Don’t Wait to Capture the Now

By TMoM Team Member Katie Moosbrugger

When it comes to photo sessions, no one in my family is ever keen on the idea. But having portraits of our family – and being able to capture our family as it exists every few years – is very important to all of us.

A TMoM reader wrote to our site a few years back to recommend Ashley Billings Photography. The timing was perfect because I had just started researching professionals who were skilled in their trade, liked to work with families, could adjust to my family’s hectic schedule, and were within our budget. As soon as I met Ashley I knew she would be ideal for our family. She was instantly likeable; bubbly, fun and energetic (huge selling points for my kids); and her work is not only creative but also beautiful, timeless and affordable (that last point was the clincher for my husband!).

Finding a photographer who clicks with your family is not always an easy task, but from the moment we arrived for our shoot she set us all at ease – and was completely cool with the fact that my kids were running around like crazed lunatics.Whether my kids were sitting still or bouncing off of walls, Ashley was able to translate that energy into photographs with personality. Not only did she shoot countless digital photos during our session, but she also did it quickly and effortlessly. I honestly cannot remember how long our shoot was because we were all having so much fun that the time just flew by.

“I have always loved the camera and its magical power to take the fast paces of our lives, and turn them into still moments,” says Ashley.

Before we even scheduled our shoot with Ashley, she took the time to sit down with me (in her super adorable studio that makes me happy every time I am there) to discuss exactly what I was looking for in the final product. One thing I stressed was finding a location that was unique and off the beaten path – and not somewhere that is easily recognizable. Ashley offered several suggestions, but the one we decided upon was one that, literally, had never been used as a backdrop for any location shoots. Ashley had to request – and pay for – a special key from the groundskeeper to let us in. Talk about going above and beyond for a client! (The picture to the left is of my family in this “special” place. When you book a session with Ashley, she’ll let you in on this secret location!).

Today, Ashley is thrilled to announce upcoming specials for families this spring and summer (including a special deal for TMoM readers!). Not only does she focus on capturing personalities of families, but also of expecting moms, newborns, toddlers, teenagers, and she travels! If you’ve always wanted that special family portrait on the beach, talk to Ashley. She is able to follow your family to your favorite destination if that is what it takes!

Beach Sessions
Cost $450 and includes 10 digital images and also a $50 discount towards a photo book showing their favorite images if you mention TMoM when booking your session. Photo books can have up to 50 images in them.  Clients can choose when they are going and where and Ashely will do her best to accommodate the time and place (NC & SC beaches only).  Session is usually in the evenings and lasts about an hour+.

Upcoming Outdoor Summer Session
Cost $75 for a 20 minute session and includes (1) free 5×7.  Set and location have yet to be determined for this 2 day event but watch for details on Ashley’s website and Facebook pagefor more information on upcoming seasonal events.  A sample pic will be provided before the session dates.

“I count myself lucky,” adds Ashley. “Lucky to enjoy children daily; lucky to experience each moment of each day, all the while enjoying their little personalities and freeze-framing them for parents to enjoy forever.”

And I consider myself lucky for finding Ashley. Don’t wait to capture the NOW moments with your family. Book a session with Ashley Billings this summer!

Sponsored by Ashley Billings Photography