Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McMahon.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I wish I knew I always wanted to be a photographer, but what fun is that? Growing up, I was always the one with the camera – from film cameras to (now) embarrassing photoshoots with friends to the yearbook club – you name it! I was obsessed with freezing moments and memories. We had a house fire growing up where we lost everything. Every baby photo, every family photo, and so many memories were gone (this was pre-Facebook times!). This experience catapulted me into my passion and love for photography and cherishing memories that pass us by. But no one filled me in on the fact that this passion could be a career. So, I did what most 18 years old’s did – college! Let me tell you. Those were some of the best years of my life and ones that I captured on camera (iPhone photos have come a long way). I received my undergrad degree in Psychology and decided to continue to climb the ladder and pursue my Master’s Degree in Social Work. About halfway through my program, I knew something was missing, but I pushed through until graduation thinking those “off” feelings would change. 8 years of school had passed, and my husband encouraged me to pick a hobby and do something I enjoy. My graduation gift? A new camera. I couldn’t put it down again when I picked it up! I had fallen in love with the wedding industry when we married in 2017 and knew couples and weddings were my things! Ash McMahon Photography was officially born in 2019 and to say I am exactly where I am meant to be is an understatement. It just took “a few” years of school, a lifetime of student loans, and realizing the gift I had all along could be my career. I wouldn’t change a thing!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The saying goes, “nothing worth having comes easy,” right? I have a background in social work and never envisioned myself running my own business and being my boss! I built my business from the ground up, and it has had its growing pains. As soon as I started to feel like my head was above water, COVID happened in 2020. And completely shut everything down – including my momentum for some time. Through that time, I learned the biggest lesson – you must keep pivoting no matter what is thrown your way. It is me, myself, and I! I didn’t have anyone to lean on to keep my business going.
I was also (luckily) working another full-time job. Although I loved the people I worked with, I knew my ultimate goal was to pursue photography full-time. & two jobs working all hours of the day/night were quickly burning me out. The main thing in my way was myself. I am a logistical person (in more real terms, an overthinker!). I felt it had to be the “perfect” scenario to go full-time. Over time I learned there is no such thing. However, I ended up moving from Madison, WI, to Duluth, MN, in 2021 and decided that would be the time to make the “jump.” While I was also 3 months pregnant. Why not do all the life changes at once, right? Of course, being a new mom makes the road of running a business a little bumpy again, but she is my “why,” and I hope one day when she has a natural talent and gift, I can look at her and say – “run with it.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in couples and wedding photography! If I could describe myself in one word: sentimental. I would say that is fitting for a wedding photographer, right?! I am nostalgic and love that my job is freezing time and allowing others to relive some of the best days of their lives! I know how it feels to be in front of a camera, and let me tell you – I prefer being behind it. My goal is always to make my couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and above all else I want their photos to feel like them in 5, 10, or 50 years. I incorporate a lot of movement during my sessions, and although I am a photographer, I always tell my couples to pretend like I am taking a video – it keeps them moving and helps them to loosen up and have fun! One thing that distinguishes me from others is my connection and overall experience I develop with my clients. It might sound cliche, but it is my business’s core. I hope that my couples connect with me from our first video call. I don’t want to be just ‘another vendor’ or ‘another transaction’ in the long list of wedding to-dos. I think feeling comfortable with your photographer to capture intimate and special moments won’t be the same if we don’t vibe. I often leave wedding days feeling both excited for the newlyweds and selfish in thinking our time together (at least on a calendar) is over. The wedding day isn’t always the end, though! Often I get to capture the “rest of their lives” – anniversaries, pregnancy announcements, newborn photos, etc. Maybe it is my background in social work, but aside from freezing time connecting with other amazing humans is the cherry on top!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many incredible photographers out there that have directly or indirectly helped me throughout the years of my business – it would be hard to name them all, but I am so thankful! I have to give the most credit and the biggest shoutout to my husband, Brooks. He was the one who encouraged me to pick my camera back up after school (he bought it for me after all!). He has been my #1 cheerleader, my second photographer (before he took on the role of being a dad), and the one I know I can go to for everything. He has his background in business, and we always laugh at how life unfolds – like I said, running a business was not in the 5-year plan! Between his business background and unconditional support and love, I can say I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. From taking my hobby to a career, navigating a pandemic, going full time, growing our family, moving states, traveling, and the late nights – he has never left my side.
I could name a million others to give thanks to – my couples who trust me to capture their most special moments. My family and friends that have always supported me in all of my endeavors. & I really can’t forget myself. I am thankful for my drive to follow my passion and my courage to ‘leave it all behind’ to pursue what makes me the happiest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashmcmahonphotography.com
- Instagram: @ashmcmahonphotography
Image Credits
Ash McMahon Photography
