for as long as i can remember i’ve been behind the lens of a camera

It started with an obsession over disposable cameras, then camcorders, then film photography in high school, to me purchasing my first digital camera with all the money I made from my first job at Target when I was 18. I was honestly raised to believe that one cannot have a successful career in the arts. It wasn't until I was living in a new city by myself, lost as all hell and suffering through my first Chicago winter that I finally realized that doing what makes you happy in life is the only thing that matters. Photography is my passion, plain and simple.

hey, i’m Ashlyn!

and that is Bear! I am an Austinite originally and I graduated from The University of Texas in 2016. I lived in NOLA for a minute and since have had jobs on all ends of the spectrum — from the legal system, to the service industry, to veterinary care. Nothing has ever fit quite right. I am still SO grateful that I didn’t end up going to law school, but moved to Chicago instead.

I fell in love with this city when I was eleven years old visiting with my mom and brother. It had always become my dream to move here so after graduating college, and a few major life events later, I finally made my way up here. Just me, two cats and a dog in a U-haul. I had a few thousand dollars and had never driven anything larger than a sedan before. This was a terrifying process but it was the absolute best action I have ever taken in life. Chicago has proved to be everything that I ever dreamed it would be and I am so thankful to be doing what I love in the greatest city on earth with some of the most amazing clients around!

Now I have been shooting weddings for about 5 years and I have shot well over 100 weddings in more than ten different states! Not to mention I have expanded internationally and I could not be more grateful to the clients that trust me, both local and abroad.

I can’t wait to hear your story!

CHICAGO & BOSTON

WHERE CAN WE HIRE YOU? DO YOU TRAVEL?

I currently live in Chicago and am moving to New England in August of 2025. I am serving the Chicago, all of New England and anywhere else in the world you may want to bring me! There are no travel fees for New England couples!

a few fun facts about me

  • I have an addiction to all things life coaching and self development. In 2020, I listened to over 20,000 hours of self development podcasts and I wouldn't be a full-time wedding photographer right now if I hadn't! When I discovered Jen Sincero's "You Are a Badass" in 2019, it really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I owe so much to that woman, as well as Brooke Castillo and Natalie Bacon. I am now quite literally living the life I have been dreaming of since I was 11 and I owe so much of that to these women.

  • There is nothing that brings me more joy than a nice (8 mile) stroll through Chicago. Seriously, I walk like crazy. I have walked over 17 miles around Chicago in one day — the architecture is everything to me. My camera roll on my phone is just filled with random, beautiful homes. I particularly love the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and Hyde Park. In fact, those are the neighborhoods that enchanted me so much way back when I first visited Chicago at age 11. Now that I live in Logan Square, I explore the 606 with my dog, Bear, on a daily basis and we love the historic neighborhood streets in Wicker Park. My favorite buildings in Chicago are Marina Towers and the Carbide and Carbon building. I love the history of Chicago architecture and the architecture boat rides are my favorite thing. Shooting in historic, iconic Chicago buildings (like The Drake, The Old Post Office, Londonhouse, The Rookery, etc.) is the absolute best part of my job.

  • R&B, Soul, and Jazz are basically the only genres that I listen to. Every now and again, I throw in some variety but for the most part, you can pretty much guarantee I'm listening to Leon Bridges, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, or Son Little. The songs that these men have sang are true works of art. I had never listened to any of these artists until I moved to Chicago and now I can’t listen to anyone else.

  • Live comedy holds a very real place in my heart. I have always had huge admiration for stand up comedians and musical comedians. Back in college in Austin, I went to open mics and improv shows constantly. I learned about The Second City when I was very young and I became obsessed with it when I moved to Chicago. I was seeing shows there practically every weekend so I figured I may as well get a job there. During my 2 years as a server during the live shows, I saw some of the rawest talent in the world. Every night, I was surrounded by laughter and improvisation and I was honestly addicted to it. I have never wanted to pursue comedy myself but I can't think of anything in the world that I love more. My favorite comedians include Bo Burnham, Andrew Knox, and E.R. Fightmaster.