Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Taylor.
Hi Ashleigh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity, storytelling, and the arts. Before photography, my passion was theater and filmmaking. I earned a degree in film and initially planned to work in the entertainment industry, but I quickly realized that the reality of the industry wasn’t quite what I had imagined.
Around the same time I was planning my own wedding and researching photographers. It struck me that photography combined so many of the things I loved: storytelling, creativity, working with people, and creating something meaningful. Since I already had a minor in photography, I decided to take a chance and start a wedding photography business.
After several years photographing weddings, I began to feel creatively pulled in a different direction. One of my wedding clients asked if I would create a boudoir session for her, and I absolutely loved the experience. That led me to open a studio and begin specializing in portrait photography.
What I discovered was that my real passion wasn’t just boudoir—it was creating beautiful, fashion-inspired portraits that make everyday people feel extraordinary. I’ve always been inspired by magazine editorials, celebrity portraiture, and iconic fashion imagery. I loved the idea of giving women the same experience usually reserved for celebrities and models: a day where they can feel confident, glamorous, and fully seen.
Over time, that vision expanded beyond boudoir into the portrait studio I run today. Whether I’m photographing a business owner building her brand, a mother and daughter celebrating their relationship, a woman wanting to reconnect with her confidence, or someone simply wanting a beautiful portrait of herself, my goal is always the same: to create images that help people see themselves at their very best.
More than 15 years later, I still feel incredibly grateful that I get to combine creativity, connection, and storytelling while helping people celebrate who they are and this chapter of their lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, there have been plenty of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest struggles was learning that being a great photographer and running a successful photography business are two very different skill sets. In the beginning, I had to learn everything from marketing and sales to pricing, client experience, bookkeeping, and leadership. There were many moments where I felt like I was figuring things out as I went.
There were also periods of self-doubt. Nearly every major breakthrough in my business happened before I felt fully ready for it. Investing in education, opening a studio, raising my prices, speaking on stages, creating courses, and pursuing bigger opportunities all felt intimidating at the time. Looking back, I’ve realized that confidence usually comes after taking action, not before.
The photography industry itself has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. Technology, social media, consumer behavior, and marketing platforms are constantly evolving, so staying relevant requires a willingness to adapt and keep learning.
Like many business owners, I’ve also experienced disappointments and setbacks. Not every idea has worked, and not every project has gone according to plan. But I’ve found that some of my most valuable lessons have come from those difficult experiences.
What has kept me going is my love for the work itself. I still get excited about creating beautiful images, connecting with people, and helping clients see themselves in a new way. That passion has carried me through the challenging seasons and continues to inspire me today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a portrait photographer, educator, and speaker based in Santa Barbara, California. My studio specializes in creating fashion-inspired, editorial portraits for everyday people. While many of my clients are women, I photograph a wide variety of subjects, including personal branding, headshots, boudoir, maternity, family portraits, and destination portrait sessions.
What ties all of my work together is the experience. Most of my clients are not professional models and often arrive feeling nervous about being in front of the camera. My job is to guide them through every step of the process—from wardrobe planning and styling to posing and expression—so they can relax and enjoy the experience. By the end of the session, many clients tell me they feel more confident than when they arrived.
I think what sets me apart is my combination of technical expertise, creativity, and ability to connect with people. Creating a beautiful portrait isn’t just about lighting and camera settings; it’s about helping someone feel comfortable enough to be seen. I love getting to know my clients and creating images that reflect who they are, whether that’s powerful, glamorous, playful, sophisticated, or deeply personal.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to earn industry recognition through international photography competitions, speaking engagements, and educational opportunities. I’ve taught at major photography conferences, created courses for photographers, and been recognized for my work by organizations within the portrait photography industry.
That said, what I’m most proud of isn’t an award or a title. It’s the impact the experience has on my clients. Some come to celebrate a milestone, others are building a business, and some are rediscovering their confidence after a difficult season of life. Knowing that an image I create can help someone see themselves differently—or remember their own strength and beauty—is the most meaningful part of what I do.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can work with me.
For clients, I offer custom portrait experiences through my Santa Barbara studio and on location. Whether you’re looking for personal branding images, professional headshots, boudoir portraits, family portraits, maternity photography, or simply want to celebrate yourself with a fashion-inspired portrait session, I’d love to help create something meaningful and memorable.
I also offer destination portrait sessions in select locations throughout the year, giving clients the opportunity to combine travel with a one-of-a-kind photography experience.
For photographers, I provide education, mentorship, workshops, and speaking engagements focused on building a successful portrait photography business. I enjoy helping photographers strengthen both their craft and their marketing so they can create sustainable, profitable businesses doing work they love.
The best way to support my work is check out my website ashleightaylorportrait.com, or to follow along on social media (@ashleightaylorportrait), share my work with friends and family who may be looking for a photographer, attend one of my workshops or speaking engagements, or simply reach out if you think we’d be a good fit to collaborate. Some of my favorite opportunities have come from conversations and connections that started unexpectedly.
You can learn more about my work, see my portfolio, and get in touch through my website. I always love connecting with new clients, creatives, and collaborators.
Pricing:
- Signature Sessions with Hair & Makeup begin at $2500
- Destination shoots begin at $5000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleightaylorportrait.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleightaylorportrait
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-taylor-henning-36213217a/
