Welcome to Cherish the Chapter Photography! I’m Ashley, the Bay Area-based, Northwest-obsessed bubbly blonde behind the lens. 

Finding a photographer to help you capture your current chapter of life can be deeply personal. You’re sharing your story, introducing them to loved family members, and potentially welcoming this person into your home. So it’s only fair that you learn a bit about your photographer, too. To help you get to know me, below are 5 fun facts (in a classic Millennial, content-marketing-best-practice, listicle):

1. I Fell in Love with Photography 25 Years Ago

I was gifted a “well-loved” black-and-white film SLR camera from my grandfather that I used while taking photography classes in high school. My approach was always very concept-focused, where I would come up with a theme or idea before the photoshoot and then beg my friends and sister to be my models to make my visions come to life. Years later, my uncle gifted me my first DSLR so that I could snap stunning photos while I lived in Italy! And I am SO thankful he did – I was able to take photos all over Europe of some of the world’s most iconic architecture, artwork, scenery, and food. Many, many of those photos are still my favorite to this day, I truly treasure them.

2. I’m a West Coast Gal

Born in the PNW and a big Seahawks fan, I grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California, went to university in Southern California, and popped back up to San Francisco to lead content and integrated marketing for some of the world’s biggest brands. Now I’ve settled in with my family in Sonoma, and I am excited to launch MY next chapter as I turn my 25-year love of photography into a legit business to help YOU cherish your chapter. 

3. I’m a Mom & Passionate About Supporting Women in All Seasons of Life

Being a mom is the absolute best and most exhausting job (cliche, yes, and very true), even with the most supportive partner. And I’m excited about launching my own women-owned business. Throughout my 18-year corporate marketing career (more on that below), I was always committed to advancing women in the workplace. That took many shapes, from serving on Women’s Employee Resource Group boards, to promoting members of my team. I currently serve as VP, Communications for the San Francisco Pi Beta Phi alumnae board, and can attest to the power of women connecting and supporting each other in the workplace. 

And when I became a mom, the scorecard completely shifted, and I re-focused my ambition on being Lead Parent. I am absolutely in awe of what women’s bodies are capable of in growing a whole human in just 9 months, the struggle it can take to get to that point, navigating postpartum depression, anxiety, and body changes, nursing for the recommended 2 years while navigating societal demands…women do A LOT. The “World’s Toughest Job” commercial from 10 years ago speaks to the demands of motherhood. Taking into account all the hats we wear, a modern mother (or single parent) should be earning $145k-$200k/year. All that to say, I know my mom clients are busy, overwhelmed, and underappreciated at the highest level, so I aim to make our sessions as seamless and enjoyable as I can.

Most importantly, I’m an advocate of women choosing their path: want to scale the corporate ladder? Amazing! Want to focus on family? Fabulous! Want to do both? Excellent! Here’s to you writing your chapter.

4. I’m a Visual and Written Storyteller

I have an 18-year Corporate Content & Social Marketing career telling stories for some of the world’s most iconic brands. But my love of telling stories started way before then–I wrote and designed my first book in elementary school. I loved learning about the hero’s journey arc. I liked balancing design and photography with the written word, which is why I was editor of my college and high school newspaper and magazines. At one point, I aspired to be a magazine editor, but turned that dream into a dream career as a Director of Content Marketing. While I still do some content consulting, I am excited to shift focus to visual storytelling. With Cherish the Chapter Photography, I get to fill my cup to help others capture precious, fleeting chapters in their lives with stunning photography you’ll treasure forever.

5. My favorite color is purple

It is absolutely part of my personality and permeates everything from my wardrobe to my website (I tried to make it subtle on the website because not everyone shares the same affinity/ obsession 🤣). In fact, when I first started my photography hobby, I operated under Something Purple Photography, a play on the wedding adage “Something Blue.” Don’t be surprised if I show up to your session wearing a shade of this royal hue.

 

And now that you know a bit about me, I am excited to get to know YOU. Reach out today for a quick video chat and let’s talk how we can cherish your current life chapter 📖✨.