I was able to meet baby Megan when she was just a week old and it was pure joy.
Many smiles. Ashley.
What makes me, me? Well. My life is shared with my husband, Brian, four dogs, one cat and two horses. Oh and throw a few chickens into the mix. Whew, what a mouthful. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I am a small town girl. I feel lucky to live in such a beautiful state, Michigan. I heart all things rustic and furry. Simple things make me smile. I love spontaneity and wish I were better at it. Real moments in life, to me, are special. Nature is special. People are special, each being unique. Being able to see the beauty in the small things has allowed me to become a better photographer. I am inspired daily. Photography gives me the opportunity to bring out an individuals uniqueness, creating a story. It is about true life moments that show personality and emotion. It is about capturing nature in all of its elements.
My approach on photography tends to be a more casual, documentary style. I shoot on location and use natural light whenever possible. I like honey tones and vintage washes. I love smiles and giggles, serious stares and raw emotion.
I also love wagging tails, furry paws and slobbery toys.
I'm happy. I am blessed. I love what I do.
I was able to meet baby Megan when she was just a week old and it was pure joy.
Many smiles. Ashley.
- I love how you framed this... pure sweetness. :)
- This is amazing. Beauty -full. Totally awesome. and I really like it :)
- CUTE CUTE CUTE! She has gorgeous eyes1
- Pure, pure beauty in raw form.... when you look at that little face trying to figure out her new world, it is just glorious.
- wow - gorgeous photo!
- So innocent....
- The is an amazing portrait of pure innocence. Fantastic work Ashley!
- AWE! What a great pic ashley!!!
- What a cute little girl!
- Oh my what a dear! Seriously so sweet!!
I couldn’t think of a sweeter thing when a couples just because session turns into a surprise engagement.
Many smiles. Ashley.
- How sweet!!
- Awhhhhhh how sweet!!! And how awesome that you got to capture that for them!
- Aw! How perfect! Good job, Matthew! ;)
- I've been a fan of your photography and have followed your blog for awhile but haven't commented until right now. I just have to say that it is a moment like this that is a photographer's dream. What a gift to be able to be right there when that happens... ohhh, how perfect! I love your photos, and your post processing. Serioulsy - Love. It.
- Oh, how sweet! And what an honor to be there to capture that!!
- What a great moment for you to be able to capture for them. They will treasure these photos forever! Beautiful.
- AWESOME!!!!! She must have been in shock! And how romantic of him!
- what a great idea!! That is so wonderful to be able to capture that moment...
- Ashley, These are so beautiful! I loved working with you, as you are a pleasure, and I am so thankful that you were there to capture this special moment in our lives. I can't wait to see more.
- This is just TOO COOL! :D What a creative idea!

Winter in Michigan can be chilly. When I met Heather and Nick in downtown Grand Rapids for their engagement session it was one of those days. Heather stepped out of the car with balloons and I instantly knew the winter chill was gone. Their love was something sweet. Congratulations again on your engagement and upcoming September wedding.


Many smiles. Ashley.
- Really cute. Love the simplicity.
- Love them! :)
- Thank you x 7238437942!! :)
- sweet session & i just love the balloons! :)
- Aww! Adorable couple! You captured them well!
- The balloons instantly say "HAPPY happy happy!"..don't they?

Celebrating the birth of a newborn is something special. Celebrating the birth of our new niece made it just that much more. I love sessions when they involve family. Baby Natalie was brought into the world a few days after the new year. She was born with a head full of dark hair, blue eyes and the most perfectly pink cheeks. Adorable! I was so excited when Rachel called me just a few days after Natalie’s birth for pictures. I loved watching Phil and Rachel interact with their new daughter. It was so natural. Phil’s gentle touch calmed Natalie. She knew the voice of her mother.
And to baby Natalie – “even though I tell you every time I see you, your Uncle Brian and Aunt Ashley love you very much!”





Many smiles. Ashley.
- So adorable! :) Love the last shot! And she has quite a bit of hair, that one!
- Oh I love the snuggly face with the paci :) and her eyes in that last one are stunning - what a beautiful new niece you have! Congrats!
- Oooooooo, couldn't you just gobble her up??? They change so quickly at that age...I bet you will have to take several photo sessions of her. She is adorable!!
- I love the last one...what a cutie!
- I love that last image. So, so cute. Her eyes & hair are SO cute!
- SO cute! :) Love the hair, how adorable is she??! :)
- So so so so beautiful!
A couple Saturday’s ago, I spent the morning with a birthday girl. Happy Birthday little Miss Ava! She is precious, so sweet, inquisitive, full of energy and just turning one. When her mother, Sarrah, had first contacted me I completely smitten when the idea of a little tutu was brought up. We started off in Ava’s room. It was a perfect compliment with her tutu and little leggings. She quickly warmed up and was fascinated by seeing herself in my display screen. The weather ended up cooperating perfectly and we were able to head outside. I LOVE when bright colors are able to pop off the snow and trees. Miss Ava loved the snow. She sat in it. She picked it up. She kicked it with her little boot.
Some of my favorites.











Many smiles. Ashley.
- Great Job Ashley! I love them! Thanks so much!!! XOXO
- Gorgeous photographs, Ashley! Of course the photographs in the snow are perfect, but there's something about the very first one too :) Adorable.
- She is ADORABLE! :) Love her outfits too.
- Ooooo, the one where she has her hood up and she is sitting on the sideways sled??? LUV!!! and the ones of her little crocheted hat and poncho! Gosh. Do you pick the outfits or do the parents?????
- The big black and white one cracks me up, she looks like Albert Einstein with that hair!!!
- awhhhh what a cutie pie!! These are ADORABLE, Ashley!!!
- So cute! I love the shots of her in front of her crib with all the pink!
- Beautiful pictures!!
- She is soooo cute! Seriously. I love her little knit cape, so so so cute! :)
- Oh wow. I am loving this set. The first ones are my favorite!!! Love your processing girl!
- These are Beautiful Ashley!!! I love them all. She is such a cutie pie and I really love her polka dot outfit. Oh, and the first photo is my FAVE! :)
- Look at those adorable little cheeks. Eek. Too cute!!
- Aww, what a cutie!
- I love these! She is in her own little world. I'm loving the ones of her flipping through her book and her in her knitted hat and shawl. ADORABLE! Well done Ashley!
- Love the photos in the snow with the sled--and the tight black and white in the knitted outfit. Wow!
by ashley folkema
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