Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Podolak.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my first camera when I was around 16 years old. I’ve always loved taking pictures and capturing moments the way they really were. I’ve always been a firm believer in capturing everything, because you never know when it might be the last time you get to experience that moment, or when that photo might be all you have left of a person or a memory. I also love being able to create visual stories through photographs.
I started out just taking pictures of my friends, our travels, and my animals. After a while, I realized how much I truly loved photography and that I wanted to turn it into more than just a hobby. I started having a few clients who wanted photos, but I didn’t fully get into the business side of things until around 2018.
At first, I called my business CTW.Photography.AP, which stood for Capture The World Photography by Ashley Podolak. A few years later, I decided I wanted to fully break into the photography business and rebrand myself. I didn’t feel like my old name really fit what I wanted for my business anymore. I wanted people to know who was actually behind the camera. No one really knew what the old name stood for or who was taking the photos, and I didn’t want to feel hidden behind a business name.
I started booking clients mostly through Instagram and Facebook, and I only made my website within the last year. Getting to where I am today has definitely had its share of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I only plan to continue growing my business and turning it into the dream I’ve always pictured for myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest struggles for me has always been comparing myself to other photographers and their work. Especially with social media, I don’t think likes and followers always show the true value of someone’s work. There are so many incredibly talented photographers who work so hard and create beautiful things, but may not have thousands of followers or hundreds of likes. It can be really easy to look at someone else’s success online and wonder why you aren’t at that same place yet.
I’ve definitely doubted myself, felt like an imposter, and thought about giving up on multiple occasions.
Photography has always been something I genuinely wanted to pursue and something I’ve always enjoyed, so I never did give up. And honestly, I’m so glad I didn’t. I’ve had so many incredible opportunities through photography that never would have happened if I had walked away.
Another struggle has been learning how to market myself and put myself out there. I think that can be one of the hardest parts of owning a creative business because you’re not only creating the work, you also have to learn how to sell yourself and get people to see it.
There is also just so much to learn in the world of photography, especially when you’re first starting out. There are always new things to learn, whether it’s the photography itself, editing, business, marketing, or working with clients. It can definitely feel overwhelming at times, but I think that’s also part of what makes it so rewarding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wouldn’t say I specialize in just one thing. I never want to limit myself to one type of photography because I think that can take away from so many other opportunities and experiences you could have.
I will say that I photograph couples and do portrait and studio sessions more than anything else, but I really enjoy being able to photograph a little bit of everything.
What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown and the fact that I’ve never given up on something I’m so passionate about. I’ve also had the opportunity to be published in three different magazines, which is something I’m really proud of.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t have one specific niche or style that I stick to. When you look through my work, it’s not just couples or portraits. It’s life. It’s someone’s special day, the love they have for their family, a fun and creative studio session, or even a car that someone has worked on for years and finally gets to show the world.
I love that photography allows me to tell so many different stories. I don’t want to only photograph one type of person, one type of session, or one type of moment. I want to be there to capture whatever is important to someone and turn it into something they can look back on for years.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve never really thought about risk-taking that much, but I do believe it’s important sometimes. It’s great to be comfortable with what you’re doing and the style you’ve created for yourself, but I also think it’s important to take risks and try things that scare you. You don’t necessarily grow if you always stay comfortable.
I’ve definitely taken risks throughout my life and with my photography. Sometimes they’ve worked out and sometimes they haven’t, but I’ve learned something from both.
There is also absolutely nothing wrong with choosing not to take a risk. I just know that if I didn’t take certain risks and step outside of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t be where I am today, in any aspect of my life not just photography.
I think sometimes you just have to be willing to take that chance and see where it takes you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleypodolakphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleypodolakphotography/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Ashleypodolakphotography
