A Moment of Gratitude
Sometimes life gives you a moment that makes you pause and think, wait… did that really just happen?
Recently, I had one of those moments when I discovered that my work had been featured by She Shoots Magazine in their Woman Behind the Lens spotlight.
For those who may not know, She Shoots Magazine highlights women photographers and the stories behind their work. It’s a space that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the unique perspectives women bring to photography. So to find myself included among so many talented photographers was incredibly humbling.
After the initial surprise, I reached out to the editor to say thank you, and that’s when I learned that the feature was also included in Volume 27 of the magazine.
As a photographer, moments like this feel surreal. Photography has always been more than just taking pictures for me. It’s about preserving memories, telling stories, and capturing the quiet beauty that exists in everyday life.
Some of my favorite moments behind the camera are the ones that happen in between the poses — a child laughing, a mother holding her baby just a little tighter, siblings whispering to each other when they think no one is watching. Those are the moments that matter most.
Being recognized for the work I love to do is something I’m deeply grateful for.
Right now things are a little tight financially, so I haven’t been able to purchase the physical copy of the issue yet. But someday, when things aren’t quite so stretched, I would love to have a copy to frame in the studio. It would be a special reminder of this moment and of the journey that brought me here.
For now, I’m simply thankful. Thankful for the families who trust me with their memories. Thankful for the opportunity to keep creating. And thankful for the unexpected moments that remind us we’re on the right path. If you'd like to see the issue, you can view She Shoots Magazine Volume 27 here: https://www.sheshootsmag.com/thearchive/p/volume27
And to everyone who has supported my photography over the years — thank you. Truly. You are the reason this work means so much.
— Ashley
Rafferty & Grace Photography.
