Hello, hello! My name is Ashley Willingham, and I am a Family Lifestyle Photographer in the Indianapolis area. I found a love for photography back in college when I was randomly designated as the “team photographer” for my first overseas missions trip. We worked in an orphanage in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, and even though I had a tiny, point-and-shoot camera, I loved capturing the faces of these beautiful children who had more joy than most people I had ever met in my life. I came home with hundreds of mediocre quality photos but photos that told a story. I was able to communicate our trip in a way that was so special because of these photos, and the photography bug had bitten me good!
I decided to pick up a Studio Art minor with the focus in photography. I did some engagement photos and two weddings during those years before I moved to Australia. My time at school and then moving to Australia led me to drop photography for a season before picking it back up with renewed excitement in 2014.
My husband, two kids and I have just returned to the US after nearly a decade in Australia, and as we have settled down, I have relaunched my business here in Indianapolis.
I love coffee (thanks, Australia!), all things Fixer Upper and Joanna Gaines, movies, the four seasons, picnics at the park, writing (check out the blog side of this website here), simplifying and traveling.
What is a “Family Lifestyle Photographer”?
The easiest way to explain would be to break it up word by word.
Family – I am a mama, and I love kids and families! I focus on family photography, although I am open to occasional other areas (ie weddings, senior portraits, etc.) My main areas within family photography are maternity, newborn, milestone and family photo shoots. I do Mini Sessions throughout the year as well.
Lifestyle – I think the most beautiful photos are the natural, candid, in your element photos. The ones that really tell a story – full of giggles and smiles and cuddles. I love natural light, and I will always prefer shooting outdoors if possible. Second to that would be in your home with the blinds and curtains pulled with lots of sunlight pouring in.
Photographer – this is pretty self-explanatory, but for me photographer is synonymous with “story teller”.
A Little About My Tribe
I met my husband, Robbie, in Australia when I went to do a 6-month discipleship course with YWAM. I ended up joining staff, and we worked together that first year, which really accelerated our friendship. We started dating at the end of 2010, got engaged one year later and married the following March of 2012.
*Our wedding photos were done by the talented Lillian B Photography from Nashville! She was amazing!!
Eleanor Hazel – 2.5 years old
Eleanor joined us in July 2015 – July 4th to be exact! Our whole world changed as we became parents, and we loved all the firsts – the first smile, the first giggles, the first steps. I quickly found a love for photographing this little girl AND her little friends. I photographed her first year, month-by-month, and I took photos at many little outings throughout those first years. She is full of personality – loves to talk and sing all day long, loves people and really enjoys doing puzzles and playing outside.
Otis Daniel – 7 months
We welcomed Otis Daniel into our little family on September 24, 2017 after a crazy, fast delivery! Otis is the happiest baby alive and such a perfect addition to our tribe. His smile will melt your heart, and he loves his cuddles. Eleanor and Otis are a great little pair, already making each other laugh!
