ashley folkema photography bio picture
  • about me

    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.  Being able to see the beauty in the small things has allowed me to become a better photographer.  I am inspired daily.  

    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.    

a sunday blessing

A few Sunday’s ago, I awoke to a layer of frost covering the outside world.  It was still early, but I tugged at Brian’s arm.  I grabbed my camera, car keys and poured two cups of coffee.  We are fortunate to live right around the corner from dirt roads and farm fields.  I was delighted to see frost clinging to everything.  Fence posts, wire and tall grasses.  The crisp morning air felt great.

DSC_3586-Edit

I love mornings like this.  It felt amazing to just be.  No emails.  No editing.  No facebook.  No where to rush off to.  For the past few months, outside of our day jobs, Brian has been busy helping the neighbor’s construct a new pole barn and been out in the woods.  I have been busy with my business.  I feel truly blessed that my photography has taken off like it has.  I must admit, faster than thought.  To my clients, thank you!  You all are amazing.  It is such a joy getting to know and work with you.  To my family and friends, your support means the world to me!  And to Brian, thank you for helping me chase my dream!

DSC_3589-Edit

With all of this, comes learning how to mesh everything together.  Navigating the hours in my day.  And at times it has been hard.  But I have come to realize that not everything needs to be done overnight.  I have learned to breath.  To take the time.  For myself.  For Brian.  For my clients.  So I am able to give by best.  I am so thankful for the families, children, seniors and brides I have already worked with.  And I am so exited for those in my future.  It is going to be great! :)

Many smiles.  Ashley.

by ashley folkema

9 comments

Jon Murphy - Hey Ashley,
It’s been awhile and I should be working right now but I just had to check out the pics and felt compelled to let you know that they are amazing and I can’t wait to see your winter pictures. I love your style and I’m sure that if we get an ice storm you will have pictures that just put people in awe.
Even more, I love the attitude and outlook you have on life. It’s reflected in the pictures you take and the ones that you choose to share with everyone else. I’m sure that you are rubbing off on those that follow you and your photography. Keep it up!!

Brianna Phelan - Oohh beautiful. Love the lighting and the colouring. The last shot is my favourite :)

Suki - Hey Ashley,
I am so happy for you, you chasing your dream! There will be lots and lots of people you take beautiful pictures of.
It’s going to be perfect! Love the nature shots.

DVMsWife - I think you and I were out on the same morning! It is refreshing isn’t it? I kept hearing myself say, “The early bird gets the worm”. In other words rising early captures those beautiful morning pictures.
I think your photography has really blossomed and you have found your true niche in what you want to do. Your passion clearly shows in each and every picture. That is what being a true photographer really means.

Sean - I love a post like this Ashley, I love the peace that is your writing and photography. Seriously glorious.

Nicki - These are so beautiful! I can almost feel the cold morning air. I grew up in the country, and miss it so much…hopefully in a few years!

The Retired One - I am so happy for you. You have a great talent and I am glad you found out about it and are nurturing it within yourself. I always enjoy your photographs and I am so glad you are making a living at it.
I hope to see what I can do with some of my nature photography soon too. I would love to hear how you went about selling some of your photos that are not of people sometime.

Cathy Clementz - Great shots!! This is the first time I’ve had a chance to catch up with everyone! No frost where we are!! 80 degrees yesterday and high of 68 today!

Alexandra - Loving these photos!!

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*

There was an error submitting your comment. Please try again.