Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Pardee.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I actually started photography as a mom wanting to document my own children better. At the time, I never imagined it would turn into a business, let alone something that would become such a big part of my identity and purpose. What began as simply wanting to preserve memories slowly grew into people asking me to photograph their families, pregnancies, and babies too.
Over time, I realized I was drawn to more than just taking pretty photos. I became deeply connected to the emotional side of it all. The transition into motherhood, the way women change during pregnancy, the quiet moments families don’t realize are meaningful until years later. That’s the part that stayed with me.
As both my work and confidence evolved, so did my vision for the experience I wanted to create. I moved toward a more editorial and intentional style while still keeping the emotion and connection at the center of everything. Today, I specialize in maternity, newborn, and motherhood photography through my studio, Ashley Lopez Photography, based near Kansas City.
What means the most to me is creating images that make people feel something about themselves when they see them. Especially mothers. So many women spend their lives behind the camera or waiting until they “feel ready” to be photographed. I love creating a space where they can feel seen, beautiful, and important in this chapter of their life.
It’s grown far beyond what I originally expected, but at its core, it still comes back to the same thing: preserving the people we love and the moments that change us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like a lot of small business owners, especially in creative industries, there have been many moments of uncertainty, self doubt, and learning things the hard way.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance being both an artist and a business owner at the same time. Photography is the part people see, but behind the scenes there is marketing, client communication, finances, editing, website management, social media, and constantly adapting to an industry that changes quickly.
I also built this business while raising four children, which has required a lot of flexibility and sacrifice. There were times when I questioned whether I was good enough, whether my work stood out, or whether I could truly turn this into something sustainable long term. Comparing yourself to others can be very easy in a creative field.
Another challenge was finding my own voice and style instead of trying to fit into what everyone else in the industry was doing. Over time, I realized the work became stronger when I leaned into what felt authentic to me emotionally driven, editorial inspired imagery that still feels deeply human and connected.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a portrait photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and motherhood photography through my studio, Ashley Lopez Photography based near Kansas City. My work is centered around documenting women and families during transformative moments in their lives, especially the transition into motherhood.
My style blends emotion with a more editorial approach. I love creating images that feel elevated and artistic while still feeling honest and deeply personal. A lot of my sessions take place in studio, where I focus on simplicity, connection, movement, and intentional styling so the people in the photograph remain the focus.
I think what I’m most known for is the feeling my images create. Clients often tell me they felt beautiful, confident, and truly seen during their session, which means more to me than any specific pose or image ever could. I guide my clients closely throughout the process so even people who feel nervous in front of a camera can relax into the experience.
What I’m most proud of is building something that feels meaningful not just visually, but emotionally. I never wanted this to feel like “just photos.” I wanted it to feel like an experience that reminds people of their value and preserves a chapter of life that moves incredibly fast.
What sets my work apart is that balance between emotion and artistry. I care deeply about creating beautiful imagery, but I care just as much about how people feel while they’re being photographed and years later when they look back at those images. I think that human connection is what gives photographs lasting value.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I’m actually fairly introverted. A lot of people assume photographers are naturally outgoing all the time because we spend our days directing sessions and connecting with clients, but I’m naturally much more quiet and observant.
I think that’s honestly part of what shaped my work. I notice small things very deeply. The way someone reaches for their child without thinking, the shift in confidence when a woman finally sees herself differently, the quiet in between moments that other people might overlook. I’m drawn much more to emotion and connection than perfection.
Another thing people may not realize is that I built this business while being a mom to four young children. Motherhood itself has influenced almost every part of my perspective and the way I photograph people. It’s made me more patient, more emotionally aware, and more connected to the importance of documenting life as it is right now, before it changes again.
Pricing:
- Portrait collections begin at $1,100
- Professional styling guidance and access to the studio wardrobe are included
- Flexible payment plans available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleylopezphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleylopezphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleylopezphotos
