Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dahl.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in the 90s and early 2000s when Kodak’s disposable cameras were the coolest thing ever. I would take photos of my pets, my friends, food and even bring it to school for the last day before summer vacation to snap photos of my classmates. I knew I liked to take photos, I just never knew that people did it as more than just a hobby.
I carried this passion with me all the way through college. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Advertising and Public Relations at Minnesota State University Moorhead where I was exposed to photography and design in my classes. I’ve always had an interest in taking photos, but it wasn’t until my own wedding that I realized I wanted this to be a passion that I could pursue.
I ended up taking wedding photos at my sister-in-law’s wedding this past summer and completely fell in love with it. After then, I decided I wanted to make my hobby a small business. I’m still very new to the photography industry, but it amazes me how many connections I’ve already made with other entrepreneurs and wedding industry professionals in just a few months.
Has it been a smooth road?
I moved to Chicago a year ago after my husband and I got married. The hardest part is not having many connections right off the bat when it comes to getting clients. At times I feel like I am such a small fish in the big sea of Chicago. Not only am I new to my area, but I am also new to the industry.
Being new is definitely a struggle, but I’ve been trying to use it as a reason to network and meet others in my area and industry. In the short amount of time since I started my small business, I’ve made so many connections and am so thankful for all of the people who I’ve met who are on the same boat as I am.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ashley Dahl Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Ashley Dahl Photography is a wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer located in Chicago, Illinois serving Chicagoland, Wisconsin and beyond. My style is very clean and crisp, so when I take photos I like to utilize natural light as much as possible.
One of my favorite parts about my style is how much I enjoy shooting lifestyle. I love photographing the raw, real emotions of people, whether that’s the Father of the Bride tearing up when he is seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, or the high school senior laughing because his mom is telling me how his favorite Halloween costume as a child was Bob the Builder.
When I’m working with a client, I really try to give them the best experience possible, which includes making them as comfortable as possible. You wouldn’t know this about me by the way I act with my clients, but I am such an introvert. I would rather curl up on the couch on a Saturday night with my hubby and a big bowl of popcorn than go out and have drinks. That’s just who I am. But when I’m with my clients, I am so enthused to be working with them. That’s not me being “fake”, it’s me loving what I do and me wanting to relate to them on a personal level so they feel comfortable in front of the camera.
I think when someone is picking out a photographer, they want someone who seems like a real person. When I was going through branding my photography business, I knew I wanted to keep it consistent with who I am as a person. This makes it easier for clients because if they like my branding, my style and what my business values, they for sure will get along great with me, just like I will get along great with them.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Chicago food! I’m such a foodie (well, I try to be). My husband and I love going to try new restaurants in our neighborhood or taking the train to the inner city to try a new place.
As far as what I like least about Chicago…. well, that’s easy, Chicago traffic! Aside from my photography business, I work a full-time job in Deerfield, so the commute can get a little rough traveling to and from Chicago. I think what makes it easier is knowing a lot of people who live in our city have to commute to their jobs so I’m not the only one.
Pricing:
- Full day wedding coverage: $1,500
- Couples sessions starting at $150
- Family sessions starting at $150
- Portrait sessions starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleydahlphotography.
com - Email: ashley@ashleydahlphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleydahlphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleydahlphotography/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleydahlphotography
Roxanne Birnbaum – Glass of Glam / Blogger
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