Meet Ashley Longwell | Owner & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Longwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The most pivotal decision I made was building my business around my family rather than trying to fit my family into my business. From the very beginning, my goal wasn’t just entrepreneurship—it was presence. I wanted to be home with my children, experiencing every milestone and moment while also creating something meaningful and sustainable.

When I started, I would wear my daughter in a baby carrier during sessions, balancing motherhood and photography in the most tangible way. As my business has grown, so has my family. I am now a mother to four, with my oldest being six and my youngest just nine weeks. They are my driving force. Every decision I make in my business is rooted in the ability to be there for them—whether that means structuring my schedule to never miss bedtime or ensuring that my work enhances our life rather than taking me away from it.

I am also incredibly fortunate to have a supportive husband who has been by my side for over 12 years. His unwavering support and dedication as a father and husband have been instrumental in allowing me to prioritize our family while growing my business. He not only encourages my professional ambitions but also plays an active role in our family life, making it possible for me to be fully present for our children and every precious moment we share.

This mindset shift—prioritizing family while growing a thriving business—has been instrumental to my success. It has allowed me to create a brand that resonates deeply with other mothers, to attract clients who share my values, and to build a business that supports my life rather than one that controls it. More than anything, it has given me the freedom to be fully present for both my children and my passion, and that balance is what drives me forward every day.

What should our readers know about your business?
My photography business is a deeply personal extension of who I am and what I believe in. For me, every session is not just another photo shoot—it’s an opportunity to capture life’s fleeting moments with a level of care that my clients deserve. I pour my heart into every image, taking extra time to edit out distractions that I wouldn’t want in my own family portraits, whether that’s unwanted elements in the background or minor blemishes that don’t belong in a memory frozen in time.

What truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to family. I built my brand on the idea that I could have it all: a thriving business and a full, present family life. My children are my inspiration, and every decision I make is rooted in the desire to be there for them—never missing a cheerleading competition, baseball game, field trip, or family vacation. I’m incredibly grateful to have a supportive husband who has been by my side for over 12 years. His steady presence and encouragement have been my rock, allowing me to pursue my passion without ever sacrificing precious family moments.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I’m completely self-taught and faced countless challenges—perfecting my editing style, establishing a workflow, and learning to trust my unique vision. I’ve learned not to compare my work to others but to embrace my style with patience and grace. Today, I even mentor other photographers, guiding them on how to build a sustainable, six-figure photography business while still being a devoted parent.

Ultimately, my business is about more than photography. It’s about capturing the essence of life, cherishing every moment, and honoring the support of my family. My clients allow me to do what I love while being a present mom, and that is what makes this journey so incredibly special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my babies and my husband. As a mother, every day is a journey of love and resilience, and my kids are the light that guides me through even the toughest moments. Their laughter, their curiosity, and even their challenges remind me why I strive to be the best version of myself. My husband stands by me through every high and low—his unwavering support and quiet strength give me the courage to follow my dreams while cherishing every precious moment at home. Together, they form the foundation of my world, inspiring me to work hard and never lose sight of what truly matters: the love and connection we share as a family.

Website: https://Www.ashleyrosephotographyco.com

Instagram: @ashleyrosephotographyco