Meet Ashley Florence of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Florence.

Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Ashley, a family and wedding photographer with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and a military spouse who’s been fortunate to experience different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. But my story really started when I was 17—just a high school senior with a pre-loved digital camera and a growing love for capturing life as it unfolded around me. I began photographing while building a small but powerful community of girls who supported and lifted one another up. That experience showed me early on how photography could be more than just pictures—it could be connection, empowerment, and storytelling.

As I entered college, my focus shifted and I began to branch into weddings. That transition came naturally, as I found myself increasingly drawn to the real, fleeting, emotional moments that unfold during life’s biggest celebrations. In 2022, I married my husband, who was stationed in Japan with the military. We spent the next two years mostly apart—navigating long-distance marriage, supporting his transition out of service, and prioritizing the foundation of our future family. Those years deepened my appreciation for time, for sacrifice, and for the beauty in everyday connection.

Inspired by community, nostalgia, travel, and landscapes, I see photography as a way to honor human stories—both big and small. It’s always been about documenting candidly and meaningfully, anticipating shared moments and unspoken emotions so that the memories we create together stand the test of time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles—juggling college coursework while trying to grow a photography business, navigating the uncertainty of COVID during such foundational years of my career, and pressing pause on everything to spend six incredibly important months in Japan with my husband while he was stationed overseas.

That time away from my business was both a sacrifice and a gift. Stepping back wasn’t easy, but it reminded me why I started in the first place. Life moves fast—people grow, change, and sometimes drift. Photos are a way of holding on to the little things: the way someone looks at you, the laughter in a shared moment, the feeling of being home with the people you love. Every struggle I’ve faced has deepened my appreciation for the work I do and the memories I get to preserve for others.

I’ve learned that photography is more than a job—it’s a way of honoring where we’ve been and who we’ve become. That truth has carried me through every season of uncertainty.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a storyteller. I specialize in photographing weddings, families, and the everyday moments in between—those fleeting, tender, unscripted pieces of life that often matter most. My approach is rooted in connection: your moments should be celebrated, not just captured. That’s why I focus on creating a space where you can be effortlessly present with the people you love, knowing your story is being documented with intention.

I’m known for my ability to blend into a moment, anticipating genuine connections as they unfold and letting those shared experiences take center stage. What sets my work apart is the intentional way I photograph people. It’s not about posing for the perfect shot—it’s about creating an experience that feels natural, meaningful, and real. I want my clients to look back on their photos and remember not just how they looked, but how they felt.

I’m most proud of the trust people place in me to tell their stories. Being able to document cherished moments in time is a privilege I hold dear. The willingness to invite me into their lives and allowing me to be part of these significant occasions has been the biggest honor. It’s the trust, connection, and shared experiences that make my job truly rewarding.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is knowing when to pause—and giving myself permission to be in the moment, not just document it. As a lifelong perfectionist and chronic overthinker, I’ve always pushed myself to keep going, to do things “right,” and to never fall behind. But that mindset often held me back more than it moved me forward.

Marrying my husband and traveling overseas alone to spend time with him while he was stationed in Japan taught me the value of slowing down. Pressing pause on my business for six months wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It reminded me that life is happening now, and it’s okay to choose presence over productivity.

I’m still learning this lesson in my mid-twenties—learning to give myself grace, to trust the timing of things, and to understand that rest and stillness are not signs of failure, but of growth. And that same belief now informs the way I approach photography: some of the most meaningful moments happen when we simply let go and live.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashleyflorencephoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyflorencephoto/