Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Major
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Whenever I consider where I am today verses where I started I am always amazed at the hand of God in my life. When I first began my photography journey I imagined my photographs would be an instrument of change for those less fortunate. I would have never imagined the ups and downs nor gains and losses I would have to endure only to leave soon leave my dream of saving the world around me. The cost to save even a small piece of the world was greater than I could afford to pay. Some say photography “is an expensive hobby” and I would have to agree.
After 3 years of being a hobbyist, I was faced with the necessity of transitioning from passion projects into professional sessions that could support my evolving family. I knew I could not abandon my purpose so God gave me a way to combine the two. As a commercial photographer, I have the privilege of helping business professionals reach their marketing goals by providing imagery (photography and videography) that is clear, conveys and converts. Almost every business requires visual marketing that both communicates with potential clients and also encourages client retention. Though I love working with businesses and entrepreneurs, my passion lives in the work I am able to create with non-profit organizations. The visual content I produce for my non-profit clients speaks to their mission, objectives and impact in the world.
My God given mission is to show His love to those that might not experience kindness on a daily basis. My start in photography was to be His arms and legs and 12 years later those arms and legs have grown two hands and two feet. Photography is allowing me the honor to help change lives for the better day after day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since I started the journey of becoming a professional photographer, two specific moments stand out. The first is the moment I booked my first session. I thought there was no stopping me and I was headed to becoming a 6 figure, world known photographer.
The second happened 5 years later when I was trying to understand why my business had stopped growing. Then it hit me… I needed a clearly defined visual brand story.
As a photographer, you would think this would have already occurred to me but I began in the photography world of family portraits and expecting mothers. Once I began visually (re)branding, my company and my life developed in ways I didn’t expect. I enjoyed creating a visual brand story for my company and was amazed in the results that followed. I immediately became so fascinated with commercial photography and the outcomes that follows each of my clients as a result of the visual brand stories I am able to deliver.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I specialize in and what I am most proud of are one in the same…. assisting non-profit organizations with their missions and outreach efforts. I love what happens when my passion meets the passion of each organization…it is undeniably magical. Together we are able to produce a collection of compelling visuals that are then shared with their donors, sponsors, board members and those that support their cause. These visuals are made up of headshots, group photographs, branding, outreach in action, behind the scenes and more.
Non-profit organizations rely heavily on visual content. To better assist all of my clients, I returned to the classroom to become a certified social media strategist. This additional piece of education sets me apart from my competitors because I was able to master the difference between an image used for a website versus an image that will be used as social media content. I let you in on a secret, though the content may be the same, each image should look completely different to fit its purpose. Becoming a student again also allows me to become directly involved with my clients.
Having this in my toolbox has been a game changer for my clients. Oftentimes I am asked to act as the organization’s marketing advisor concerning the upcoming fiscal year. During these meetings we discuss the projected calendar and how marketing will play an intricate role. I am able to provide them with not only visual content but also a social media content calendar to promote upcoming events and initiatives.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I am the youngest of 4 girls so I don’t have a memory that doesn’t include at least one of my sisters. As the youngest sister (we are all 2 years apart), I was never in charge of the activities and games we played but my older two sisters had imaginations out of this world. Their imaginations were extremely creative and oftentimes got us in a lot of trouble. One day my sisters said, “Let’s play restaurant.” They tell us younger sisters to go get dressed up and come back to the kitchen as if we are going to a fancy restaurant.
We happily ran off and put on our mom’s clothes and high heeled shoes. We apply loads of her make-up and too much perfume. Our mom was at work so she would never know or so we thought. When we return to the kitchen it is nothing like we left it. My older sisters have mixed and matched solids and liquids to make “meals” that are unrecognizable and uneditable. We sit at the kitchen table and pretend to eat.
My older sisters have now gone from cooks to servers as we laugh and pay for our meals with imaginary cash. Hours later the fun is over and mom will be home in 30 min. We clean-up and go play more in our rooms. It was an amazing day until… the real dinner time. While starting dinner, my mom realizes her ingredients are all missing. Needless to say we were all in trouble but as we sat in our rooms we laughed recounting the best day ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashmphotography.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ashmphotog
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-major-07b299183/
