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.    

andrea – children’s lifestyle photographer


I have a confession.  This past Monday I became a bit antsy.  I didn’t have sessions to edit.  No galleries to upload.  With the beautiful sun, inspiration began.  This winter, sunny days have been so far and few in-between and I wanted to take advantage.  There were a few new ideas I had been wanting to try.  I called my neighbor Sarah and asked if her daughter, Andrea, would want to come and spend a couple of hours with me.  In the past year, Brian and I have come to know and adore Andrea.  One, she is the most kind hearted six year old you will meet.  Two, her imagination captivates you .  Three, life is just that much more smiley when she is around.  And four, Brian and I love her to pieces.  She is super sweet.  She takes in every word you say, then studies it.  And just when you are least expecting it, fills your heart with that much more joy.

I enjoyed our afternoon.  An old school desk.  Goodnight Moon.  Vintage suitcases.  A worn down cornfield.  And shaded pines.

Andrea loved my scarf.  And my pink hat.

There wasn’t a more happier moment than when we climbed back into the car and Andrea whispers “Ashley, this was a lot of fun, thank you.”  My heart turned to mush.  On Monday afternoon, I again remembered why photography makes me feel so good.  Why I absolutely love when nature becomes my surroundings for a session.  And the truly magical gift children can bring into photography.  I am grateful.

Many smiles.  Ashley.

by ashley folkema

10 comments

LauraRad - The one of her squeezing her eyes shut and showing her missing teeth real big just KILLS me! That is one of the neatest photos I’ve EVER seen. Absolutely LOVE it. Like I commented before – you’re props are so cool. Did you make that great scarf? I’m dabbling in knitting and crochetting but… let’s put it this way – I have a long way to go…

s h e r r y - Cuteness! <3 Love her bangs, and her missing front teeth. They are SO cute at that age.

mary - AAbsolutely beautiful, Andrea is a doll and so beautifully captured. Wonderful again sweetie

Heather - Awww! How awesome. :)

DVMsWife - So sweet Ashley! Wow, amazing. I am in love with these. Love your post processing. I bet her mom is ready to make an order of these! so fun to have a willing model too!

Christina - I love that one with her mouth open and eyes closed!

Sean - What a cuite! Maybe the most adorable to ever come across your blog!

Love everything about this. Talk about INCREDIBLE light, oh my goodness!
So enjoyed your words too, Ashley. You write as well as you photograph.

The Retired One - My favorites are the cornfield one and that adorable closeup of the last shot…but as usual, I love them all, Ashley!

Emily - How adorable!!! These are just precious!

Allison Cameron - wow – love the desk! Awesome photos!

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