Hey y’all!

I wanted to put out a quick blog about some upcoming changes to my collections and pricing starting July 1st, 2022.

I have avoided raising my prices for as long as possible, but I can no longer prolong the inevitable. Due to demand and product selection my prices are going to be increased and collections will be changed a bit.  I continue to strive to better serve my clients and give them the best photographs, galleries, post-processing, and products. 

With that said, any sessions booked between now and July 1st, 2022 will be honored at my current pricing, even if you choose a session date after July 1st. I wanted to give you advance notice so that you have time to do so if you wish to avoid the price changes. 

Collection price increases will be going up anywhere from $100-$300 depending on the collection. I will also be adding some additional newborn collections so that you have options that are still affordable.

Feel free to email me at info@ashleyflugphotography.com with any questions.

Home is where the heart is, which is why it’s one of the best locations for family photos.

Your home is where you feel most comfortable and it offers countless photo opportunities for you to take advantage of.

If you’ve been looking to take some updated photos of your family but want to beat the summer heat or keep things close to home, here are a few inspiring ideas for your upcoming photo session.

Take it to the kitchen.

There’s something about making a meal together that really brings a family together. You already spend a lot of time in the kitchen so why not use it as a backdrop for some new family photos. Throw on some aprons, choose a fun recipe and get the entire family involved in the process. These candid shots will definitely be something that you’ll want to print out or place in an album.

It’s all about the cuddles.

Curling up with the people you love in a big bed on a Saturday or Sunday morning is simply the best so throw on your best PJs, grab a few books, a cup of coffee, and let your photographer do the rest. Have a laugh together, read a story to your children or show off your matching socks at the foot of the bed.

Head to baby’s nursery.

If you’ve spent a lot of time decorating your baby’s nursery, it’s the perfect place to grab some memorable photos with your family. Plus, the natural light from the window will provide you with a warm atmosphere that will enhance every photo.

Hit the couch.

The lounge is another area of the home that your family probably spends a lot of time in, especially if you enjoy lazy days on a comfy couch watching all your favorite movies. It’s also the perfect spot to take some updated family photos. Depending on your preferences, you can all wear something comfy or outfits that are casual and coordinated – the choice is yours.

Have a playdate.

You don’t even need to pick a particular room for your family photos, you can simply aim to have a little fun with your kids for the afternoon and let your photographer capture your time together. Whether your kids want to throw on superhero capes or they want to play with building blocks in their room, these are all perfect photo opportunities.

Spend some time outside.

If you have a picturesque backyard, why not have an intimate picnic with your family while you capture some new family photos at the same time.

 

Your home is filled with perfect photo opportunities, you simply need to think outside the box!

A lot of people may love the idea of a professional photo session but many end up being put off by the price.

While it might seem like YOUR photographer is simply getting paid to push a button for an hour or two, it’s so much more than that.

Here are 6 reasons why a professional photography session is well worth the price:

Your photography session extends beyond the shoot.

Even though your photo session may only last an hour, your photographer still needs to travel to and from your location, spend time selecting the best photos and edit those photos too.

Photography gear costs money.

Producing high-quality photos requires professional equipment. The price of your session factors in your photographer’s camera, lenses, flash, reflectors, tripods, storage cases and more. Certain types of photography can also cost more because more gear is required. Wedding photography being a prime example.

You need the right skills to take great photos.

As with any other profession, building up the skills required to be a successful photographer takes time and money.

Technology doesn’t come cheap.

Along with having all the right gear, photographers also need to have certain technology in order to process and edit their photos. This includes high-end computer equipment as well as professional photo editing software.

Experience is priceless.

Photographers spend years honing their skills and developing an artistic eye that allows them to produce the results that they do. From knowing how to work with different types of lighting to being able to spot the perfect photo opportunity, you really can’t put a price on experience. It’s also experience that gives them the know-how necessary to guide you and pose you during your photo session.

Sometimes assistants are required.

This is particularly true with event or wedding photography. When there are multiple things happening all at once, an assistant will be required to get the job done right, which will often be factored into your pricing.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. If you truly like a photographer’s style and are impressed with their skills and experience, the price you pay for your photo session is definitely well worth it.

If you’ve never done it before, the thought of being in front of a professional photographer can be rather nerve wracking.

If you are really excited and terrified about your upcoming photo session, there are a few things that you can do to relax and enjoy your session to skip the photo jitters.

3 Ways to relax during your professional photo session

Keep your mind busy

When you’re about to have your photos taken, it’s difficult to not think about where you should stand and how you should pose, which often makes you act unnaturally. It’s important to remember that it’s not your job to work for the camera, the camera is here to work for you.

To take the best photos, you should ideally be as relaxed as possible. To help you do this, start by focusing on your surroundings. How would you naturally act if you were alone with family and friends in this type of surrounding? Treat your photographer as if they were someone you’ve known forever and that they’re simply spending a few hours with you.

Turn your thoughts to things that make you happy and what you really appreciate about being alive.

Don’t let the quiet moments make you panic

During your shoot, there will be moments when your photographer will pause, which can make a lot of people nervous.

It’s important to keep in mind that your photographer is a professional and is either dealing with something technical or thinking of their next shot. If they need you to change your pose or do something different, they will let you know. If they don’t, just keep engaging with your surroundings and enjoying yourself.

Be kind to yourself

Even though it can be easier said than done, it’s best not to let critical or negative thoughts take over. If you’re feeling uncertain or self-conscious, take your thoughts back to a positive place before the negative thoughts can build on each other.

Adopt a fake-it-till-you-make-it mentality and own your photo session. You can also think of all the positive things friends and family members say about you to bring yourself back from a spiral of negative thoughts.

You should know that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before and during a photo session but choosing the right photographer and going in with the right mental state makes all the difference.

 

Welcome back, guys and gals!

I recently had a fantastic sunrise session with the Totino family. The Totino’s were in town for a wedding and wanted some gorgeous desert photos for their yearly holiday card.

We met at Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ. I loved shooting there because the morning light was so dreamy!

Okay, on to pictures of the Totino family!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I truly have the best clients ever! This family was no exception, either. I mean, just look at their outfits.

Wondering how often you should update your family photos? This is what you need to know.

Busy schedules, family commitments, and lengthy to-do lists mean families don’t always get the time to update their family photos.

The years also seem to be going by faster and faster, which is especially true when you have children. As parents, you don’t want to miss the chance to capture your child’s milestones or how much you’ve changed as a family.
So, how often should you be updating your family photos?

Ideally, you should try and take new photos of your family every year. Here’s why:

Do it for future generations.

While you are taking photos for yourself, you are also making sure that future generations have amazing photos that they can look back on too. Your children and grandchildren will thank you for it.

It’s a chance to make memories.

By making a point of updating your family photos on a regular basis, you’re also taking the time to be with your family and make new memories. You never know when your family dynamics could change so capture new memories whenever you can.

Professional photos last a lifetime.

While we are a society that is constantly snapping photos on our phones and uploading them to social media, investing in professional photos gives you a completely different result. Not only will a professional know how to compose and edit each photo to perfection but these are the best photos to print and add to your family albums too.

Document your family’s growth.

You never realize how quickly your kids are growing until you look back at photos of them or you run into someone who hasn’t seen you in a while. By updating your family photos on an annual basis, you can really document your family’s growth, creating a beautiful series of photos that you can treasure forever.

Remember, updating your family photos every year doesn’t need to cost a fortune either. Talk with your photographer about the different options available to you.

Hi, everyone!

Oh how I just adore the family I’m blogging about today. I’m lucky enough to say I’ve been photographing the Gorman family for 3 years now! I truly can’t believe how much the children have grown and changed since I first met them. They are also adding a little girl in a few short months which I cannot wait to meet!

The Gorman’s are a very very blended family! They have a kid from almost every avenue of being able to receive a kid! Adoption, foster, step kids, half siblings, biological kids! You name it they got it! And they love how blended they are!!!

And as for the day of the shoot, it was rainy so we had to move their session indoors, but it went so perfect with their outfits that I am so happy that it turned out that way!

It goes without saying, Abigail and Josh have become my friends over the time we’ve worked together. It’s hard to not become friends with someone like Abigail, who is a rockstar mom and so easy to talk too. Dad and husband Josh is just as great and sure knows how to keep everyone laughing.

Okay, enough text. Abigail and Josh, you are amazing parents and I cannot wait to meet your little girl!

Whether you’ve booked a family, children or maternity photo session, every shoot should be a memorable one.

While I do everything I can to make your photo session as successful as possible, there are a few things that you can do to ensure fantastic results every time too.

Here are 7 tips to help you prepare for your next photo session:

1. Give your location some real thought.

   Your backdrop makes all the difference to your photos. What energy and atmosphere will really bring this particular shoot to life? Taking the time to scout out the best possible location will leave you smiling from ear to ear when you see the end results.

2. Find some inspiration.

   Do you have a specific vision in mind for your shoot? Head to Pinterest or Google and collect a few images that you can share with me ahead of time.

3. Grooming matters.

   While you may not want to spend extra money on a hair stylist or makeup artist, being impeccably groomed can change your photos completely so spend time on your hair and makeup before your shoot, even if you just get a friend to help you out.

4. Food and sleep are your friends.

   While this is particularly important when you’re shooting with kids, having a good night’s rest will also ensure you fully enjoy your photo session as an adult too.

5. Speaking of food, forget the cheese.

   Saying cheese right before someone takes your photo will result in a smile that looks forced and unnatural. Relaxed faces and happy memories are all you need to have a natural smile in your next set of photos.

6. Think about your face first.

   If you want the best possible results, don’t wear anything that will distract from your face in your photos.

7. Think real life.

   When thinking of photo session ideas as a couple or as a family, incorporating your life into your shoot is the easiest way to be original and have fun at the same time. What do you enjoy doing together? Where do you spend time together? These are all aspects that can be used to create a photo session that’s unique to you.

Don’t forget to check out any additional tips and tricks on the blog that you may find useful before and during your shoot. Now just relax and enjoy.

Hi gang!

I was so excited to meet up with Illa and Bob at the desert botanical gardens for a stunning – and terribly sweet – maternity session. At the time, Illa was mere 6 1/2 weeks away from giving birth, so you can only imagine how she was feeling while we were roaming around finding the best spots to shoot! She was a trooper, though, let me tell you. Her skin looked amazing, her hair was perfection, and her dress choices from my client closet were on point.

Bob was a total supportive rock star the entire time. There was a moment when I would tease Bob, for example we were in the middle of a shot and I kept telling him “chin up, chin down, chin up” and Bob kept moving his chin up and down repeatedly. After a minute he finally realized I was just messing around with him. Illa and I thought it was hilarious and laughed for awhile about it. Bob also had his moment of being silly when he decided he wanted a turn wearing the floral crown Illa wore during her session. It’s easy to say that we had quite a bit of fun during the session!

Since they’re almost at the end of the pregnancy, I asked them about how their journey has been thus far. Illa said, ” It’s been amazing! Im super happy and excited for his arrival. I haven’t had any morning sickness but I have been very tired, the second trimester “energy” skipped me but I’ve still managed to set goals and accomplish them. We have absolutely loved reading to him, talking to him but one of my favorite things has been shopping for him…I just can’t help myself! ” Aww!

They’re going to be an amazing Mom and Dad duo, and their little bundle of joy is so lucky to be brought into the world with them. Thanks again and congrats, you two!