Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bonina.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My love for photography started when I was around the age of 12. My oldest brother bought me my first digital camera. I went around and took pictures of anything and everything. My family spent the summers in Maine, so most of the pictures were of lighthouses, the ocean and sunsets. In high school, I spent most of my weekends taking pictures of my friends, concerts and family events and scrapbooking. Once I entered my adult years and had my own children, that’s when I fell in love with capturing emotion, details and milestones. I remember once my last baby was born, I was feeling overwhelmed, feeling like the laundry was never going to get folded, the dishes were never going to get clean. In that moment, I looked over at my children, who were all playing on the floor in the living room. Toys were EVERYWHERE. There sat our new puppy, my 5 year old, 2 year old and my newborn. In the middle of the chaos I decided to just stop, get on the floor with my kids, and take their pictures as they played. Messy hair, chocolate covered faces, mismatch outfits, I just kept clicking away. Later that evening, I uploaded the pictures and that’s when I realized, this is what I wanted to do. I felt like I had a super power, the ability to stop time, even just for a second. Every image captured a story. With my husband’s support, I started my own business in 2015. I wanted my clients to feel the love and connection with these little moments, I wanted to share my gift of storytelling. I started capturing families & children, slowly made my way as I really learned the in and outs of the business and what it takes to really create an image. I am now specializing in Couples, Weddings, Families and Newborns.
Please tell us about your art.
One of my favorite things about photography is getting to know my clients. Whether they are engaged to get married, or a mommy to be. I love learning about their story, it’s what inspires me to create.
I don’t specialize in portrait pictures; where everyone is in perfect poses and smiling at the camera…and I am not about recreating Pinterest pictures or copying another artist’s work. I strive to capture YOUR raw moments. I want movement, I want playfulness, love, connection, I want real. I want our sessions to be something we create together. I want my clients to leave the session knowing we creating something fun, beautiful and original. If needed, I do guide my clients to help create some authentic smiles & genuine laughter. I also help style their outfits for their session and find great locations. I strongly feel like when you have a beautiful location and your outfits are coordinating nicely, the images really come together nicely.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice would be to follow your heart, stay true to yourself, and not worry about what others are doing. When starting up your own business, it can get real stressful. I know when I first started, I wanted success over night. But you have to remember that does not happen, in most cases. Remember to balance, remember to make time for your family and yourself and don’t give up just because you feel like you may have failed. Just go slow and really learn the in and outs and it will all unfold.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I do post a lot on Instagram and Facebook. I try to blog at least once a month, (trying to do it more frequently).
Feel free to follow me!
Instagram: @ashleygrace_photography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/photosbyashleygrace
Website/Blog: www.ashleygracephotography.net
Contact Info:
- Address: Based out of Douglas, MA but I work throughout New England and beyond
- Website: www.ashleygracephotography.net
- Phone: 774-253-8203
- Email: ashley@ashleygracephotography.net
- Instagram: @ashleygrace_photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/photosbyashleygrace
Image Credit:
Kelsie Emm Photography Workshop
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