Meet Ashley Hathaway

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hathaway.

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I worked in retail banking for seventeen years. During 2021 (the height of Covid), at 34 years old, I was promoted from Assistant Manager to Banking Center Manager.

Like everyone else, we had staffing challenges, and I was running a staff of two to three people to do the job of at least ten people. This forced me and my team to work longer hours and do the jobs of those positions that we had difficulty filling. I was run down and exhausted. I remember feeling like my soul had left my body.

I ended up in the ER due to stress and the physical implications it had on my body. It was then that I knew I had to make a decision. I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew chasing a salary and benefits wasn’t worth my health or my life. I was doing a disservice by staying and knew it was time to put my notice to my manager. I had no other jobs lined up, and I knew it was a leap of faith, but it was now or never.

In 2022, I dusted off my camera and decided to start building a business through my creative lens. I help local businesses sell their products and services through my visual imagery. My clients include social media influencers, aestheticians, models, fashion designers, musicians, restaurants, and more.

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?
Anyone who runs a business knows that it is the most gratifying thing ever to work for yourself, but there are days you question why you are doing it. I still deal with a lot of competitors, as photographers are a dime a dozen in this industry.

Early on, I remember people would reach out for inquiries. Once I told them what I could offer them and the investment, I never heard from them again, only to find them posting pictures that another photographer took who probably did it for less with minimal attention to detail.

I think that a lot of people don’t understand what is involved in what photographers do. Ninety percent of the work is prior to and after the shoot. Whether it is pre-production planning or editing, it can take hours to get results that some think are just a click of the camera button.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with your work?
My artistry developed behind the lens. Having a “good camera” doesn’t mean you’ll create compelling photos. You have to have the eye. I found that the art is in the composition. If you understand that, you can tell compelling stories through photography. I am lucky enough to show the world what I see behind my lens as an editorial photographer.

Some people may describe me as detail-oriented once they see the planning that goes into each shot. I learned how to be a good leader when I was working in retail bank management, so it is natural for me to take the lead in the creative direction behind the lens.

I have a vision, and I execute that through communication and preplanning the details down to the color of someone’s nail polish. It can be nerve-wracking to have your photo taken. My job is to put my clients at ease and build them up. Once they see the results of all of the effort we put into the shoot, it is so worth it to see the final images.

I do some work for a local magazine publication here in Arizona. I am proud to showcase my work on the covers and editorial features which include styled shoots for local business owners and influencers in the community.

What were you like growing up?
I was a shy, sensitive girl growing up. As long as I can remember, I have loved making art and being around creative, like-minded people. My family moved around a lot when I was a kid, and I had to constantly switch schools and meet new people. At the time, I hated the fact that right when I was starting to make friends, it felt like everything was uprooted, and I had to start over at a new school.

In retrospect, this practice of “starting over” throughout my childhood was preparing me for my departure from Corporate America to pursue my own career in art. All of the changes really broke me out of my shell and allowed my personality to flourish as an outgoing person. No matter what stage of life we are in, change is inevitable. Embrace it! You never know the opportunities that will come from it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyhathawayphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: @ashaz.photo
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hathaway-331696201