Ashley Rogers Photography

Hey friends! Just a quick heads-up: all photos have been sent your way, so that means I've officially reached the finish line of this incredible journey. If you've had a session with me lately and haven't grabbed your images yet, make sure to do that before the end of this month. After that, I'll be wrapping up my file transfer subscription and your images will no longer be available for download. As always, let me know if you have any questions or need me to re-send links from recent sessions!

It's with a heavy heart that I share this message. Photography has been my soul's calling, a passion that fueled my spirit and brought immense joy. But life has a funny way of shifting priorities, and right now, I find myself at a crossroads.

I've made the difficult decision to temporarily halt all new bookings. For those with confirmed contracts and deposits, rest assured, your sessions will be honored with the utmost care and dedication.

Lately, the juggling act between my beloved camera lens, the demands of my corporate job, and the hectic schedules of my children has left me feeling drained. The balance I once effortlessly maintained now feels elusive. My family, my anchor, deserves more of my undivided attention. I've missed precious moments, traded breakfast conversation for early-morning editing marathons, traded time at my children's practices for evening shooting, and the weight of that absence has grown heavy.

My corporate role, which I cherish deeply, has evolved, demanding more of my time and unpredictably claiming evenings and weekends. The resurgence of travel for both my husband and me means I can't commit as reliably as I once could.

This isn't an easy choice to make. It's heart-wrenching to step away, even for a short while. But within this pause lies an opportunity to recalibrate, to redefine what photography means in my life. Family always comes first, and I've felt the pang of guilt too often this past season.

Yet, this isn't goodbye forever. It's a chance for introspection, to carve out a new balance that honors my passion for photography while prioritizing the moments that matter most. I'm immensely grateful for this privilege to hit pause, to reflect, and hopefully return with renewed energy and inspiration.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and understanding. Your belief in my work fuels my determination to come back stronger. My wish is that this break is just a chapter, not the end of the story.

Hey friends, it's been quite a week—a long, emotionally exhausting one. To be real, I think I hit a burnout point yesterday. I'm wired as a people pleaser, tend to overcommit, and only realize it's overwhelming when it's too much. I found myself in tears, questioning everything, a ritual around this time every year when fatigue and overwork collide.

But life throws these unexpected moments, right? Last night, instead of our usual bedtime stories, my girls dug out our holiday card collection. I keep them every year. We flipped through, maybe 2-3 years' worth, and as we did, the girls kept asking, "Mommy, did you take this picture?" Most times, the answer was yes. And suddenly, it hit me—the reason why. Seeing all those moments captured on paper, the joy families share during the holidays through my photos—that's what keeps me going.

Looking at our own card from last year hit me even harder. I froze as I saw my eldest gazing up at Santa in the park—the epitome of belief. I captured that innocence, that magical phase. I could see it in her eyes on last year's card—she believed in the magic. This year, it's different. She's grown, aware of the truth. It nearly brought me to tears.

This year's Santa pictures will hold just as much significance for me as last year's did. They each tell a unique story—a final year of belief and the beginning of a new role, preserving that magic for her little sister.

And here I am, crying again. Isn't it wild what a single picture can evoke?

Hope y'all had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend! I went down to South Florida for family time and snuck in some work too. I must give a shoutout to this amazing mama who's been my photography inspiration.

This lady, Meg, got me hooked on photography when her kiddo, C, who is a bit older than my eldest, Maddie, was born. She took the most incredible images of her son, and once Maddie arrived, she encouraged me to use my fancy camera too. And, boom, I found my love for photography. I didn't study it formally, but Meg's guidance was gold. She's why I started my photo business and even the inspiration for the class I wrote for parents to take better pictures of their kiddos.

Meg got me into personal photo projects like a 365-day challenge and my yearly 'Days of Summer' and 'Days of December' series. She's a pro at capturing moments, and her pics blow my mind every time she shares them.

Had the most heart-to-heart chat with a long-time client recently. She showered me with praise for my business journey, reminiscing about how far we've come since our initial $200 shoot years ago – talk about a throwback! 😄 During our conversation, I mentioned the pricing evolution over time, almost in a self-deprecating manner. But her response was an absolute gem. She shut down any notion of apology, stating that as my skills, attention to detail, customer service, and image quality have all soared, it's only natural for prices to adjust accordingly. The value in the complete package is now beyond compare.

And here's a darling newborn, totally unrelated to the post here, but oh-so-adorable. I've been missing these sweet baby sessions amidst the family hustle, but I'm gearing up to capture some adorable newborn moments in early 2024! Can't wait! 📸👶✨

Thinking about a a Small Business Saturday surprise ......

My feed's been buzzing with adorable kiddos and beautiful families lately, but rest assured, I'm still capturing those precious belly moments and the magic of newborns! January and February are all booked up for newborn sessions, but I can make room for a couple of maternity sessions in early 2024. Plus, I'm now open for bookings for newborns due from March 2024 onwards! ✨📸💫

📸✨ Capturing the essence of childhood in a photograph is nothing short of magical! 🌟 Yesterday, I finally broke down my Personality Portrait setup after nearly a month. I was itching to reclaim my space for the upcoming festive season and set up the Christmas tree! 🎄 But, having that setup at home for so long, though initially overwhelming and kind of an eye-sore, was totally worth it.

The moments frozen in these personality portraits are beyond precious! I'm planning to dive deeper into these in 2024 because, honestly, they are EVERYTHING. The versatility they offer is mind-blowing! From creating stunning wall art that adds soul to your home to crafting heartfelt gifts for grandparents, the possibilities are endless.

I'm speaking from experience. I've got these fun shots of my girls adorning the walls of their playroom, bringing an extra sprinkle of happiness to their space. And oh, the reactions from gifting these portraits to my parents and in-laws? 🎁👵👴 Priceless! These portraits have become the ultimate showstoppers, radiating year-round joy on their walls.

Investing in these moments is a gift that keeps on giving. Trust me, the smiles, the memories, the sheer delight—they're worth every click! 🌟💖

🌟 Have you seen my latest highlight reel yet? 😍

Yesterday, I treated myself to a well-deserved day off from my corporate job, and oh boy, was it productive! 💪

Started off with a much-needed haircut and color by the fabulous Angie, followed by an hour of pure bliss with the amazing Quita from Uplifting Palms Massage Therapy for a relaxing massage. 💆‍♀️

Then, I dived into curating my family's fall photo outfits, meticulously explaining every choice and thought process. 🍂🧥👗 I've got it all captured in my reel - perfect inspiration if you're feeling stuck with your outfits! Trust me, this could be just what you need! 🌟

Want to make your photographer's day? Here are FREE ways to sprinkle some happiness:

1️⃣ Spread the Word! 🗣️ Share the love by telling your friends about us. Your referral is the best compliment and means the world!

2️⃣ Google Review Power! ✍️ Your words have magic! Pen a Google review - it's not just a pat on the back; it helps new clients find us through SEO & ranking sorcery! 🌟

3️⃣ Love Your Pics? Tell Us! 😄 Seriously, after we send your gallery, a text of praise keeps our anxiety at bay! Your happy dance means the world to us! (Pssst... the panic is real if we don't hear from you! 😅)

Let's make this a win-win! You make our day, and we keep capturing those picture-perfect moments!

Hey everyone! 📸 Guess who's trying to get back on the social media train with some fresh content? Yours truly! 🚂 Apologies for the neglect – been too busy capturing moments and getting creative behind the lens. But hey, I'm here now and ready to share the season's awesomeness with y'all! 🌟

These personality-packed portraits have been stealing the show! Started off as a single-day affair but ended up being a whopping four days of fun with 10 fantastic families! 😄

I have one more family lined up this Saturday, another on December 3, and then it's farewell to the setup until January. Huge thanks to all my amazing clients for choosing this portrait magic – y'all rock!

I'm totally smitten with these shots, and I can't wait to see what my clients do with 'em! 🤩 Keep those pics coming, folks! 📸✨

About halfway through fall sessions and I've got to say, my clients are just incredible! Despite all the rescheduling due to weather hiccups, you all have been so understanding and flexible – I seriously appreciate it.

Quick update on the editing front: I'm doing my best to edit as quickly as I can. Balancing a full-time job alongside this means my editing hours are mostly between 4-6 a.m. Right now, my turnaround time is about 2 weeks, but I'm aiming for quicker!

Here's a tip: the sooner you finalize your selections, the sooner I'll be able to edit them and deliver them to you. :)

While I'm nearly booked solid, there are a few last-minute openings due to rescheduled sessions, including one this Friday night at the spot shown in this image! If it catches your eye, shoot me a DM for details. 📷✨"

Another round of personality minis happening this morning! I just love these so much. This style is so versatile and bound to bring smilies year round. Print these big people! You won't regret it.

🎅 Last-Minute Magic Alert! 🎁✨ A magical opportunity just opened up! 🚨 Due to a scheduling twist, there's ONE spot left for my exclusive Santa in the Park sessions!🌟 Step away from the ordinary mall Santa experience and dive into the REAL DEAL!

Your little one gets an exclusive 3-5 minutes with Santa, creating unforgettable moments and sharing their heartfelt wish list. 🎄 I'll be there to capture every smile, giggle, and even the precious tears that make for cherished memories. 📸 Each session includes a keepsake ornament featuring a favorite photo, and you can opt for a storybook to relive the enchantment year after year.

SIBLINGS can share the magic in one session! 🤩👫 Hurry, it's the season for pure joy, and this spot won't last long! 🎅✨

Book it here: https://book.usesession.com/s/QdkTF41vq

Have I mentioned I LOVE Personality Portraits?? These are definitely one of my favorite types of sessions – especially when it comes to those kiddos with big and wild personalities! 🌟

I don't just adore the final result, but I absolutely cherish the whole experience. Let me tell you about this incredible family session! 📸

When they first walked in, I could tell the boys were less than thrilled about the idea of "boring family photos." 😅 But within a minute or so, the giggles started flowing, and by the time they walked out the door, I had to ask on a scale of 1 to 10 how fun it was. Their answer? A solid 7! Y'all, I'll take it!! 🎉

I'll be all set up again this Saturday morning for two more amazing families who couldn't make it on the original date, and I might just be able to squeeze in one more family. So, if you're ready to capture those candid, lively moments, send me a DM for the booking link! 📷✨

I have a passion for capturing moments at the beach. My initial beach mini session day was incredible, although the wind was a bit... intense. To be perfectly candid, I truly adore the dynamic element that the wind brings to my photographs. For me, there's something evocative about the way it infuses emotion into an image. This is probably because we all know I have preference for candid shots, and the wind adds a captivating sense of movement that resonates with me.

On this day, the winds were blowing at approximately 15 miles per hour and I made it work and got some incredible images for my awesome families. However, last week, the forecast predicted gusts of up to 30 miles per hour, so I rescheduled day 2. Regrettably, the new date I've chosen isn't showing promising weather conditions either. It's a bit frustrating, to say the least.

I'm curious to hear from my clients: do you appreciate the captivating effect of the wind and the added dimension it lends to the images, like me?

And to my fellow photographers, I'm interested in your personal guidelines for when you decide to reschedule due to windy conditions.

I wanted to take a moment to chat about my photography style, and I truly hope it resonates with some of you.

I totally get it -- those classic "look at the camera and smile" shots have their place, and they're wonderful in their own way. But, hear me out...

I've always believed that family photos should be a true reflection of your unique story. The giggles, the cozy snuggles, the little ones who grow up way too fast. Those are the moments that will make your heart swell with love and nostalgia 5, 10, 15 years down the road.

When I look back at the photos of my own kids over the years, my heart skips a beat with the memories that come flooding back. That time my little Kenzie was light enough to toss in the air – she is too old for that now! 😭 Or, the moments when shy little Maddie snuggled up in my lap – she's not that little bundle anymore. One of my favorite images is of my dad and my eldest strolling towards the waves, hand-in-hand, their backs to the camera. I can't even see their faces, but that photo makes me FEEL something deep in my soul.

I've poured over a decade into perfecting the art of capturing these natural, heartfelt moments during family photoshoots. So, when one of my clients for tonight's mini-session said she mainly wants just one traditional shot and the rest candid, it made my heart soar! She understands that sometimes, it's those unposed, unscripted moments that truly shine.

Here's to genuine, heartfelt photography, and the memories that last a lifetime. 🥰💫

Oh, and I added a new beach date, so have two spots left at the beach on Nov. 28. Book it here: https://book.usesession.com/s/LpAfBgNvn

I had a chat with a friend yesterday, diving deep into the world of photography. 📷 Last weekend, I had the pleasure of capturing his daughters during my mini sessions. During our conversation, he made a keen observation - that the 15 minutes behind the camera is just a tiny fraction of the real work that goes into photography. It was so refreshing to hear that acknowledgment, as many people often wonder, "Why does photography cost what it does?" 🤔

But let me tell you, it's so much more than just clicking that shutter button. Just this very morning, I dedicated a whole hour to managing my booking site and adding new dates to accommodate reschedules due to weather and more. 🗓️

The good news is, my booking site is now up and updated, and I've opened up some exciting options for this fall - including WEEKEND SESSIONS! 🍂 I know these are highly sought after, and they weren't originally in my plan, but because life is unpredictable, I've made it happen. 🌟

One weekend session is already fully booked (at the beach 🏖️), but you can join the waitlist in case a last-minute spot becomes available. And there's one more fantastic option - my absolute favorite spot in Geneva. Want to capture stunning moments on a SUNDAY? Don't wait; secure your spot now via the link below! 📆🌞

https://book.usesession.com/s/6s8B6iw6G

Embracing the crisp Fall air as I check my calendar and prepare for my upcoming outdoor sessions! This particular location is a personal favorite. Two of the three spots for Thursday, Nov 9, are already booked. If you're considering it, don't hesitate to secure the last available spot. Especially if you're in the Oviedo/Winter Springs/Chuluota area, this spot is perfect - so versatile with backdrop options, conveniently close, easy parking, and rarely crowded. Link to book: https://book.usesession.com/s/6s8B6iw6G

I can't really pick a favorite session, but there's just something magical about every photoshoot by the beach that resonates with me deeply. Growing up near the water, I feel completely in my element, with my toes buried in the sand, my hair tousled by the ocean breeze, and the scent of salt in the air. The beach, to me, is where I truly belong, and it's an incredible backdrop for capturing genuine, candid moments, especially with kids. 🏖

I'm over the moon excited because next week marks the start of my beach mini sessions! If you're one of the lucky ones who secured one of the three spots, check your email for a link to schedule your image reveal appointment. 📷

This is a new and exciting service I'm offering, and I absolutely adore it. No more sifting through massive image galleries and second-guessing your choices. We sit down together, and with the help of my user-friendly software, we breeze through the selection process. In just 20 minutes, most clients have their favorites locked in, sparing them hours in front of the computer.
Let's make your photo experience stress-free and enjoyable!

📸✨ Last weekend was an absolute blast capturing these mother and son personality portraits! This adorable family is no stranger to my lens, and they never fail to bring a smile to my face. 😊 Swipe to see a few of the images that mama chose at her ordering appointment – I'm loving her selections and can't wait to see how she'll display these precious memories in her home. 💕⁠
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Due to the overwhelming interest in these, I've got my gear all set up for two more sessions this Sunday! Plus, guess what? 🎉 We've had a few scheduling changes, which means two open spots are still available for the original date on the 29th. 🗓️ ⁠
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I don't always have the flexibility to shuffle things around, but since these sessions are indoors, I've got a bit more wiggle room! Snag one of these remaining spots before they're gone!

https://book.usesession.com/s/S0U_28l4n

Let's dive deep into the world of social media and its often illusory nature. You know, those perfectly curated highlight reels that make life seem flawless? Well, reality check time - it's not always as it appears. 🤯

Recently, I stumbled upon a mind-blowing documentary that delves into how social media can play tricks on our self-esteem. And, as a mom of a middle schooler, I'm increasingly aware of the impact of technology. If I'm being totally honest, I'm really, really worried about it.

It's astonishing how the number of followers or the likes on a post can dictate our self-worth. This goes for both adults and children. News flash: some business owners even resort to buying followers or joining engagement pods to keep up appearances! 🤷‍♀️

Now, I've got to confess; I've fallen into that trap too. Well, I've never paid for followers, haha, but I have joined those Social Media pods and felt obligated to be on certain platforms for two hour blocks doing nothing but commenting on other photos with these generic comments and you guys -- I just refuse to do that anymore. I truly don't care how many followers or likes my posts have. I'm keeping plenty busy with my corporate career and doing photography on the side - I'd rather spend any free time with my kids than worry about social media engagement.

But, we've all been there when it comes to sharing images though, right? Posting our best angles, editing out the bloopers, and slapping on filters to create the 'perfect' image. But let's face it - life is more like a rollercoaster than a glossy magazine cover. We all have those moments when we stumble, and we all mess up from time to time, because that's what makes us beautifully human.

So, here's me getting real. These pictures, taken by Kenzie last weekend, are far from perfect (although for an 8 year old, she did pretty good). 😅 There's a blurry shot and some not-so-great composition, but you know what? That's life! With a little help from Photoshop or a filter, we can make it all seem perfect, even if it's far from the truth.

This post doesn't have a hidden agenda; it's just me, sharing my thoughts. I just want to remind people that what we see on social media isn't always the full story. You ARE good enough!

Hey, everyone! 🤗

I'm super excited to share some behind-the-scenes news with you all. I've just wrapped up creating a style guide for families and personality portraits, and now my weekend mission is to complete a newborn style guide. 📷✨

You know, I've always been the type to chat with my clients about every detail during our pre-session consultations, but I've decided it's time to put it all in one place (well, on a digital screen, at least). Why, you ask? So I can follow up with each consult by sending an email with everything neatly written down. 💌✅

Now, here's where you all come in! While I may consider myself an expert in the realm of in-home newborn sessions, I'm always eager to learn and improve. That's why I want to hear from you: when you had your newborn photos done, what questions did you have that left you feeling like you could use a little extra guidance? 🤔💭

Your input means the world to me, and I want to make sure this guide is as comprehensive as possible. So please, drop your questions, concerns, or anything you think would be helpful in the comments below.

For the past several years, I've been offering child-only personality portraits, and the love and joy they bring are absolutely heartwarming! 🥰 While props have their charm, I've always been a firm believer in keeping it simple and letting the little ones steal the spotlight. 🌟

Clean, neutral backgrounds are my canvas, and they make every child's personality shine through brilliantly. It's the simplicity that makes these portraits so captivating – your gaze is immediately drawn to the adorable kiddos. 😍

In this recent shoot, we kicked things off with those timeless classics, and then it was time for a magical transformation into festive PJs! 🎅🤶🎄 We turned up the holiday tunes, had a dance-off, and created memories that will last a lifetime. 🎶💃🕺

This year's schedule for personality portraits is already booked solid, but due to popular demand, I'm thinking about adding a second day. If you're as excited as I am, let me know.

Also, if you've signed up this year, what are you most excited for? The family shots, the classic attire, or the holiday PJS???

Family is EVERYTHING to me! When I found out I was going to be a mama, I picked up my first DSLR camera, and what started as a hobby became an obsession. Years of learning and countless photography courses later, I'm here with hundreds (maybe thousands) of precious pictures of my girls' early years. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Kids grow up in the blink of an eye, and these moments are fleeting. 💫 I'm on a mission to help families like yours preserve all those milestones and details. 📷

I'm not just a photographer; I'm passionate about creating beautiful memories for you. I promise patience with fussy newborns, laughter with those camera-shy little ones, and minimal dad-torture! 😄❤️

This is an honor, not just a job. Contact me for sessions or to learn the art of capturing your own kiddos' precious moments! 📩

Is the fear of your kids not behaving perfectly in photos is holding you back from capturing those special moments? 📷💔

It's completely understandable to desire that everyone-looking-perfect family shot because, let's be real, they look amazing and Instagram-worthy. But let's also acknowledge that this isn't always reality. The pressure to be "perfect" on social media can be so overwhelming at times.

Sure, I always aim to get that picture-perfect shot, but lately, I've been asking myself, "Why does that one matter so much?" 🤔

Think about it: 5, 10, 15 years down the road, what will give you those heartwarming feels? 🥰 Will it be saying, "We were so perfect in 2023!" or will it be reminiscing about the time when [child] used to suck her thumb for comfort, when [child] had an obsession with trucks, or when [child] still so little and all she wanted was to be held by her daddy? 💕

I believe that what truly matters are those unscripted, imperfect, and heartwarming moments that make us smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry. 🙌❤️ These are the moments that I feel I specialize in -- I just love to create memories and capture the essence of the journey as a family.

So, as you scroll through your feed and see those seemingly "perfect" family photos, remember that real life is beautifully imperfect. 💫 Embrace those candid moments, those tiny hands reaching out, and those genuine smiles, because these are the moments that matter more than any staged photo ever will. ✨

Do you want to make your family photo session prep a breeze? When you book a family session with me, you'll receive a fantastic Style Guide packed with TONS of tips and inspiration for dressing your beautiful crew. 📸👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

I've poured my heart into this guide, and it's designed to make choosing outfits a piece of cake. From color coordination to outfit inspiration, I've got you covered. Plus, I've included several pages of outfit inspo laid out for you, making it super easy to visualize your family's picture-perfect look. 💃🕺

But wait, there's more! 🌟 Many of the dresses you see on moms and little girls in the guide are actually available in my client closet. That's right, you can borrow these stunning pieces to ensure you and your little ones look and feel your best on the big day. The dresses shown here on this mama and her adorable little girl are straight from the client closet, and they look absolutely stunning, don't they? 😍👗

So, if the thought of outfit planning has been holding you back from booking a session, worry no more! I've got your back, and together, we'll create unforgettable family memories. 📷❤️

I still have a few spots left for fall. This stunning location included! Book your spot here: https://book.usesession.com/s/6s8B6iw6G.

🌟 Life Update & Fall Sessions Update 🍂

Hey there, Instagram fam! 👋 It's been a quiet three weeks on here, and you know what? Sometimes life just takes over, and that's totally okay. I spent a fantastic week in Berlin on a business trip, and the day I got back, my hubby embarked on his own two-week business trip adventure. To say I have been exhausted is an understatement. But hey, that's the beauty of life's ebb and flow, right? 🌍✨

Honestly, I've never been a fan of the constant pressure to churn out social media content. It was pretty refreshing to just be present in the moment, enjoying life offline. 🙌❤️

📸🍁 Ok so here's the deal with fall sessions! 📸🍁 Most of the spots are already sold out, but I've got ONE special spot left, and it's at the stunning location you see right here. 🍂✨

🗓️ Date: Mon, Nov. 14
⏰ Time: 4:40 p.m.
💰 Session Fee: $150

If you're thinking about it, this is your chance! Snag it before it's gone at https://book.usesession.com/s/2mDMagnAg.

There's truly nothing quite like the feeling of having cherished clients return year after year. It's the ultimate compliment when that familiar name pops up in my booking alerts. It means they've not only trusted me before, but they've cherished the entire experience, fallen in love with their images, and truly see the value in our collaboration. I'm absolutely thrilled to reunite with so many familiar faces this fall, including these stunning friends right here! 📸🍂

Time is flying, and I'm amazed to see that I'm almost sold out already, and it's only September! If you're eyeing a fall mini session, now is the moment to secure your spot. Both of my beach days have waitlists, and I've opened up way more slots than I initially planned for my studio days, which are also fully booked with waitlist spots.

However, as I'm crafting this post, I do have a limited number of spots left at three different locations. But let's be honest, I juggle a full-time job alongside my photography passion, and I pre-plan all my social media content. In fact, I'm currently in Berlin on a business trip haha. I wrote this post like a week ago...

The point is, these spots might just vanish before this post even hits your feed. 🏃‍♂️📸

https://www.ashleyrogersphoto.com/2023-fall-booking will keep you posted on the remaining availability!