This wife and mama from central Florida is such a sweet photographer! I loved getting to learn a bit about her photography journey. She is self taught and a natural people person. Her growing family is priority which is why photography is such a great fit. She's learned how to succeed in this industry without losing what matters most. As a creative, Ashley Warmstein doesn't just do photography. She's been remodeling her forever home too! I'm pleased to introduce you to our student spotlight: Ashley Warmstein of Ashley Danielle Photography!

Tell me a little about your photography business!

I have been in business for 8 years. I currently shoot from the Baby Bump & beyond. In the beginning, my photography business started out as a side gig to my full time job, shooting for close friends and family. Over time though, it started to grow and my client list expanded. In December 2021, I quit my 21 year career as a children's dance instructor to pursue my photography business full time! So far, it has been a dream and my schedule has been packed all year long, and even booking 4-6 months out! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to capture so many priceless memories for my clients and support my family at the same time!

What started your photography journey?

From an early age, I was always a crafty kid. I loved being creative, whether that was dancing, coloring, scrapbooking, school projects… I craved outlets in life to be creative! This is a trait I clearly inherited from my mom as she is the same way! Growing up, our walls were always filled with family portraits, and photo albums were always left out on coffee tables. I've always cherished having those and as I got older I knew that's how I wanted my future to look too! So, when I was in high school, I picked up my mom's DSLR camera and started teaching myself how to use it. I just started capturing anything I could and FELL IN LOVE!

What is your favorite thing about running a photography business?

I absolutely LOVE capturing the pure, organic moments shared by a family during their session! And being able to pass along lifetime memories to them is so precious – the way their little girl likes to play with mom's necklace or twirl her hair when she is feeling shy, or the sweet gummy smile their baby gives when dad lifts them high over his head. Children grow so fast – time passes so quickly, and having these little details captured in time to remember forever is truly priceless. The gift of a memory – that's definitely my favorite part.

What is something you’ve achieved that you’re proud of?

My biggest achievement so far is that I'm able to support my family with my photography business! I no longer have to work a separate full time job to help pay the bills, and I get to spend everyday with my daughter as a SAHM watching her grow! I could not be more grateful to have amazing family, friends and clients who believe in me so whole heartedly!

If you could tell your past self one thing, what would it be?

Believe in yourself and your talent. Don't compare who you are and where you are in your journey with anyone else. Trust that your journey and where you are is exactly where you are supposed to be. There will be hard days, even hard months… but in the end, everything you've made it through will be 110% worth it!

Where can we find Ashley Warmstein of Ashley Danielle Photography!

+ Website
+ Instagram
+ Facebook

Don’t forget to check out other recent Student Spotlights!