Meet the Photographer: APaige Photography

"I can't even put the right words together to describe how fantastic and talented Ashley is. So many things stand out—Her excitement over shots during the wedding, her cool and calm attitude in a hectic day, the way she makes you feel like you've known her for years and yet you just basically met...She is a gem to the photography world."

-Colleen, Bride
 

APaige Photography is one of those photographers who will go above and beyond for their clients. We know how important those wedding photos are, and Ashley has the eye to capture the true beauty of that special day. With an ethereal and fresh photography look, APaige Photography is the first choice of many brides. Based in Southwest Michigan, APaige Photography will continue to be favorite of Midwest brides for years to come! 
 

Read on to hear more from Ashley herself! 
 

Please tell us a little more about your business.

"I started to learn photography when I was 16. Like most people, I just bought a nice point and shoot to play around with to take on trips to document my family and our travels. One specific moment, I photographed one of my friends for fun (still with a point and shoot). She told me how much she adored the images and that she was wondering if I would consider taking her senior portraits. I became addicted to this feeling of providing confidence and making people feel beautiful. After interning with a studio photographer, and taking college courses for two years, I began my journey with APaige Photography, and it’s been a fast paced growth ever since."

What sets you apart from others? Why should a bride choose you?

"I have a pretty chill work ethic during the day of the wedding, meaning, I help my brides create timelines and get a good idea of how the day should go, but I go with the flow during the day of the wedding for many reasons. I know that wedding days can be hectic. That comes with having a lot of people in one place to do the same thing. We all are familiar with this dilemma during family holidays. So, during the time I help create the timeline, I make a bit of “oops” time that I know I can work with if things get delayed an hour or if unexpected events happen. I really think on my feet, rearrange events and just get my job done. If these means I have to stay an extra fifteen minutes, so be it. I am there for my couples, and I want to be as helpful as I can and feel more like a best friend than a business person. At the end of the day, I care a lot, I identify with being an artist, not a business owner, and I literally want people to have the best day they can."

Do you have anything else exciting that you would like to share?

"I’ve gotten published five times already for 2018 which is pretty incredible (via Two Bright Lights). My biggest accomplishment is a local gallery that I am doing a solo show in for my fine-art work during the end of February and through March. Following that, I will be graduating in May with a double-masters in Fine-Art Photography and Visual and Critical Studies (theory) from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI."
 

What inspires you as a wedding photographer?

"What inspires me? That’s a loaded question. I am inspired by many things. First, I am inspired by other artists. Whether these are fine artists, commercial artists or musicians. We all borrow techniques, editing styles, quotes and everything. Art is in a weird moment right now because it is relatively affordable (and such fast-paced), but that also causes some people to stop trying harder or stop learning. Secondly, I am inspired by constantly wanting to be better, for myself and for my clients. I am always seeking out new techniques, new editing styles, new Photoshop edits to create more fine-art styled portraits, and I am constantly updating my equipment to produce the best quality of images. Thirdly, I am inspired by people. Now, this is a rather vague sentence, but I also mean it in a very vague way. I am inspired by kind, empathetic, warm-hearted people. I am inspired by those that feel less than and take them on as a challenge to show them their true worth. This occurs in my fine-art work, but also in my wedding work. Grooms and brides look their happiest selves and most genuine selves on their wedding day. I feel this is impossible to capture in an unflattering or bad way. So, my goal is to take this full out BEAUTY and turn it into art. I want to 'wow' my bride and grooms, I want to make them laugh and I want them to remember having fun and not being posed." 

What do you love most about photographing weddings?

"Networking, meeting new people, and most importantly, making those I am around laugh. Whether this means in front of my camera or to an uncle Joe sitting near me for a duration of time during the wedding. If people are in front of cameras, they can feel awkward. My goal is to break this awkwardness and really bring out joy. So I guess I am addicted to the laughter, addicted to meeting others and in some way influencing them and being told that I helped make the day so much more enjoyable than it would have been without me."

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