Meet Ashley Holmes: The Photographer Bringing Community-Focused Creativity to Raleigh

Ashley Holmes is a fresh face in Raleigh’s photography scene, but she’s already making waves with her unique approach and commitment to community connection. A recent graduate from Appalachian State University, Ashley has blended her passion for photography with a desire to make it accessible to everyone. Her business, Blue Ridge Photography, offers more than just beautiful pictures—it provides a personal experience aimed at making clients feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

From the Mountains to the Lens: A Passionate Beginning

Ashley’s journey into photography started in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, where she found solace and inspiration during her time at Appalachian State. Her connection to nature and the calming beauty of the mountains helped shape the name of her business. “The mountains saved my sanity during school,” she shares, adding that they continue to inspire her work and brand identity.

Focus on Accessibility with “Pay What You Can” Photography

One of the most distinctive features of Ashley’s business is her Pay What You Can program. She aims to make professional photography available to everyone, regardless of their budget. Ashley frequently sets up at local events, where people can find her through social media and have their photos taken at an affordable, flexible rate.

“My recommended price is $25 for five photos, but really, I think everyone deserves professional photography,” she explains. This community-focused approach has quickly set her apart from other photographers in the area, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

A Personal Touch Through Psychology

What makes Ashley’s approach truly unique is her background in psychology. While she studied photography, her degree is actually in psychology, which has greatly influenced how she interacts with her clients. She understands that many people feel uneasy in front of the camera, and she strives to make them feel at ease by connecting with them on a personal level.

“I send out an extensive survey before shoots to get to know my clients better,” she says. “That way, when we meet, it’s more like friends catching up than a formal photo session.” Her goal is to create an environment where her clients feel comfortable, resulting in more natural and confident photos.

Expanding Horizons: Destination Photography

While Ashley is currently focusing on building her business in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, she has big dreams for the future. One of her goals is to expand into destination photography, where she can accompany families and individuals on their travels to capture their experiences in beautiful locales.

“I want to be there for those special moments,” she says, imagining herself photographing families as they enjoy their time abroad, whether it’s seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night or trying a local delicacy for the first time.

Looking to the Future

In just two short months of officially being in business, Ashley is already making strides and gaining recognition for her unique blend of community outreach and professional creativity. She sees endless potential for growth, particularly in her niche of destination photography, a service not widely available in the Raleigh area.

“There are no other photographers here offering the kind of personalized destination photography I envision,” she notes. This insight has fueled her excitement for the future, knowing that her service will resonate with clients who want more than just staged portraits—they want memories captured in real time, with all the emotion that comes with them.

Connecting with the Community

Ashley is not just building a business but also connections within the local community. While she’s still relatively new, she’s already participating in Facebook groups for local entrepreneurs and creatives. The Raleigh Girls Club has been a great resource for networking, and she plans to become more involved in local business organizations as her business grows.

Her commitment to giving back is evident in her personal and professional life. Ashley has already collected donations for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, providing essential winter coats to families who lost their homes. She also has plans to contribute to breast cancer awareness in the future, a cause close to her heart due to her family’s history with the illness.

Final Thoughts

Ashley Holmes is a breath of fresh air in the photography industry. Her focus on making photography accessible, her psychology-driven approach to client care, and her ambitious plans for destination photography all set her apart from the crowd. As her business continues to grow, it’s clear that Ashley’s passion for capturing moments will resonate with many in the Raleigh area and beyond. To learn more about Ashley and her business, visit her website