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Conversations with Ashley Fewell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Fewell.

Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Absolutely! My photography journey started with an old Nikon Coolpix digital camera and a love for capturing everyday beauty. Over time, that passion grew into something much deeper. I eventually upgraded to a Nikon D5600, started learned everything I could about light, composition, and editing, and started photographing friends and family just for fun.

As my skills and confidence grew, so did the opportunities—senior portraits, maternity shoots, family sessions and now I’m jumping into weddings. I started Lens of Love Photography to focus on creating emotional, natural, and timeless images for people during the most meaningful moments of their lives.

Today, I primarily shoot with a Nikon D780, specializing in senior portraits, maternity, family, engagements, and weddings. I also enjoy styled sessions and have a passion for landscape photography. I blend posed and candid shots, with an editing style that keeps colors true to life—just slightly desaturated to create a soft, pleasing aesthetic. My goal in every session is to make clients feel comfortable, confident, and seen, so their photos reflect who they truly are.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road—like most creative journeys, mine has had its ups and downs. In the beginning, I struggled with confidence. I’d compare myself to other photographers and second-guess my work constantly. Learning how to pose people naturally, understand lighting in all conditions, and edit consistently took time and lots of trial and error.

Running a business on top of being a photographer is also a challenge. Things like pricing my work fairly, handling contracts, and managing social media are skills I had to learn as I went. There were seasons when bookings were slow, or when I felt creatively burnt out and questioned if I was really cut out for this.

But every obstacle has taught me something. The early mistakes helped me learn. And through it all, I’ve stayed committed to making people feel beautiful, celebrated, and seen through my lens.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the owner and photographer behind Lens of Love Photography. My work is a mix of posed and candid moments, with a focus on natural emotion and connection. I aim to keep my editing true to life, with slightly desaturated tones that bring a calm, timeless feel to every image.

What sets me apart is how I connect with my clients. I put a lot of energy into making people feel comfortable in front of the camera—especially those who might be shy or nervous. I coach them through poses in a way that feels easy and authentic, so the final photos reflect their real personalities and emotions.

What I’m most proud of is when people tell me, “I’ve never liked pictures of myself before—until now.” That means everything to me. Being able to give someone confidence through a photo, or capture a moment they’ll treasure forever, is why I do what I do.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely—this journey wouldn’t be what it is without the people who supported me along the way. First and foremost, my husband Tonni, my family and close friends have been my biggest cheerleaders. They trusted me with their memories long before I had the experience or confidence, and they encouraged me to keep going even when I doubted myself.

I’ve also had some amazing clients who believed in me early on. They shared my work, left kind reviews, and came back to me year after year. That word-of-mouth support has been a huge part of growing my business.

While I haven’t had one specific mentor, I’ve learned so much from the photography community—both online and locally. Watching how others work, handle challenges, and grow creatively has inspired me to keep learning and improving.

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