely taken care of throughout the process.

What I’m most proud of is the business I’ve built from the ground up. I’ve worked hard to create something meaningful, and I’m incredibly grateful for the families who continue to come back year after year.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I ever made was picking up and moving to Tennessee. I had built a solid client base in Florida, and it honestly felt scary to leave it all behind. But I knew I needed a change. Starting over in a new state meant rebuilding everything from scratch. I had to get my name out there, find new clients, and figure out what worked in a completely different market. It pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t before. I stayed consistent, kept showing up, and slowly people started finding me. Looking back, it was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but also one of the best.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I was first getting started, I worked full time at a law office and had no clue what I was doing. I spent most of my day on Facebook, using every free moment to network. I friended friends of friends, joined local groups, commented, and just kept showing up. It wasn’t about selling anything. I was just being real and letting people see who I was and what I was passionate about.

If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple. Be consistent. Don’t worry about having perfect photos or the trendiest feed. Just show up. Talk like a person. Post your work, share behind the scenes, and engage with people. That’s what builds trust, and trust is what turns followers into clients

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thenashvillephotographer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nashville_photographer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNashvillePhotographerTennessee