Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Mercer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have had a love for art as long as I can remember. I went to Saginaw Valley for art when I graduated from high school and only made it a semester before I realized that wasn’t the kind of art I was interested in. I paused my creativity for a few years, moving to different states and back home again, always looking for something in life that really brought me happiness.
Five years ago, I gave birth to my amazing daughter. Unfortunately, she was injured during birth and is partially paralyzed on the left side. I wasn’t able to go back to my job as a dental assistant, so I was a stay-at-home mom for a year, just taking pictures of my sweet girl. I started taking pictures for friends and family just to help pay for medical bills and to help my family stay a-float. At the time, she was in therapy three days a week, had a spinal surgery, and I was traveling to the University of Michigan once a week for appointments. So, any little money helped my family big time.
Not very long after offering free sessions, my photography started blowing up. People started recommending me, and I started meeting the best families and seeing returning clients. Juggling a newborn with an injury, hospital appointments, and starting a business wasn’t easy. But this has been the most rewarding journey I’ve been on yet.
As I continue on this journey, I find myself constantly inspired by the families I work with and the stories they share. Every session is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level. I cherish the moments when parents share their hopes and dreams for their children, or when siblings burst into laughter during a candid shot. These experiences remind me that photography is about more than just images; it’s about capturing the essence of relationships and the special moments that define our lives.
With each passing year, I’ve also delved into new styles of photography, experimenting with different techniques, lighting, and compositions. I’ve embraced the challenge of pushing myself out of my comfort zone, whether that means capturing the raw emotions of a wedding day or the quiet intimacy of a newborn session. Every project teaches me something new, and I am grateful for the creative growth that comes from stepping outside of my usual boundaries.
Maci continues to be my greatest source of motivation. I love involving her in my work whenever possible, whether it’s letting her help with props, using her as a model for practice shots, or allowing her to bring her own camera and tag along to sessions. Watching her grow and thrive, despite the challenges she faces, fills my heart with so much happiness. I want her to see that passion can turn into purpose and that hard work pays off, even in the face of adversity.
As I approach this milestone of five years, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what lies ahead. I have built a brand that reflects my values, my artistry, and my love for my daughter. Meeting families year after year and capturing their evolving stories is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. At the end of the day, my hope is to create not just beautiful photographs but lasting memories that families can cherish for generations. I am grateful for the path I’ve traveled, and Im excited for the memories yet to be made. With Maci by my side and a camera in hand, I am ready to embrace whatever comes next in this beautiful journey.
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?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling. Despite obstacles, I feel grateful for the progress I’ve made. It has been a challenge balancing mom life and business life, but I remind myself that I’m doing my best. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, but I focus on my achievements and the remarkable growth I’ve experienced in a short time. My photography has all been self-taught. I started off by watching Youtube videos and practicing on anyone who would allow me to. I think learning the business side of photography has been one of the biggest challenges for me, especially learning how to accurately price my sessions for what I am worth. I am always growing and learning as I go.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Over the past 5 years, I have wanted to niche down and figure out what I wanted to specialize in as a photographer, but my problem is I love every session and the uniqueness that goes into each one. If I had to choose a favorite, I would say maternity/newborn photography holds a special place in my heart. I love capturing growing families and getting to be a part of so many special moments. Capturing couples is also top on my list. I love when couples allow me to bring their visions to life, and I love when they allow me full creative freedom to make their photos everything they have dreamed of. If you had to ask clients, I would say I am most known for my creativity and how personable I am with my clients. I can just meet you, and within 5 minutes, it feels like I’ve known you forever. I put a lot of heart and creative thought into every session, and I know that plays a huge role in my returning clients.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think one of my best qualities for working with many different people is my ability to make everyone feel comfortable and confident in what they are doing and how they are doing it. Helping to pose clients in front of my camera in a way that makes them comfortable is something I believe I thrive at.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages start at $2500 with complimentary engagement sessions included with most wedding packages
- Engagement and Couple sessions $350
- Family sessions start at $300 – Extended Family sessions start at $600
- Maternity & Newborn are $300 each or $500 if booked together
- Lifestyle sessions starting at $275 Travel fees may apply
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ajmphotography.godaddysites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographybyajm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJMphotography00/
