Meet Ashlee Hayden | San Diego Newborn and Maternity Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlee Hayden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I find that I have always been a creative person and have been drawn to various artistic outlets since I was a child. Photography was something I fell in love with and always went back to. Being a mom to, then, two small kids meant that I was doing what I could to keep providing for them. I started professionally capturing photos in 2011, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Being a photographer allowed me the flexibility to be active in my rapidly growing children’s lives and pursue work that I was incredibly passionate about. I started out photographing couples and then in 2014 I found my true home in photographing newborns. My role as a mother continues to greatly influence my art. I aim for earthy, neutral tones and a familial atmosphere in my photography. I know that babies grow up way too fast and my goal is to help families freeze those tiny toes and puckered lips in time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Newborn photography is such a delicate and intimate work. For a lot of families, I’m the first person they hand their 7 day old baby to. I take pride in the fact that my I have made my studio cozy and comfortable for all families that come to see me. I also always want them to know that safety is my number one priority at all times. Every single child is posed and cared for as if they were my own for those 3 hours.

One of the biggest leaps in my career was moving from my tiny home studio to my current space. It was a big, and very scary change. But it is hands down one of the best decisions I made for my business. I have created a space that allows me to be as big and creative as I want.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego is filled with so may beautiful and fun spots, it is hard to narrow them down! I am a big nerd and always love going to Comic Con at the convention center in the summer. My kiddos love the San Diego Zoo and all the different parks around the county. My cozy little corner of the city has some amazing food and beaches. Mike Hess in Imperial Beach will always be a favorite of mine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been an endless well of support and help throughout my career. His efforts have directly allowed me to pursue this dream with all that I have and I owe so much to him. It is so easy for small business owners to look back at their journey and forget where they started. My growth is something that I am incredibly proud of and will forever remain part of my story, and my husband is a major factor in that.

Website: https://www.ashleehaydenphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleehaydenphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleeHaydenPhotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ashlee-hayden-photography-san-diego