How I design Custom Fine Art Portrait Sessions

(and what that actually means)


I feel like this is one of those things people don’t always see behind the scenes. Because from the outside, it probably just looks like you show up, I take pictures, and that’s it. But that’s honestly not how this works at all; and I think it’s one of the most important parts of what I do.


Most of the time, a mom will reach out and say something like, “I love your work, I don’t fully know what I want yet, but I know I want something beautiful.” And that’s perfect. From there, we start talking about your kids, your style, what you’re drawn to. Sometimes it’s really clear, like loving all things floral and feminine, and sometimes it’s more just a feeling you’re trying to put into words. I also have a lot of people send me past sessions of mine that they love, and that gives me a really good starting point.


From there, I start building ideas. This is where it gets fun. Whether it’s a soft floral session for sisters or a tween boy who’s into gaming and computers, I’ll start putting together vision boards and mockups. Because the truth is, most people don’t fully know what they want until they can actually see it. So I’ll send over ideas, and we go back and forth a bit, tweaking things, adjusting, refining, until it feels right. And the whole time, yes, I’m guiding you, but you’re still leading it. It’s your vision. I’m just helping bring it to life.


Inspiration for me can come from literally anything. I’m not even kidding. Colors, textures, seasons, but also the most random things like jewels, bugs, patterns, little details that just stick with me. Sometimes a client comes in with a clear idea, sometimes I have something I’ve been wanting to create, and most of the time it ends up being a mix of both.

This is definitely not a “show up and shoot” kind of session.


There’s a lot that goes into this before you ever step into the studio. I’m planning backgrounds, and a lot of times even creating them. I’m choosing tones and colors, figuring out lighting (which is a big one for me), and mentally walking through how everything is going to come together. I love building in subtle details too, things you might not even notice right away. Like in one session, I created a soft, painterly floral background, but hidden inside it was the shape of a woman watching over the girls. Not obvious, just enough that you kind of question it. Those little details are my favorite.


If I’m doing my job right, the experience for you feels easy. That’s always the goal. One of my recent clients said it best, that the entire process felt easy and enjoyable and that they loved every single image. That’s exactly what I want for you. You don’t have to know how to pose, you don’t have to have everything figured out. I guide you through all of it.

At the end of it all, you’re not just walking away with photos. You’re walking away with something that actually means something. Something that feels like your child, your moment, your story. Something you’ll look back on later and recognize exactly who they were in that stage of life.


I’m based in Northeast Ohio, serving Cleveland, Lorain, and the surrounding areas, and I do travel when I can. So if you’ve been looking for a Cleveland or Lorain child photographer but want something a little more custom and creative, that’s kind of where I come in.


And if you’re still in that “I don’t really know what I want yet” stage… honestly, that’s my favorite place to start.

You can reach out anytime, and we’ll start building something together.


XOXO, ASHLEY!