I want to begin by thanking my fellow Yelpers for such detailed reviews! This is how I found and selected Ashley Blake Photography!
My parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this last October - I wanted to capture the magic with a special family photo session. Digital photographers in Arizona are a dime-a-dozen. The trick is to find a creative soul, that produces artistic images, which stand the test of multiple generations yet to come.
I have a sentimental and romantic streak in me; I sought to joyfully commemorate and give my parents lasting memories of the event. It was also the PERFECT time to take family photos!
Initially I emailed 15 other photographers; Ashley was the FIRST to reply, within about 20-25 mins! I looked at her website, read her biography, then viewed the photo galleries. I respected her training and dug her vibe.
After Ashley and I talked, I happily offered to pay her a decent deposit. I personally believe in paying deposits because 1) It shows you're serious and 2) Gives the vendor some "working capital" to put toward your project/event. (People that don't like paying deposits, in my opinion, tend to be flaky, not at all serious and inconsiderate).
Ashley is REALLY easy to work with - you can tell she LOVES what she does! I sent her some ideas with regard to poses I wanted; she appreciated them. Ashley took my ideas, gave some input the day of the session, and it all worked marvelously! Her rates are fair, and she makes it easy to distribute the photos when they are ready.
We had to reschedule the event and photo session, which Ashley did with no problem. When we met Ashley in person at the event, she was as gracious as she sounds on the phone! My mom has mobility issues - Ashley was very patient and kind - giving her all the time she needed to move around. When we received the photos, we were amazed and thoroughly satisfied! I told Ashley that she is our new family photographer!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend and award Ashley Blake Photography a solid 5 stars!!!
P.S. The ability to freeze time, through images taken at one point in history, and have them reach hundreds of years forward is awe-inspiring! It's like leaving a piece of your soul, your total being, for time and memoriam. Don't believe me? Go into a Cracker Barrel, Red Robbin or any other restaurant that posts original, older photos on their walls for decoration. YES! Each time you look at them, that's a window into the lives long passed! You can see how people lived, loved and laughed! Granted, some of the old timers don't look happy, but keep in mind they didn't want to show their teeth in the old days. (Dental work and orthodontics not being widely available or affordable 'in them days). Still, it is fun to look at the pictures and see how people evolved. read more