Ashley Strong Smith
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7/14/2020 0 Comments

This is 33!

Today, today on my 33 year of life, I share this.
What the year has brought me.

I’ve tapped into this immensely vibrant and raw capacity to love my daughter beyond imaginable.
I’ve learned what it means to be a mother, the greatest gift in the world.
I’ve found a strength, oh a strength beyond what I had known.
It’s brought a slowness, an immense slowness - creating space and time to honor, to appreciate, to take in the small, the greatest moments of life.
A need, a desire, to write, to share the humble expressions on my soul.
Some of the hardest conversations with my husband in learning what it means to be parents, together.
An immense, I mean immense appreciation for my body, this vessel who supports my life,
supported the growth of my daughter and has continued to serve as her nourishment throughout her first year of life.
A need to ask for help, humble need for support.
An awareness in my connection to documenting, storytelling as I grew with questions that would never have answers.
This obsessive desire for a clean, nourishing, diverse, culturally educational house.
A deeper appreciation for being an entrepreneur and having a flexible schedule and a community that supports me beyond comprehension.

Hardships followed by breakthroughs.
Laughter followed by anxiety attacks.
Pain followed by overwhelming love.
Clarity followed by confusion.
Commitment followed by utter exhaustion.
Presence followed by chaos.
Euphoria followed by depression.
Lost friendships followed by strengthened ones.
Humble expression followed by judgments.
It all.

I have come to love, to understand, to honor it all, all that I am in this lifetime.
I share when inspired.
I do what my soul desires.
My daughter is my greatest teacher.
My husband is my best friend.
Nature is my sanctuary, my medicine, my home.
Presence is the answer.
I am the river.
Everyday I am learning, I am growing, I am becoming more me.
​For this, I am so incredibly proud, honored, humbled, grateful to live this life.
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7/8/2020 2 Comments

Pregnancy - How I Prepared for the Birth of my Daughter

This week, this week has been filled with nostalgia as this time last year (2019), every single day I anxiously waited for the day my water would break, my contractions would start and our little love would join this world. We thought she was coming July 27th, her estimated due date was July 2nd, she joined the world on July 11th at 12:22am.

As soon as we found out I was pregnant, I very mindfully, intentionally, cautiously began creating this connection, this space, this wholeness with the soul growing inside my womb. After she was born, I laughed at myself as I had spent so much energy on creating this serene space for her to grow in my womb that when she arrived, we literally didn’t know what to do with her or ourselves. The energy came from the deep understanding that beyond her DNA, her environment, oh is her environment so critical and that, that started the moment we found out I was pregnant. Here are some of the ways I prepared for this little love, our daughter Orion to be joining our world. 

The photos and words are linked so be sure to check them out for additional details. ​

#1 : I bought this book and received this pregnancy journal.

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The Book : 
Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful - a beautifully written book with breathing practices, yoga poses and some deeply loving insight into being a mindful pregnancy mama. Having a deep connection to yoga this book was truly one of the most beautiful resources with calming yoga poses, affirmations and very encouraging passages. It is light. It is supportive. It is gracious. It was everything my soul needed, especially in the early stages of my pregnancy. 

The Pregnancy Journal : 
I cannot tell you how immensely grateful I am for this journal as it was gifted to me by a dear friend. I documented in it constantly, sharing all that was happening in our world. I coupled this journal with an HP Sprocket photo printer - a  little handheld printer that connects to your phone printing 2x3 photos and used them throughout my pregnancy to print photos and write, write all that was happening. Both myself and my daughter now have this extensive journal and photos of intimate accounts of my pregnancy. Document friend, please document. You will not be disappointed. I promise you that. 

#2 :  Best decision ever - to work with my dear friend and sister, Erin as our DOULA.

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Ah, my body breathes so beautifully every time I think about and share our Doula experience.

We connected with and made the best decision ever to work with my dear friend and sister Erin as our DOULA. Oh my goodness, I cannot sing her praises enough. To have the honor, to be guided by a soul, a mama herself who is so present, so educated, so sincere, so calm. She was everything we needed in our lives, on this journey. 

We met multiple times throughout my pregnancy where she would share such insightful information about birth, our options with wanting to have a natural birth in a hospital and just so much about the process as a whole. As birth became closer, she really helped navigate us through our options with being given an induction date in knowing that everything is an option, not a mandate. Most people feel as if it’s a mandate and with her help and support - we felt so empowered. 

And then, then she got the message that my water had broken. She coached my husband and myself through the whole early labor and when it was time to head to the hospital, she met us there, right as we pulled up. To be wheeled into the hospital, with both my husband and my sister friend DOULA inspiration - everything, was truly one of the greatest feelings. At one point, Dan ran me into a wall and the laughter, oh the laughter - it moved the earth. 

Throughout every stage of my labor, she was there. In the early stages, she offered props, poses, support, massages, oils. As my labor progressed, she kept me in the most supportive positions, cold washcloths on my head, she was just there, encouraging me every second of the way. As my labor really intensified and I was ready to give up on this planned natural birth and get an epidural, she encouraged me to get through one more hour, “one more hour” she said- which in turn got me through my labor, naturally. 
 Her words, “the only way out is through” sang in my head that whole day and even still as one of my greatest teachers. When my labor had progressed and it was time to push and all the things were happening - she wiped my butt, changed my gown and held me close. As I began pushing, she sat right by my side, the entire time. Calmly, encouragingly, gently guiding me to push. 

As if that wasn’t glorious enough, throughout the process, she so graciously documented monumental moments. When my daughter was put in my arms for the first time, she took a video that is quite frankly my favorite piece of media in this whole world. After my daughter was born, she ensured I got food in me and we were immensely taken care of before she left. 

She was with us - during 24 hours of an all natural labor. 
She encouraged me - to believe in myself, to be fully present and bring to life this birth, this birth I had dreamed of. 
It, it became a reality thanks to my incredible sister friend, Doula Erin! ​

 #3 : I read all the books, I mean all the books. ​

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By nature, I am a researcher. I just love learning, I love reading, I love “preparing” myself as much as I possibly can. With this, I did a lot of research on pregnancy books, were gifted and recommended a few and before I knew it, I had and read a new book almost every month throughout my pregnancy. 

Although there are nine books in this photo (and are listed out below - bottom to top), there are a few that I would highly recommend, in this order. 
  1. The Mama Natural - This is the BEST book whether you’re wanting a natural pregnancy or not. It breaks down pregnancy week by week - how the baby is growing, what to expect, foods that will help and so much more. 
  2. Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful - Having a deep connection to yoga this book was truly one of the most beautiful resources with calming yoga poses, affirmations and very encouraging passages. It is light. It is supportive. It is gracious. 
  3. Natural Hospital Birth - This, this was everything as I had originally wanted a home birth, my husband being a firefighter and EMT was very adamant about having a hospital birth. We made the decision to have our birth at a hospital, while I remained very persistent on it being natural. With the support of our Doula and this book, we felt very well educated and supported on hospital protocol versus intuitive knowings. It helped immensely. 
  4. The First Forty Days - This book was gifted to me and I truly couldn’t have been more grateful. The book, “Based on author Heng Ou’s own postpartum experience with zuo yuezi, a set period of “confinement,” in which a woman remains at home focusing on healing and bonding with her baby, The First Forty Days revives the lost art of caring for the mother after birth.” Although I didn’t resonate with staying in bed for the first 40 days after birth, I did resonate with the communal support encouraged throughout this book. It’s so lovely for recipes, for insights, for a deep connection to the importance of our communities, especially during times like these.  

In order from this photo (bottom to top) : 
  1. Birthing from Within - Such a beautiful book. Although I didn’t read it in its entirety, we did practice a few of the exercises. It really helps break down the various ways of working through natural childbirth. 
  2. The First Forty Days - description above 
  3. The Baby Book - This, please buy this. Although massive, I didn’t read it before my daughter was born, and have since referenced it immensely. Dr. Sears is a world renowned pediatrician with decades of experience. This is his advice from anything from colic to producing milk to teething to you name it. 
  4. The Mama Natural - description above 
  5. Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful - description above 
  6. What to Eat When You’re Pregnant - This was another very helpful resource. It’s a week-to-week guide on what to eat while your body incubates this precious little human. 
  7. Ina May’s Guide to a Natural Childbirth - I truthfully didn’t read this book as it was gifted to me but heard wonderful things about it’s support in wanting a natural childbirth. 
  8. Natural Hospital Birth - description above 
  9. Happiest Baby on the Block - I didn’t read this book, yet watched the series about it on Youtube. Prior to my daughter being born, it didn’t make sense, but let me tell you - after she was here, it helped so much. This breaks down the 5 S’s when caring for a newborn baby. Watch the video here. 

# 4 : Monthly and eventually Bi-weekly Pregnancy massages in my third trimester ​

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Even just typing that headline, I feel this immense feeling of being SO blessed to have had the time and resources to invest in monthly and eventually bi-weekly pregnancy massages. This was really important to me as I was really committed to having a natural birth. I had been doing yoga throughout most of my pregnancy, walked nearly everyday, AND I wanted to be sure my body was relaxed and open. Pregnancy massage enabled this. 

What was so beautiful about this very experience is that Reenie came right to my home, in my living room. I scheduled it for when my husband was still at work, just the right time to where after, I could just be in the bliss without having work, photoshoots, etc. It was beautiful. 

The last massage I had was the day I had lost my mucus plug. Although it would be another week before my daughter would arrive, it was so special to have Reenie here, guiding me along. I remember her even saying, “it will still be some time, she’s not ready yet.” That was the truth. 

#5:  I wrote a letter to myself, my biological father and created a new mom spread ​

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This was very intimate, very intimate. It was really important that I connected with, honored myself for this transition from being everything I was to everything I would become - now being a mother. I sat in bed one day and wrote a letter to myself. There was so much love. There was so much grace. There was so much acknowledgment. There was so much honor. There was so much life. Please, take the time to do this. 

Next, not on the same day, but around the same time period - I wrote a letter to my biological father. Without going into it all here - he left us just before I turned two, to never return and eventually take his own life. There has always been a lot of anger, a lot of resentment, a lot of questions - that he would never be able to answer. I wrote to him. I expressed myself. I forgave him. I opened the space for him to be present. It was hard. It was really hard. Yet, it was exactly what was needed. The next reading I had with my all time favorite medium, he was there. Front and center. He was there. And I believe, each day, he is here. I have invited him in. 

Finally, I took some time to really connect to my oracle and tarot cards and did a new mom spread. What beautiful insight this was. I pulled seven cards, from three different decks. 

Here is the spread. 

These are the decks I used. 
  1. Sacred Rebels 
  2. Kuan Yin 
  3. Work Your Light 

It was beautiful. 

#6 : Encapsulated my placenta ​

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Ah, am I so immensely grateful for this decision. The placenta is this magical organ. My body grew this organ to supply my growing daughter with all the proper nutrients to ensure her health and growth. My body then gave birth to it after my daughter was born. This still blows my mind. The human body is truly extraordinary. 

I decided to encapsulate my placenta as when the body births it, so many of the mom's nutrients, iron being a huge one becomes depleted. This can be seen as a huge contributor to postpartum depression. It was really important to me, to consume all of these nutrients my body had been creating and living off for the last nine months. Thankfully, our Doula is a super human and had the resources to do this very process. I took these for the following weeks and months after her birth and feel it helped with my mental state and energy immensely. 

#7 : In addition, to the above, I also : ​

  • Took weekly prenatal yoga classes 
  • Took almost daily walks in nature 
  • Did guided pregnancy meditations 
  • Listened to birth stories podcasts 
  • Bounced on a medicine ball 
  • Bought a very fluffy robe for around the house - it was glorious 
  • Wrote, read, pulled cards, stayed as present with myself as possible 
  • Listneed to a lot of music 
  • Slowed down a ton ​
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5/19/2020 0 Comments

Becoming pregnant while being an entrepreneur and a photographer.

Becoming pregnant while being an entrepreneur, a wedding, couples, family, lifestyle photographer. For the longest time, that phrase right there, felt like such an oxymoron. How could I ever have time to be a mother? After all, I work for myself. My income isn’t consistent throughout the year. I spend all day, everyday, working. If I’m not shooting, I’m editing. If I'm not editing, I’m replying to clients, scheduling posts, going to networking events, attending trainings, oh, the list can go on and on. 

I’m a planner. Then, insert a massive laugh from the universe. Or, at least I thought of myself as a planner. My husband and I sat down one day, a meeting. After some very emotional conversions, we had a plan of spending the next two years, traveling this country, growing my business, him pursuing his firefighter career and when that two years was up, we would start trying for a baby. 

A little over a month later, we woke one Friday morning. Something was different, very different. He looked at me and said, “I think you need to take a pregnancy test.” I giggled and said, “I think you’re right.” The next few hours were spent getting a pregnancy test and taking it in a restaurant bathroom as we had breakfast plans. I took the test, my stomach dropped. I walked back out, sat down at the table and I’ll I could do was smile, smile as wide as that restaurant. I was in fact pregnant. We were in fact going to be parents.

Two years earlier than planned, two years earlier than expected. I am SUCH a believer that all happens just as it should and I knew, just knew this was divine timing. This little love was meant to be a part of this journey. Excitement, love, joy, it all -  in the back of my mind, what about my business? What about my summer weddings? What about taking time off? I’ve never taken time off. What about all that I’ve worked so hard for? How am I going to run my business and take care of our daughter? The questions, as you could imagine, kept running through and through. 

Have you been in a similar space?
Are you in a similar space?
My friend, here is what I did.
Here is how I wholeheartedly embraced being a mother AND an entrepreneur AND a photographer. 


During my first trimester, I ensured I remained healthy, continued about my sessions, my business as usual and waited until after our first ultrasound to tell our family and close friends. As all progressed healthy and we were moving into the second trimester, I began to make a plan as we wanted to share the news as we moved out of our 12th week of pregnancy. 

There was a lot that needed to be organized before the public knew about our pregnancy as my little loves due date was July 2nd, 2019, of which I had FIVE weddings scheduled to document right around that time. I knew, I had to have a conversation, a verbal conversation with each and everyone of these clients. But, before I could do that, I needed to have a plan as I wasn’t just going to cancel documenting their weddings and call it a day. You’ll learn, if you haven’t already done so, that I don’t operate like that.  

I called my photographer mentor, explained everything and asked his availability for each of the weddings I had booked. He was available for them all. I then negotiated if he could match the pricing / packages I gave them. This, this was a huge favor as he did so. He’s been in the photography business for far longer than I - so with his gear, expertise, staff, his prices are a lot higher than mine. In addition, I reached out to a few of my favorite second shooters, my associate photographers asking if they would want to associate shoot for me. I gave dates, specifics, pricing, it all. After all those conversations, I scheduled calls with each and my clients.  I presented them with three options : 

  • Cancel all together
  • ​I still shoot their engagement session (I did so free of charge) and then, my mentor shoots their wedding 
  • I still shoot their engagement session and one of my amazing associate photographers shoots their wedding. 

Humbly, all my clients received this information with so much grace, so much love, so much understanding. Each of their decisions reflected exactly what they needed, what made them most comfortable and my, did it leave me with a heart wanting to burst in gratitude. As if I didn’t already love my clients and my business enough, then all of this happened, and although terrified to make those calls, all unfolded beautifully. 

After connecting with the clients whose weddings were affected, I connected with one more couple whom I would be 34 weeks pregnant documenting their wedding. If they were comfortable, I wanted to move forward. They were and holy hell, I think I scared every single one of their wedding guests in thinking the babes would be delivered that very day. I was very large, very large throughout my pregnancy. We then shared with the world and my heart exploded with excitement. 

I decided to take three months off. One month before the babes due date (July 2nd) and two months after as my first wedding back was September 7th, the babes was born July 11th. For this, I am so grateful. 

Initially, I thought I didn’t take enough time off after the babes was born, but truth be told, my peek photography season creates a lot of downtime, which in itself, feels like an extension of maternity leave. The month before was critical, for me at least. My last session was documented at 36 weeks. It was difficult, very difficult. I was massive. I couldn’t see my feet, let alone bend over. My breathing was probably a bit scary. My energy, whittling away. I spent the remaining, nearly five weeks, catching up on my editing, scheduling posts, creating content for when I would be out, closing as many loops as possible, walking constantly, dating my husband, reflecting, connecting, just being in the space, her in my womb, me on the outside world. 

My community was immensely supportive. I had to refer out work while on leave. Some of my favorite clients started working with new photographers. I missed getting to document monumental events that I otherwise would. This was hard. Yet, it truly was exactly as it was supposed to be. 

My first wedding back was truly such a dream. The couple was amazing. The family that  surrounded them, felt like my own family. Do you know what they did for me? The mother of the groom knew I was breastfeeding. She set up a chair, next to an outlet in one of their back bedrooms, just for me to pump. Oh my heart. It was perfect. 
I went back to seven weddings and just over 30 sessions to close out the rest of the year. Looking at it now, sounds a little crazy, but at the moment, it felt right. With each wedding, I mastered pumping between locations. With each wedding, the following day, I felt like the best version of myself. With each wedding, I had to flow with the present reality. At one point, the babes stopped taking her bottle, only wanting the source, so the week of a destination wedding in Northern California, I had to buy a plane ticket for my mom to come up with the babes. Again, it was perfect. Exactly as it should be. 

Everything truly unfolds just as it's meant to. 
It all worked out so beautifully. 

Since then, I’ve really had to learn how to manage my time. What used to be working all day, is now done so during the babes nap times (which is about three hours a day) and when I have support. For a while that support looked like my mom coming all day on Tuesdays and our nanny coming for two hours on Fridays. What used to be in person meetings, has become a phone call or email. What used to be immensely curated content, is now inspired content. What used to be a lot of stressing out about growing my business, is now supported by intentionally and authentically connecting with and sharing with my clients, my community. 
​

All the questions that immediately circled my brain, with time, the answers came, and came quite naturally. You see, I mentioned it at the beginning, what is meant to be will be. My daughter, Orion came at exactly the right time. I am, in fact, a better, more present, mother, photographer and entrepreneur. You too, can do it. 

From top left to bottom right : 

1. The last wedding I photographed at 34 weeks pregnant! 
2. My first wedding back, eight weeks after my daughter was born. 
3. Pumping in the car from the first location to the second location (p.s. I got an adapter for the car and it was a life saver) 
4. How I rolled on wedding days - pump, ice blocks, cooler, milk. 
5. My mom, myself and Orion flying to Northern California around four months old as she refused her bottle and would only breastfeed. 
6. Orion and I on her first flight - the pilot knew it was her first flight so he let us go in the cockpit.  
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5/19/2020 0 Comments

I can communicate in photographs, what I cannot in words AND I can communicate in words what cannot be captured in a photograph.

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I was in the middle of a coaching session with one of my all time favorite souls and coaches, Donna Bond. She asked me a question, I gave a reply, she asked me another question, then I blurted out. The specifics of the question, reply, question, I cannot remember. What I do remember and what keeps repeating in my head is my ah-ha moment realizing, ​

I can communicate in photographs, what I cannot in words AND I can communicate in words what cannot be captured in a photograph.

I kept repeating this over and over again. You mean to tell me, after all these years, after all these coaching sessions, all this development work, all the mediums that have communicated from the other side and here, here was my answer. 

For years, I’ve known there is more to that which I am sharing, so much more. That more, is my deep love, my connection to, my desire for written expression. For all too long, I thought if I didn’t focus solely on photography, this passion of a profession that I’ve turned into a full-time business, a corporation, reaching goals beyond what I imagined when I originally started, that people, the outside world wouldn’t take my photography seriously. 
That, that is so far from the truth. 
Yet, for so long, I believed it to be so. 
I believed that I could only express myself in my current art form. 
I believed that if I did multiple things, neither would be taken seriously. 
I believed that there was someone out there, who is better, who has been sharing longer, who has an audience far greater than mine. 

These beliefs, oh how these beliefs are so limiting, so far from the truth. They’ve kept me playing small, only letting small slivers of my words surface. Oh my friend, I can communicate in photographs, what I cannot in words AND I can communicate in words what cannot be captured in a photograph.  
The key word here is AND. 
The linking world. 
Both are true. 
Both are possible. 
Both are equal. 
Both are absolutely necessary for me to contribute to this world in the way that resonates most deeply with my soul. 
Both are true for the simple fact that they resonate with my entire being. 

I CAN COMMUNICATE IN PHOTOGRAPHS, WHAT I CANNOT IN WORDS AND I CAN COMMUNICATE IN WORDS WHAT CANNOT BE CAPTURED IN A PHOTOGRAPH.

Today, those limiting beliefs, the fear, the playing small - there is no place for that. What I know to be true is that expression comes in all types of forms. Just as there are 7.8 billion souls living right now on this earth, there too are 7.8 billion ways of witnessing, of processing, of reflecting, of being in connection to all that is around us. 

My words, my connection to both, matters and matters deeply. Just as your words, your connection to that which resonate so deeply within your entire being, matters and matters deeply. You see my sweet friend, your expression is inspiration for my expression and my expression is inspiration for the next person's expression and so forth and so forth. 
Here, right now. 
I believe that I can share both, photographs and words. 
Here, right now. 
I believe that you, my community will honor both these truths and take them both for the wholeness that they are. 
I believe that what I see, what I have to say matters deeply, especially in a world that could use constant inspiration, motivation, positivity and a hell of a lot of optimism. 

You see my friend, light cannot exist without dark. 
Day cannot exist without night. 
Black without white. 
Sweet with our salty. 
They need one another to explain the other. 

For me, for my soul, for my purpose, here on this earth, today, right now, photographs and writing, writing and photographs exist together. Fully together! 

I CAN COMMUNICATE IN PHOTOGRAPHS, WHAT I CANNOT IN WORDS AND I CAN COMMUNICATE IN WORDS WHAT CANNOT BE CAPTURED IN A PHOTOGRAPH.

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4/21/2020 0 Comments

My “life” tools in my toolbelt for life!

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Being a creator, is living with and in intention, mindfulness, sincerity. Creating space for connecting to a power, greater than myself.
Through being an entrepreneur, I learned and understood the importance of personal development as the more I worked through the inner workings of my soul,
the better I could communicate, connect and then share that very exchange to the outside world.
With this, I have daily rituals, routines, practices, inspirations that keep me both grounded, while jumping on a continual basis to make my dreams, my present reality.
Below are my definitions and insights into my daily practices! 

For me, these are my definitions for tools, tool belt and the daily practices that are formed with them!

  • Tools - The resources that I’ve accumulated over the years that help aid in bringing me back to my center, to this place of wholeness, in alignment with my highest and most true self. 
  • My Tool belt - The array of tools themselves, tucked within this safe keeping of my mind, body and soul. To be used not just in the tough moments, but in all moments. 
  • Daily Practice - It can be one or a multitude of activities, exercise, intentional practices that bring about deeper and greater awareness to the present state. ​

Some examples of what a daily practice can look like,
​but please know are not limited to. 
​

  •  I AM statements - I write a full page in my journal of I am statements. There is no holding back. Some mornings, the messages can be simple, purely adjectives. Other mornings, they are more elaborate manifestations. 
    • Examples : I am infinite. I am expansive. I am beautiful. I am radiant. I am supported. I am expanding my business by booking six new ideal clients per month while providing exceptional service, commitment and vibrantly blissful time capsules. 
  • Gratitude statements - Again, I write a full page in my journal. Sometimes, they’re separate from I am statements, other times, they’re included in my I am statements. It's truly where the energy goes that very morning! 
    • Examples:  I am grateful for this beautifully supportive place I call our home. I am grateful for inspiration. 
  • Check-in’s - There are so many ways this can go! Please refer to THIS BLOG POST for three of my favorite ways to check-in. Ultimately, this is realigning my mind, body and soul. I ask myself the question, “What am I feeling in my MIND / BODY / SOUL right now?” From there, I see the connection between my mind and body, my body and soul, my mind and soul. Then, there is usually a common theme throughout all these check-points. 
  • Tarot / Oracle Cards - Oh, has this tool truly transformed my world. I got my first oracle deck years ago at a small crystal shop in Benicia, California. The deck served as a tool for quite some time. Then, they got put away so their resonation didn’t align. As my dear friend Melissa and I started doing our development days, she introduced me to some of her decks. This was the ignition of a whole new understanding of the power of tarot and oracle cards. Some of the FAVORITE DECKS include : 
    • Work your Light Oracle Cards by Rebecca Campbell  
    • Whispers of Lord Ganesha Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield 
    • The Sacred Rebels Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
    • Kuan Yin Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
    • Keepers of Light Oracle Cards by Kyle Gray 
    • The Mother's Wisdom Deck 
  • Meditation - This can be done through a guided meditation or simply setting a timer for five minutes. Either way, create a safe, sacred and comfortable space. If listening to a guided meditation, use the tools/ techniques they share. If sitting on your own for five minutes, one of my favorite ways to focus on the breath is with each inhale, saying “IN” and with each exhale, saying “OUT.” You can vocalize it or say it in your minds eye. 
  • Walks/ Exercise / Hike - I think this one is self explanatory! Just get outside. Do one, two or all three of the above and it will bring you exactly where you’re meant to be. 
  • Yoga - Oh my friend. Yoga has been one of my greatest teachers. I first discovered yoga while in college in Long Beach. What made yoga so special was Dharma Shakti started a “donation-based yoga” movement where you gave what you could. Classes in the studio filled quickly, classes outside on the bluff would range in the hundreds. Having yoga this accessible created space for me to truly tap into its benefits. The physical postures, well, they’re distractions of the mind. Yoga, yoga is slowing down the mind, getting it to a place of stillness, “no-mind.” This naturally enhanced altered state has brought about so much clarity in some of the most clouded moments. That being said, there are soooo many different yoga studios, types of yoga, teachers for you to try out and see what resonates. Be sure to do your research, contact the studio beforehand to learn more about their classes and teachers. Most studios even have new student discounts where the first class is free, or the first month is unlimited for just a small fee. 
    • Some of my personal favorites for classes are : 
      • ​Vinyasa Flow : Like hatha, vinyasa yoga is a general term that describes many different styles of yoga. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on a rapid flow through sun salutations.
      • ​Hatha Flow : See above. 
      • Restorative : typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends. (Yoga Journal) 

“LIFE” TOOLS IN MY TOOLBELT FOR LIFE

  • Audiobooks 
    • The Power of Vulnerability - Brene Brown 
    • Girlboss - Sophia Amoruso
    • Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert 
  • Books 
    • ​The Game of Life and How to Play it 
    • You are a Badass 
    • You are a Badass at Making Money 
    • Girl Code 
    • The Miracle Morning 
    • Imperfect Courage 
    • Girl, Wash Your Face 
    • Girl, Stop Apologizing 
    • Daring Greatly 
    • Think and Grow Rich 
    • Authentic Success 
    • Material Girl, Mystical World 
    • Everything is Figureoutable 
  • Podcasts 
    • Super Soul Conversations - Oprah 
    • Goal Digger - Jenna Kutcher 
    • Rebel & Muse Podcast - Kaleo & Melanie Wassman 
    • Rise Podcast - Rachel Hollis 
    • Rise Together Podcast - Rachel & Dave Hollis 
    • Tony Robbins Podcast 
  • Calendar
    • No, not your phone! 
    • Get an actual, physical calendar you can write in, pen to paper 
  • I am statements (affirmations) 
    • Inspirations : I am infinite. I am expansive. I am beautiful. I am radiant. I am supported. I am expanding my business by booking six new ideal clients per month while providing exceptional service, commitment and vibrantly blissful time capsules. 
  • Daily gratitude 
    • Inspirations : I am grateful for this beautifully supportive place I call our home. I am grateful for inspiration. 
  • Check-ins 
    • There are so many ways this can go! Please refer to THIS BLOG POST for three of my favorite ways to check-in. Ultimately, this is realigning my mind, body and soul. I ask myself the question, “What am I feeling in my MIND / BODY / SOUL right now?” From there, I see the connection between my mind and body, my body and soul, my mind and soul. Then, there is usually a common theme throughout all these check-points. 
  • Tarot/ Oracle cards 
    •  Oh, has this tool truly transformed my world. I got my first oracle deck years ago at a small crystal shop in Benicia, California. The deck served as a tool for quite some time. Then, they got put away so their resonation didn’t align. As my dear friend Melissa and I started doing our development days, she introduced me to some of her decks. This was the ignition of a whole new understanding of the power of tarot and oracle cards. Some of the FAVORITE DECKS include : 
      • Work your Light Oracle Cards by Rebecca Campbell  
      • Whispers of Lord Ganesha Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield 
      • The Sacred Rebels Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
      • Kuan Yin Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
      • Keepers of Light Oracle Cards by Kyle Gray 
      • The Mother's Wisdom Deck 
  • Crystals 
  • Sage/ Palo Santo / Clearing 
  • Journals 
  • Business Plan 
  • Financial Advisor 
  • Weekly date nights with my husband ​​
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4/21/2020 0 Comments

Orion Terry Smith’s Birth Story

On July 9th, 2019, we laid in bed just after 10:30PM as we were still contemplating if we were actually going to go into our scheduled induction the following morning at 8:30AM. I had my journal out and was working through a pro’s and con’s list. “Is it really coming down  to this after all the preparation and planning?”, I thought. We had tried every natural remedy in the book; rose leaf tea, pineapple, multiple sessions of acupuncture, sex, dates, nipple stimulation. You name it. Nothing had been doing the trick as we were 41 weeks and 2 days. That’s one week and two days past our “due date.” 

Seeing as Dan and I had decided on having a hospital birth (as opposed to a home birth or at a birthing center), we had to work through the hospital protocols. In our country, very few doctors and midwives working for hospitals “allow” their patients to go past 41 weeks. This is very controversial for those taking a more natural route as the gestation period is between 40 and 42 weeks. In addition, most first time moms go an average of 41 weeks and 1 day (not 40 weeks). 

At our 39 week appointment, our midwife prepped up for getting an induction date if she didn’t come by 40 weeks. At our 40 week appointment, my blood pressure was way too high, tears filled my eyes as I knew we would be getting an induction date and time. Our midwife asked, “When do you want to come?” I said, “Please give us through 41 weeks!” So, she did. 

What time we drifted into sleep on the 9th, I am not sure. I just knew we would know what to do when the morning came as my intuition has always guided me into the most supportive spaces. I woke, a sensation between my legs. My body pillow was soaking wet. I got up, waddled to the bathroom, pulled down my underwear and water just gushed, and continued to gush. My water had broken. I made it back to the bedroom, looked at my phone to check the time, it was just past 12:30 in the morning. I rubbed Dan’s arm, waking him. Looked into his eyes and said, “Love, my water just broke.” He smiled and jumped out of bed. 

Contractions quickly started. We messaged our dear friend and doula, Erin. It’s happening. It’s really happening. She gave us some advice, told us to eat something and decided we would meet at the hospital. My contractions were constant, although irregular. Dan and I laid on our couch, working through each contraction, in the comfort of our home. At about 3AM, he was ready to go to the hospital, I on the other hand, wanted to wait. Waiting is what we did until 5AM. We messaged our doula, we were heading to the hospital. 

Dan unloaded me and our bags, me in a wheelchair, our bags just to the right. He quickly parked our car, then our doulas. As we made our way to labor and delivery, as he innocently ran me into multiple walls causing uncontrollable laughter and more liquids to gush. It truly was the perfect transition from home to the hospital. 

We were brought to our room and slowly settled in. We handed the nurses that were close to finishing their shift, our birth plan. They immediately started asking to do things that we specifically did not want. This, was so very frustrating. As the universe has a way of doing so, our midwife works one day a week at the Irvine hospital delivering babies. That day was the day we had gone into labor. Her shift was starting in just over an hour at 8:30AM. We asked the nurses to leave us be until Andrea (our midwife) was on shift. They did so, very reluctantly. 

Before we knew it, Andrea was walking in. What a glorious sight. She started looking at her paperwork, thinking we were moving forward with an induction. She said something that confused me, what exactly, I do not remember. I looked at her and said, “My water broke at 12:30 this morning and I’ve been having contractions ever since.” A smile filled her face. She said, “Well, let’s check you then!” She checked me, I was 3.5/4 centimeters dilated. 

After her check, she looked at me and said, “I’ve read your birth plan. We have to do intermittent monitoring every 45 minutes, but other than that, you are on your own. If you want/ need anything, you have to come find me for it.” This, this was heaven as it was exactly what we had hoped for. 

What exactly did our birth plan say? 
A 100% natural labor. No pitocin. No epidural. No continuous monitoring. Just us. Our lady. Connection. Trust. 

Dan and I were in the bathroom, as I couldn’t do anything on my own. The pain was high, my strength too weak, his strength, everything I needed and wanted. We came out of the bathroom to be greeted with a huge hug and congratulations by a woman named Laura. She was our day nurse. Truthfully, she was another blessing from the universe as she had been doing this for decades and wholeheartedly honored our desire for a natural birth. Her presence was calm. Her heart was pure. Her moves, so intentional. This woman, will forever be etched in my heart. She created a space that allowed for our dream birth. 

As the day progressed, so too did my contractions and the pain that accompanied them. Dan, did not leave my side. Him and I were connected. Connected on a level that we knew possible, yet hadn’t been in a space to tap into it. He just knew, he knew what to do, what not to do. He was fully, immensely present. He was EVERYTHING. As if I couldn’t love this man anymore, he just had to go and be the most incredible birthing partner imaginable! 

And Erin, our doula. She was the perfect reflection of support, openness, comfort and calm. Her energy, known, yet open. She had a magical bag of tricks; labor pillows, fans, comfort tools, baby food packs. She suggested positions. Some supportive, others not so much. Each one, so gratefully received. She said, “The only way out is through.” This became my mantra, for the whole time I was in labor. For this, I couldn’t be more grateful as it was my anchor, my grounding point to bring me back from the immense pain. 

About 2PM, I was starting to tap out. The pain was at an all time high. The labor had been going nearly 14 hours. I couldn’t take it anymore. I looked at Dan and Erin and said, “I can’t do this, I need some relief.” Yes, I was asking for pain meds. Erin and Dan looked at each other and then looked at me. Erin said, “Just give us one more hour.” 

One hour turned into four. For this, I couldn’t be grateful for. Time. Time had no place while in labor. The only indication of time was the transition of the evening sun as it began to get darker. There were no need for pain meds as around 7PM, a major shift happened. My contractions got so intense and my body began to push. We told our nurse, our midwife came in to check me, I was just past nine centimeters dilated. Pushing begins at 10. 

10 centimeters came quickly. Just after 8PM, I began pushing. We thought, rad, she’ll be here within the hour. Pushing persisted. Persisted some more. Dan called my mom to have her come. Our day nurses shift came to an end. Another nurse came in and they began sharing what had been present throughout the day. We sadly said goodbye as she could no longer stay. 

I kept pushing, yet was getting nowhere. An hour and a half had passed. Andrea, our midwife came back in. She said, “Ashley, look at me.” I did so. “I need you to push my fingers out, push my fingers out.” The first few times, I could not do so. Then, something clicked. I pushed my little heart out and as a result, pushed her fingers out. 

Andrea had to leave for the day, her 14 hour shift was over. We were introduced to the doctor who would be delivering Orion. Just then, our night nurse stepped up and started coaching me with pushing. The whole room, began cheering me on. “You got this! You got this!” The pushing continued, and continued some more. Something moved in me again. There was no holding back, Orion, she was coming. The room quickly filled with doctors, nurses, interns, who else knows. Another massive, long, everything I had in me kinda push and the energy of the room shifted. Just moments later, our little lady was on my chest. Her eyes starting into mine. Her crying, filling the room. Our love, beyond words. She was here. She was finally here. 

She was here, she was finally here on July 11th, 2019 at 12:22AM, 7.7 pounds and 19 inches long after 41 weeks and 2 days, 24 hours of all natural labor, she was here. So healthy. So incredibly beautiful. 

We shared skin to skin for an hour. Then, her, Dan and the doctors went to the other side of the room. Weighting her, measuring her height, taking her footprints, giving her a vitamin K shot. Meanwhile, the nurse, cleaned me up. I looked at her and said, “You must really love your job as this is soooooo messy.” She smiled and said, “Yes, I do.” 

I got wheeled out of the room, Orion in my arms, Dan following behind with all the bags. We stopped so I could push the button, one in which sang a song throughout the whole hospital indicating another baby had been born. Into our recovery room for the next 36 hours as we acclimated as a family of three. Those days were blissful, they were confusing, they were so passionately new.

Early & active labor into birth 


1st two days of life in the hospital

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4/21/2020 0 Comments

How Can I Check-in with Myself?

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Just a few months after launching Ashley Strong Photography full time, I remember seeing this graph. It was a graph of the life of an entrepreneur. The reality, well that of excitement, then confusion, then I’ve got this, then a whole lot of who the hell am I kidding, what am I doing? The accuracy, well, I’d say 100%.

Over the years of being an entrepreneur, the accompanying emotions run the gamut. For this, it has been so incredibly important to both find a supportive daily ritual alongside check in points. Having a daily ritual, enables me to start the day, centering myself, filling my cup up so I can then spend the rest of the day helping fill up others. This, this in itself a whole separate, very in depth share.

The second aspect, are that of check-in moments.
What does a check in moment mean?
It simply means to check in!


Here’s how I do it…

1. Where am I right now, in my heart, mind and body?  

​Close your eyes for a few seconds to a few minutes. Begin focusing on your breathing, feeling your stomach expand as you inhale, feeling a full release as you exhale. I even like to put my right hand on my belly, my left hand on my check. After your moments or minutes, open your eyes. Begin in the circle that feels most intuitive. What do I feel right now in my heart? You can write words, phrases, draw pictures, whichever supports you in that very moment. Once you’ve completed, then move onto the follow two circles.

Once the circles are filled out, you then see that there are overlapping points.
Where are my heart and mind connected?
Where is my mind and body connected?
Where is my body and heart connected? 

Then, the center point, where do you see commonalities between all three, your heart, mind and body? 

Let this be a moment of check-in. Let this very realization bring you back to center. Maybe you notice you’re working too hard, too little. You need more time in nature, taking a yoga class or exercising. Maybe you’re so inspired and need to create space and time to put pen to paper. The answers, they will reveal themselves! 
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2. I ask myself, “Am I doing the best I can in this given moment?” 

A question like this can go a number of ways. Keep it simple and let it just be and yes or no. Expand upon it. Break it down into prominent categories in your life. 

Am I doing the best I can WITH MY BUSINESS at this given moment? 
Am I doing the best I can WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE at this given moment? 
Am I doing the best I can WITH HONORING MYSELF at this given moment? 
Am I doing the best I can WITH A WORK/LIFE BALANCE at this given moment? 
3. “Does it make me feel HEAVY or LIGHT?”

Oh, did I save the best for last? It really depends on the person and on the day! An old tool, of which I so sincerely wish I remember where this came from. Ask yourself, “Does it make me feel HEAVY or LIGHT?” 


Take a deep breath. Again, ask yourself wither something evokes a heaviness or lightness. As a deeper check-in, I really like to expand upon this. 

What does it look like?
I create two columns.
One heavy.
The other light.

​Instead of just looking at one particular situation, I look at where my life is. What am I doing that makes my feel heavy? What am I doing that makes me feel light? This in turns gives me a more clear insight into where my time is being spent. Because afterall, don’t we want to be doing more of what brings us joy, versus depletes us? 
​
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My friend, use one, two, maybe all three of these resources to bring greater light into where you are at this very moment! You'll be surprised how quickly you find your center! 
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4/21/2020 0 Comments

Inside Ashley's Reflections & Intentions

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My world, you see, is very intentional, filled with immense depths. 
Each day, a number or rituals are exchanged.
Some days, it's just one, maybe two and other days, it's all of the below mentioned! 
That of affirmations, I AM statements, meditations, nature walks,
tarot/oracle card pulling, reading, writing, intention/ goal setting, reflecting. 

Why am I sharing this? 
Because these very universal exchanges, have brought so much clarity, so much vibrancy, so much beauty into my very existence!
​ 
And my goodness, do I want to share it with all of you! 

​As we end another incredible year (or monumental time in our lives), I truly believe in not only setting intentions for the New Year (or what is to come), but honoring and reflecting on all that came this past year (or specific endeavor) as its so important celebrate all that has brought us to this very moment. 

Before you dive into these very universal exercise, get a notebook and pack of pens that inspire you! 
Then, take a moment to create a safe and sacred space. 
Light a candle and/or incense. 
Put on calming music. 
Sit down with your pen and paper. 
Before even beginning to write, close your eyes, 
place your left hand over your heart, your right hand over your belly. 
Take a deep inhalation as you fill up from the stomach, ribs, chest.
Pause. Then, slowly exhale, as you release from your chest, ribs, stomach. 
Take a minimum of three breaths like this. 
Pause for a few moments and when you're ready, open your eyes and begin!

​Enjoy and discover your very depths!
: Reflections & Intentions
  • After doing the above centering and breathing exercise, begin with your reflections.
  • Break them out into personal, relationship and professional.
  • Start writing without any hesitations all that has come to life! Once you're done, take a few moments to review each reflection and truly honor what you've accomplished!
  • Then, when you're ready, begin with your intentions!
  • I personally, break them into personal, relationship and professional!
  • There is no holding back on any of this. Let your heart and soul do the writing!

: Specific Goals & I Am Statements
  • Now, it's time for goals! What makes these different than the intentions that you just set? For me, the intentions are overarching, big picture. The goals, are specific. Inspired by Robert Holden's book, Authentic Success, he breaks goals into....
  1. Spiritual Goals (Visions and Values)
  2. Character Goals (Who Am I?)
  3. Achievement Goals (What do I want to do?)
  4. Acquisition Goals (What do I want to have?)
  5. Relationship Goals (How Should I be with others?)
  6. Destination Goals (Where do I want to end up?)
  7. Present-Time Goals (What is important today?)

  • From there, I take my intentions and specific goals and turn them into I AM statements (the diagram on the right, of which was inspired the incredible Donna Bond, whom hosted the women's retreat I went to at the end of 2018). This turns a serious of words, into a powerful, life affirming statement. That poster, then gets hung up in my office!

: Vision Board
  • Oh my friends, this one if one of my favorites, the vision board! This is a visual representations of your intentions, goals, manifestations, dreams, visions, you name it!
  • Grab all your magazines around the house, scissors, a glass of wine or tea and start flipping through. When you are inspired, cut that very inspiration out. Create a pile.
  • If you have specific manifestations that weren't in the magazines, go on Pinterest, search there or draw/write them yourself!
  • Then, get card stock or a poster board and begin arranging these elements into a visually appealing vision board that you can hang in a place you'll see everyday! It's incredible to watch as these very visuals come into reality!  

: Tarot Spread
  • Tarot/ Oracle cards are truly one of my biggest inspirations! They serve as clarification, reminders, gentle touches, rough nudges of what spirit is trying to communicate.
  • Although every deck carries about a different energy, as you put your energy into it, the meassages become more and more clear.
  • Some of my favorite decks :
  1. Sacred Rebels Oracle
  2. Whispers of Lord Ganesh
  3. Work Your Light Oracle Cards
  4. Keepers of Light Oracle Cards
  5. The Universe Has Your Back
  • What to do when you get a deck? Firstly, I cleanse the deck by lighting sage or an incense and swirling that around the deck. As I do that, I talk to the deck/ spirit asking for clear guidance and protection as I use them. Then, I hold the deck in my hands, ask them a clear question (ie: Universe, my guides, what message do I need today as I embark on this new adventure?), knock the deck three times and start to shuffle. As you shuffle, cards start to fall, some come flying out. Look at the name/number of the card and then fund that card in the guide book for an expanded meaning!
  • Specially, for the year of the year, I found this incredible NEW YEAR spread by Jess Carlson! With a specific spread, I ask an even more specific question. I will leave that up to your imagination!
  • Just breathe, and have SO MUCH FUN! ​
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4/21/2020 0 Comments

Where do you find your inspiration?

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The rain has lifted.
The sun is brightly shining.
The flowers are beginning to bloom.
The greenery from the long winter rains is endless, vibrant, all around in-your-face-do-you-see-how-amazing-life-truly-is?!? 


I light an incense, put on some meditation music, then pour my morning coffee, write my affirmations, pull my cards.
From there, it all depends on the sensations at hand. Some moments, it's on the couch in silence.
Others, it’s getting my running shoes on for a walk around the preserve behind my house.
Mornings, like today, it’s opening up the windows, the patio doors, turning off my meditation music and listening to the melodies all around us. 


Immediately, it is birds.
Birds of all sorts.
Singing. Squawking.
Their wings flapping.
The melodies grow, getting louder and more full.
Then, they soften, creating space for a new set of melodies to be birthed.
This, this is my inspiration.
That of nature. 


Nature, she is a goodness.
She is so incredibly intelligent.
She is filled with lessons.
With wisdom.
With knowledge.
She, she is a healer.

One card I pulled this morning, was that of grounding.
Connecting back to the source, to mother nature, to find, my natural rhythm, my equilibrium.
This, this doesn’t come as a surprise as these past few weeks have been jam packed. I mean jam packed.
When this happens, I am sure to leave space after the jam packedness ends to reconnect, ground, find that very center. 


But, how, how do I even do this?
After-all, how do I make the time for it, right?
Life is just so busy, so full, time just goes so quickly.
I know, I know, I get it, I get it. I say these very unsupportive phrases all too often.
The truth, that which is most important, we will make time for.
Even in the fullness, the busyness, the feeling of time slipping away.
You see, I’ve come to find, there is always time. Maybe it’s waiting a few hours before jumping on my email.
Maybe it’s not turning on the TV for a couple days.
​Maybe it’s keeping my phone in the room, the room I’m not in. Ouch. That kinda hurts, right? It kinda heals, my friend. Heals the soul. 


Inspiration, it is here, it is now, it is all around us.
Busyness, fullness, running out of time does not exist when inspiration is present.
Some ways to tap into that inspiration.
  1. Turn things off. Just be.
    1. Turn off the music. Turn off your phone. Turn off your computer. Turn off the TV.
  2. Keep a pen and paper close by
    1. When inspiration strikes, it strikes and my goodness, do you need to be ready.
  3. Switch things up
    1. Usually go for a run with headphones, try a walk with none.
    2. Usually go to the gym with loud music in your ears, go to the beach with your toes in the sand.
    3. Usually sit in a coffee shop, set up a blanket under a tree.
    4. Usually drink a beer, drink some tea  
  4. Use your resources
    1. What do I mean? Always have inspirational books and magazines in your space. Just open to a page, read one, maybe two, heck if you’re really feeling it, read a whole chapter. What you’re meant to get, you’ll get because after all the universe all provides that which you need at the time you need it most
  5. Honor YOU, exactly as you.
    1. Honor exactly who you are and where you are at this very time in your journey. ​

​Be blessed dear soul! 
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4/21/2020 0 Comments

Ashley Strong Photography: My First 5 Years in Business

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I count this time, not from when I started learning the ins and outs of wedding photography in 2010, rather when I wholeheartedly jumped into entrepreneurship to bring this deepened purpose into a whole new light, Ashley Strong Photography. In its initiation, I had no formal training, just five years of non-profit experience, an African history and marketing degree, inspiration from my travels from around the world and all the love, determination and immense need to share my purpose with the world.

I came back to the country after being away with all but $700 to my name. I had an old car that I joyfully relied on, parents that didn’t mind me inhabiting my childhood room and a massive knowingness that I needed to do this and I needed to do it now.

How was I even going to manage this?
I had been away for so long and before leaving, I had the whole 9-5, bi-weekly paycheck, healthcare, thing going on.
  1. I immediately updated my website. Turned my personal instagram page into business page. Revamped my business facebook page.

  2. From there, I created a flyer promoting 25% off all photography services if booked within the next three months. This, this served as my advertising.

  3. Then, it was time for email. I sent personal emails to all those souls I had documented before I left (when it was just a side hobby) as well as friends, family and old co-workers. I offered discounts to them and referral discounts to those they shared the information with. Although this generated news of me being back home and expanding on my photography, it did not bring any income.

  4. Next, I grabbed the San Diego and Orange County “Book of Lists.” This is a magazine put out early quarterly or yearly of all the non-profits, major donors, you name it in the county. I immediately started doing research. Anyone whose mission resonated with me went into a spreadsheet. Their name, website, contact phone and email. You better believe I cold called each and everyone of these souls. Yes, cold called. I introduced myself, hopefully with them on the other line, if not, on their answering machine. I then, immediately following up with an email linking it to all the important contact information.

  5. All the while, I reached out to all the photographers I had known to let them know I was in town and very interested in shadowing, assisting and second shooting. This, this was one of the smartest decisions I had made. Al though I got paid very little to shoot for other photographers, it taught me more than imaginable about my camera, clients, the wedding industry, you name it. I even sent emails to a few photographers I had never met before, but admired and followed their work. I’ll never forget sending an email to Laura Grier of Beautiful Day Photography. Within hours of sending the email, I received a phone call. It was Laura. She so excitedly said, “If you can get up to Napa in a few weekends, you can shadow/ shoot with me.” My heart dropped. Are you serious? A photographer of that caliber so willing, so able to invite me into her sphere. You better believe I went to Ross to buy a couple new outfits, got an oil change and drove up there exactly when she asked. Again, another one of the best decisions I could have made.

  6. From there, it was time to connect with other people. To spread the word. I immediately began research networking groups. Years ago, I had been invited to a group called NC25 in Encinitas. I still had the invite card. Not knowing if it even still existed, I showed up at the time, date and location in which is said meetings were held. The photography spot was open (as it was a category exclusive) networking group and the ladies welcomed me with open arms. At first, the $50 fee seemed like a lot, but as the months went on, the $50 investment began to double, then triple, then quadruple. Not only did I get the opportunity to share with so many ladies my business, but it gave me the change to work on my public speaking, presenting myself and my business. Ultimately, it served as a huge inspiration. Every Tuesday, I wanted to share something new, something exciting. And you better believe, every Tuesday I brought everything I had.

  7. From there, momentum started to build. I began getting enough emails to start a newsletter. I got asked to do all kinds of events, some paid, others for nearly nothing or nothing at all, but I took every possible one I could as it was a way to hand out a business card or two and get my name out there.

  8. Eventually, I had enough money to start advertising. I made the mistake of spending money on YELP. Friends, please DO NOT waste your time or money on this platform. That company, lacks any bit of ethics and customer service. Next, since I was getting into weddings, I advertised on Weddingwire. Although this brought in a few weddings, it didn’t feel like the right fit. After my year contract with them ran it’s course, I did some research and decided to give The Knot a try. I’ve been advertising with them since and although it doesn’t bring in leads, it does create an amazing online presence.

  9. This leads me into reviews. Over the past three years, I’ve won various awards. How did I do so? I emailed every client (not just once, not even just twice) and asked them to leave a review. This, this in itself is the best kind of marketing. It created credibility. It created a space for clients to leave feedback. I’ve been blessed for almost all my reviews, to be positive. But, you better believe I’ve gotten complaints over the years.

All of this happened in the first couple years. From there, what I did intensified. With in the past five years I’ve: 
  • Adopted a customer database where I create/send agreements 
  • Created a business plan 
  • Hired an office assistance 
  • Hired shooting assistance for wedding days 
  • Hired second shooters 
  • Upgraded all my equipment 
  • Creating robust internal systems 
  • Co-authored a book 
  • Hosted a Cultural Art Show 
  • Intentionally collaborated with other photographers and souls within the industry 
  • Thorough committed to personal development 

In addition, here are year by year accomplishments that reflect some of the previously mentioned work: 
2015 Accomplishments 
  1. April 5th, 2015 - with $700 to my name and living at my parents house, I launched ASP as a all encompassing business 
  2. Documented 62 sessions 
  3. Documented 5 weddings 
  4. Lived in Cape Town, South Africa for 3 months 
  5. December - Daniel Sean Smith proposed to me at Creation Winery in Cape Town, South Africa 

2016 Accomplishments 
  1. February 2016 - Documented my first international wedding in Cancun Mexico 
  2. October - Documented my first destination wedding in the U.S. 
  3. Lived in Cape Town, South Africa for 3 months 
  4. November - my fiance’s fiance was finally approved after three years to immigrate to the U.S. 
  5. Documented 85 sessions 
  6. Documented 10 weddings 

2017 Accomplishments 
  1. January 21st, 2017 married my sweet hubs 
  2. March 2017 - Hired my first office magician, Angie
  3. Documented 109 sessions 
  4. Documented 25 weddings 
  5. Won 2017 Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
  6. Won 2017 People Love Us on Yelp Award 
  7. Rebranded with new logo and website 
  8. Added a tagline “Photography Connections & Time Capsule Creation 
  9. Co-Authored a book with 5 other ladies - “In Her Shoes”

2018 Accomplishments 
  1. Documented 120 sessions 
  2. Documented 15 weddings 
  3. Published in print for the first time - Ceremony Magazine 
  4. Won 2018 Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
  5. Redefined brand - Love. Life. Culture 
  6. March 2018 - held first ever ASP Cultural Art Show (huge success) 
  7. Photographed biggest lifestyle shoot ever for Nordstrom
  8. Became a Corporation- Strong Smith, Inc. in September of 2018

2019 Accomplishments 
  1. Documented 66 sessions 
  2. Documented 12 weddings 
  3. Won 2019 The Knot Award
  4. Won 2019 Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
  5. March : Launched a monthly gathering of women at my house, Sisterhood Circle 
  6. April : hired a wedding editor 
  7. April :  hired a wedding associate and magical content creator 
  8. Took 3 months off to welcome my little lady 
  9. July 11th : My daughter Orion was born after 24 hours of an all natural labor 
  10. September - hired a bookkeeper 

2020 Accomplishments (and counting) 
  1. Won 2020 Couples Choice Award (Wedding Wire) 
  2. New tagline : Documenting love, spreading love. 
  3. Created first merchandise - reusable canvas bags 
  4. April - celebrated FIVE years in business with my first ever video series 
  5. April - experienced first pandemic - COVID -19 (Corona Virus) ​
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Ashley Strong Smith // Strong Smith, Inc. 
​760.500.2829
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