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

Hi Ashley, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Before having children, I loved to find creative outlets. I loved creative writing, decorating, dance, DIY projects, and finding ways to express myself creatively. After I had my son, I channeled all of that time, energy, and intention into being a stay at home Mom. Four years later and after welcoming my twin girls, every second of myself went to keeping up with three busy little ones, and trying to keep my head above water. Anything creative about myself felt like it was locked away in a cobwebbed room, waiting to be discovered (hopefully!) again someday. Once my girls started Kindergarten, I was alone for a good part of the day. With my husband’s full support, I felt inspired to dust off the creative parts of my soul, and pursue my lifelong dream of exploring photography. It breathed new life into my Mommy brain, and it felt incredibly fulfilling to challenge myself again. I felt scared and vulnerable going out on a limb as I began to work with clients, but after every shoot I walked away feeling exhilarated, confident, and excited. I still get butterflies before every shoot, but I always walk away feeling like my soul has been fed. I love being able to show my children how fulfilling it can be to work hard, be creative, and pursue your dream!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Like I tell my clients, I’m obsessed with capturing the real intimacy that comes in families. It’s those soft in between moments, those little connections, that are the most fun to capture. They are also the things you will want to preserve and remember the longest, not just plastic, posed smiles. Each client has something uniquely beautiful to offer, and I can’t wait to discover it. Is it always easy to draw out natural connection in a family? Heck no! But it’s incredibly fulfilling when you do. I’m there to capture your laughter, your moments of peace, your romance, your inside jokes, and your connections. I’m continually learning and growing in my trade, and I look at each shoot as a new opportunity to “level up!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Zuma beach! My heart is at the beach, and Zuma always brings the magic. Speaking of magic, Disneyland is my happy place forever and always. You can’t come to SoCal and not hit up the Happiest Place on Earth! When it comes to food, I’m a pretty basic girl–give me Cafe Rio and Crumbl cookies, and I’m good to go. Hiking through Wildwood park or climbing the rocks in Simi Valley is always a fun adventure, and if you want a place to completely unwind and reconnect, the Huntington Library is one of my favorite places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t have fully explored my passion without the loving support of my husband, and the patience of my children. They’ve patiently waited for my attention during hours of shooting and editing. Their enthusiastic encouragement has helped me to believe in myself when that imposter syndrome sneaks in. I’m also so grateful for the photographers who have inspired me, and helped me to develop and refine my shooting and editing style. Special shoutout to Elena S Blair for the amazing education and coaching she has given me!

Website: https://www.ashleymorgan-photography.com

Instagram: @ashley.morgan.photography

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

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