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.

Hey friends!

Now that my busy season is coming to the end I wanted to announce something fun I will be doing for 2020 that I am super excited about!

There are locations throughout Arizona and California that I am wanting to photograph at and you will have exclusive pricing so you do not want to miss these.

I bet you are wondering how it works so here are the deets…

These sessions can be used for family, maternity and milestone sessions. Once you contact me we will set up a date and time for the session of your choosing. The session must take place between February and July. California locations are available for the months of June and July only. The sessions must take place on a weekend unless otherwise noted.

I will help style your outfits through my professional styling tool. It is super easy and fun and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Professional hair and make up is highly recommended but not necessary. I do have some great recommendations for hair and make up artist if you choose to go that route.

What is included?

You will receive up to an hour shooting time, full download online gallery and print release. When you book one of these session you agree to allow me to use these images for my portfolio which includes, but not limited to, social media and my website.

My adventure collection is $695 but if you choose to book one of my bucket list sessions you will receive $200 off that price! Say what?!?

Here is the bucket list..

Arizona locations include:

Sunset Point rest area (Black Canyon)- Mini’s Scheduled on July 25th. Book yours today! 

Merry-Go-Round (Sedona)

Mogollon Rim (Payson)

West Fork Tail (Sedona) – Mini’s Scheduled on July 18th. Book yours today!

Bell Rock (Sedona)

Imperial San Dunes (Yuma)

Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior)

Saguaro Lake (Mesa)

Humphrey Peak (Flagstaff) – To take place in spring so there will be wildflowers!

 

California locations include and to take place in the month of late June or early July:

Joshua Tree National Park

Victoria Beach (Laguna)

Beach (San Diego)

 

Did you see one you would love to do?

Snag one of these sessions now. Only one of each available at the exclusive pricing!

Get dolled up and grab your family for a day of fun at one of these amazing locations. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Click here to book yours today!

I love mini-sessions because it means I get to interact with more clients in one day than I usually do, and because it saves you all money!

Why you should hire a professional photographer to do your events

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to hire someone to photograph your event, consider these reasons:

Let’s say the event is a family reunion and you want to get a group photo of the whole family. You could do it yourself, but one of two things could happen then. A) You have someone take the photo for you, leaving a family member out of the photo because they had to take it. This could possibly offend that person or make them feel awkward for being excluded. Or B) You set a timer on your camera. This can be problematic because there are so many people in the photo that you will need to take several images to make sure everyone is looking and has their eyes open. You will have to take two to three times as long to get the photos done because you’ll have to keep resetting the timer, and you still might not have gotten the shot. Hiring a professional will eliminate all of this stress.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to go around all night taking selfies with my phone or camera with all of my friends and family members. I would much prefer to relax and enjoy the moment instead of trying to capture it. The quality of the photos will be much better than the selfies. Also, trying to take a selfie with a group of people is next to impossible when trying to get everyone inside the frame.

If the event is a birthday party, you don’t want to miss out on visiting with guests or helping your child open presents or cut the cake because you are too busy trying to take the photos. You want to be part of the action, not stuck behind the camera.

Another great thing about hiring a professional is that you don’t have to worry about editing and distributing the photos after the event is over. You just have to wait to receive them from your photographer.

Finally, it’s really a gift to have well lit photographs taking by a professional who preserve the memory of your event. Those images are going to be cherished by everyone for a very long time to come.

We took a trip to Sedona to get our family photos done and I couldn’t help but grab some photos of our kiddos while we were there. Sedona is so beautiful and I just love it so much. I cannot wait to get up there again to do client sessions!

Alaire, Bella and Jr. are my life (literally, I never get a break haha) but I love their crazy chaos.

Alaire is 9 years old (almost 10 in November!!!) and in 4th grade. She thinks she is a teenager so every chance she gets she will be doing her makeup and nails and watching DIY’s on her tablet.

Bella is 5 years old and in Kindergarten. She is definitely our sassy one but that comes with the age right?! She loves having friends over for play dates and playing barbies with her big sister (when she will anyways).

Jr. is 3 years old and is at home with me all day long. He likes to play games on his tablet and beating up his big sisters, which I think is pay back from them torturing him as a baby lol.

These kiddos know how to keep me on my toes but I am thankful for them everyday. I love watching them grow and I love the bond they all have together. It is for sure a love hate relationship but they always have each others backs no matter what.

It’s completely normal to feel a little awkward when getting your senior portraits done. Many seniors tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance because they feel uncomfortable taking photos on their own.

Below are my top five tips for taking on your senior portraits with grace and confidence and leaving with photos that you will love for years to come.

1. Use your eyes. Use your eyes to express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake. Before the photo session practice smiling in the mirror and use different expressions to see what looks best.

2. Relax. Great photos happen when the subject is relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of your photo session show through the lens as you take a moment and breathe, relax and just have fun. You may feel silly during this process but I will do everything I can to help you feel more comfortable.
3. Breathe. This may sound obvious but breathing is key to capturing a natural look. Take time to practice taking a deep breath while smiling in front of the mirror. Slowly release the air while holding the smile and notice how your face and eyes settle into a natural and relaxed expression. Allow your eyes to “smile” by focusing on the apples of your cheeks pressing upwards. When in doubt, just breathe.

4. Move. Staying stationary can sometimes produce a very staged and cheesy look. Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. Try leaning into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, shift your weight from left to right, or simply move your chin slightly up and down for different shots as this gives us a variety of facial expressions to work with.
5. Beautify. This goes for everyone. Ladies, spend some extra time getting your hair blown out, get your makeup done and choose an outfit that makes you look and feel your best. As for the men, take a shower and shave. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your senior session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired.

Breastfeeding awareness group session

August is breastfeeding awareness month and I wanted to do something special for breastfeeding moms. I did a model call on my instagram page looking for mothers who would like to participate in a group breastfeeding session. I am so happy that these four moms were able to join me in Wickenburg, Arizona to bring my vision to life.

Being a mom who nursed for 19 months and has had a breastfeeding session, I know that they will cherish these images forever and when they look back at them later – with a little tear in their eye – they will be so happy that they were able to capture this special bond they shared with their not so little anymore.

I hope you enjoy seeing these mamas gorgeous images and reading their stories. Make sure to leave them some love in the comments!

This session turned out so perfectly and I loved hearing about their journeys so far. I mean seriously… look how amazing they all look in this group photo.

Mariah’s Story: Around 3 months I had a really rough time nursing. My nipples were raw and hurt all the time, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue. But we pushed through and things have been wonderful ever since. My goal was to try and nurse for six months. I remember in the beginning not enjoying it at all, not just because it was painful but because it felt like a job or a chore I had to do every 2-3 hours. I reached out to a friend when I went through a rough patch and thought about quitting and she helped me push through and told me it would become something I would really cherish. I remember thinking she was crazy, but Logan is now 9 months old and I love the bond we share while she nurses and plan to continue until she’s at least one year. Logan likes to put her foot in my face and pull my hair while she nurses I think it is so cute!

Mariah’s Advice to nursing moms: Reach out to other nursing moms when you have questions and don’t be afraid to ask silly questions. I’ve learned so much on this crazy journey and can’t wait to share and help other mamas!

Lisa’s Story: My first daughter I breast-fed until she was almost 4!! But she was both bottle and breast. My second daughter was breast- fed until she was 6 months. Now, I plan to breastfeed until David wants to stop. I’m ok with him not wanting to be independent just yet!! Lol. It has been demanding though since he has refused a bottle and pacifier since day 1.. but it’s gone smoothly. I love that he puts his foot on my chest and hums while I am nursing him and it is something I will alway remember about our journey.

Lisa’s advice to new nursing moms: Stick with it for as long as you can. The benefits are amazing for both baby and you!! It’s precious time for you two to bond and enjoy together.

Steffani’s Story: Nursing came very easy to me and also to both of my babies. I’ve been very lucky and grateful to have come this far. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my babies. Once I gave birth, I joined several online and in person support groups that were integral to our success during the learning process. They not only taught me what was normal and to be expected, but I formed great friendships with like minded mamas with similar aged babies. I recently started my tandem nursing journey and it’s been incredible. I love knowing that both my babies are getting the best possible nutrition, but they’re also bonding together and with me. It’s definitely minimized the jealousy factor and I couldn’t be more blessed. I plan to allow both my babies to self wean when they’re ready, but hopefully that won’t happen before they’re two. I feel so incredibly blessed to have this opportunity with my babies.

Steffani’s advice to new nursing moms: My advice to new nursing moms is to be patient and allow yourself and your baby time to adjust. It can be painful and extremely exhausting at times, but it gets easier and I don’t think any mom ever regrets any amount of time they spent breastfeeding. I’d also suggest joining support groups, whether online or in person, they are so beneficial to learning moms and babies.

Angela’s Story: I nursed my first child until about 6 months. After returning to work my supply drastically decreased and it was difficult to keep up to my child’s demand so I stopped once he was eating solids. I will try to go as long as I can with my second child. Overall nursing has been pretty smooth, it definitely helps to have taken a class and having friends who have nursed their children for support because something always comes up!

Angela’s advise to nursing moms: Do whats right for you and baby and don’t worry about other people. Talk to other nursing mommas for advice/support!

You know we’re ready for a hot summer, but are you? Here are nine ways you can make sure your summer portrait session goes off without a hitch.

1. Dress appropriately. Summer means hot and humid weather, which can lead to sticky bodies. Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics that don’t weigh you down. As for shoes, sweet flats or loafers are a great option. Check out our summer outfit ideas on the blog!
2. Consider doing your session at the lake or river to dip your feet in and keep cool. Plus, at the end of your session you can get in and have a water fight with your family! How fun does that sound?
3. Think about your hair. If you or a family member’s hair reacts to humidity in a negative way, opt for a hairstyle that won’t leave you feeling insecure. For example, a pretty braid or an updo is a good choice. Or you can wear a headscarf, or use a little extra product to keep frizz at bay.
4. Pack necessities. When packing your photo shoot necessities, we recommend bringing the following items: Lots of water for all, a snack for sustenance, sunscreen, umbrella for shade, water mister, makeup touchup.
5. Get creative with session ideas. Summer offers a host of activities that lend themselves to amazing photo sessions. For example, there’s the fair (elephant ear, anyone?), the circus, festivals, and plenty more. I’d be more than happy to shoot a really creative session with you.
6. Think about head to toe details. For example, if you’re wearing flip-flops or open toed shoes, you want to have manicured feet. If it’s really breezy, a hat or scarf can keep things under control.
7. Rest assured knowing I won’t let you overheat. Sometimes it’s hard just to walk outside when it’s scorching outside, but know that we’re going to have an amazing shoot. We’ll spend lots of time in the shade, dive into the cool A/C when we can, and I will never push your family into staying longer than they can or want.
8. Incorporate props. Outdoor summer shoots are loaded with imagery as is, but we can always incorporate a few props into the mix. Vintage step stools in a field look gorgeous, as do blankets, and even visually striking treats (lollipops, ice cream, etc.).
9. Want to skip the heat in general? Well lets do a in-home lifestyle session! I will photograph your family in your home baking goodies, hanging out with the kiddos reading or playing your favorite family game. The options are endless.

It’s hot outside, but fear not. Here are some cool wardrobe tips to make sure your summer family photo session is a hit:

– Wear light fabrics that let you breath, but still look polished. It’s OK to show some skin, too. Shorts are good, as are tank tops.
– Really play up the summer accessory factor. I’m talking sun hats for the ladies and big sunglasses for all.
– You can even bring summer-appropriate props that complement your outfits. Maybe it’s a beach ball, balloons, giant lollipop or messy ice cream cone.
– Choose shoes that are comfortable and summery. Flip flops, loafers, open-toed pumps, even sweet sneakers on your kiddos.

Indigo – or deep blue – is a rich, exceedingly popular color which looks beautiful in almost any setting. Outfits with blue elements create a sense of calm and quiet – perfect for a more introverted couple or natural backdrops. Blue can be dressed up or down to fit your tastes, and can be used either as a main color or accenting in your outfits.

Cascade – Brighter than the other blues in this collection, Cascade is optimistic and playful. Soft sand tones as accents allow this special blue to shine. Cascade is another wonderful choice for those who aren’t quite sure what color would look best; it won’t let you down! A perfect color to wear for the camera.

Coral Breeze – Coral is a lovely color for photo shoots both indoor and outdoors! A long, flowy maxi dress keeps you comfortable while allowing you to show off your baby bump. Natural fiber accessories, such as a straw hat and woven bag, add casual elegance to your look. Sandals look great and feel great with long dresses and prevent your feet from overheating!

Lace Yesterday – A lovely lace dress with a flattering a­line cut allow you and baby to stay cool and comfortable during the shoot! A parasol adds vintage elegance while providing shade in an outdoor session. Accessorize with a splash of color ­ aqua looks fabulous! ­ to add interest to your images. Flats and low­heel shoes keep you safe and comfortable.

Honey Blues – What a sweet look for the warm season! A flattering light blue cotton dress makes you the standout! Accessorize with golden tones to add warmth to the pallette. Adding a themed necklace, such as a honeybee, creates meaning and detail in your images and allows you to express the things you love. A perfect look for an outdoor shoot.

Sugar Coated – The overall effect of this look is relaxed, happy, and delicious! Candy­inspired colors such as corals and bright greens interplay against an otherwise muted palette. Denim shorts keep you cool with a relaxed, breezy shirt on top. Try a surprisingly bright pair of flats to add interest and color­pop to your images!

Pink Lemonade – Ah, pink and canary yellow stripes ­ the classic summer outfit! A relaxed ruffle­hemmed shirt with stripes is slimming and comfortable. Brightly colored cropped pants are playful and comfy to wear. Muted tans and greys for accessories make sure not to draw too much attention away from you, and a wide­brimmed straw hat keeps you cool and looking fabulous! Flowy, stretchy fabrics feel wonderful and look great on camera.

Summer of Love – Coral and yellow solids form the base of the outfit, allowing interesting jewelry and accessories to create added detail. A flowy skirt adds a whimsical touch. Canvas accessories and shoes keep things casual. Natural fiber fabrics, such as cotton or linen, help to keep you cool in the warm sun!

In Full Bloom – A unique blend of denim, color, and florals make this outfit wonderfully fresh! Dip­dyed denim shorts add a unique color gradient, matching the beachy coral sandals. A while cotton tank top allows your accessories to shine ­ try sunglasses and a colorful necklace to bring the look together! A floral headband is just the thing to top things off ­ adding organic detail and Summery whimsy!

Ultra Pop – A mix of quiet and loud makes this outfit a standout. Splashes of incredible, intense color create strong focal points against soft, neutral colors. Start with solid color pants and a grey tank ­ then add color and personality with shoes and accessories! A great look for indoors or outdoors.