Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Kaye.
Hi Ashlee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began all the way back in high school when I bought my very first ever digital camera – A Canon Rebel XT. You can even see me holding that camera in my senior photos. I fell in love with the art of capturing the moments of the everyday. The intimate in between candids that paused time on a single moment that could be viewed again and again. Fast forward to adulthood and I had been working at a bank for several years. The mundane repetition of everyday always being so stressful finally got to me and I knew I needed a new hobby to decompress. I decided that if I was going to pursue a career I loved that there was no time like the present. So, I bought a camera and on the weekends I started doing family sessions, couple sessions, and anything I could to get better and reach my goals of being a full time photographer. Finally the day came when I could sit down and say “I am making the same amount of money and working less hours taking photos than I do at the bank, so I quit my job. That was the scariest thing I had ever done. I had been there almost 10 years. I had benefits, security, and consistency However, I knew that my mental health couldn’t take it anymore. Quitting was the best thing I ever did for myself. It opened my schedule and so many new doors for me. Fast forward 4 years later as a full time photographer and I have lived such a full life. I have traveled to Italy, all over the US, I have shot weddings in several states now and have had clients travel to me from all over the country. Looking back on everything I have ever been through has been so worth it and I would do it over and over again given the option.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The first year was a huge learning curve. I was still working at the bank 40 hours a week while also working almost 40 hours a week between shooting and editing. I dont think I ever slept more than a few hours a night when I first started out. Once I quit my job at the bank and my schedule opened up more, I got to the point where I wasn’t killing myself everyday to meet deadlines and goals. It took me a while to figure out how to run a business. Taxes Insurances, advertising– its all a lot to learn. But If I am anything, its a dreamer who goes after what she wants. And I did.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think I am most known for my vibrant true to color editing style. I use off camera flash, which definitely adds so much dimension to a photograph. I think I might be one of the only photographers in my local area that does that. When I show up to a session I have a big battery pack I can take with me to to the middle of a field, the base of a waterfall or wherever we are shooting at so I can plug in all of my equipment to use. It takes a little extra time to set up, but it is absolutely worth it and you can tell the difference in the end results. I also have shifted my style to be more candid and documentary over posing. I like to give my clients prompts on things to do and Ill shoot those actions. It just seems more natural and flowy vs “stand here, look here, say cheese” haha.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m not just a photographer. I am a full-blown nostalgic soul with a wild love for capturing the in-between — the messy, magical, soul-filled moments that make life unforgettable. With my heart rooted in a love of history, a mind full of color and chaos, and a deep reverence for both the sacred and the silly, I’ve made it my life’s work to create images that make you feel good. That when you look at them you can’t help but have an overwhelming sense of joy — intimate, timeless, and full of life.
Whether I’m photographing a wedding during golden hour or helping someone see themselves clearly for the first time, my goal is always the same–To celebrate your story in its truest form. To help you feel seen, safe, and just free. Free from judgement, free from worry and stress. I want you to look at yourself in a way you never have before and feel all the feels.
If you’re into vintage vibes, cosmic energy, soulful storytelling, documentary style, and heirloom-worthy visuals — you’ve just found your photographer.
Pricing:
- Lifestyle sessions start at $250
- Boudoir starts at $350
- Branding starts at $300
- Weddings start at $1250
- I also offer payment plans like klarna, affirm etc if needed
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.solsticeandstardust.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolsticeandStardust/
