About
Oh, hi! I see you've come to learn about me... Let me brag about myself for a hot minute. I think I'm pretty funny, When not working my days are spent with my children, and when I am working at my computer I am almost always listening to podcasts or chatting/listening on Clubhouse, and editing away. I absolutely LOVE creating art, I graduated from my Photography program in 2009 with a 3.7 GPA and I spent the first 10 years of my Photography endeavour building up my portfolio before deciding to take the dive into making this my full time job in 2018. Creating beautiful portraits is my biggest passion, and I take great pride in making sure those portraits get hung up on your walls, and not just sit in iCloud storage.
In another life I would have become a Psychologist, and on that note, confession time... My legal last name is actually James (wait, what?!) it's not Ashley Brooks. I kept my business name as Brooks because that's the name on my Photography Diploma, and I feel like I identified as Ashley Brooks for 27 years, so that identity shouldn't just be erased. I believe a lot of women get caught up in being a mom and wife (guilty!), which is why my love for Photography and digital editing is the perfect escape for my creative soul.
I do this because I truly love to create.
I love to make people feel happy.
I like to be a boss. (This is a good thing for you, trust me.)
And I like to hide in my office, away from the chaos of my toddler & 4yr old e-learning every single chance that I get!
- Please don't tell my husband, he thinks I do this for the money ;)
Experienced In
Engagements
Weddings: Ontario or destination
Maternity
Children (6months and up)
Families
Fine Art Portraits
Professional headshots
Willing to travel, portable studio, and flexible photo session times available.
F.A.Q's
COVID-19 Update
Currently working on sessions that needed to be put on hold during Covid. Booking into June 2021.
What is a Mini-Session, and when do they happen?
Mini's are back-to-back sessions booked at the same location. The benefit of a mini-session for the client (you) is that it is significantly less expensive than booking a full session, but you still have the option to purchase as many images from the session as you'd like. The benefit for me is that I only have to travel to the location once, and find childcare for one full day instead of random times here and there.
Mini-Sessions happen once or twice a season. I offer a VIP list to any past clients with the chance to access the pre-booking link before the booking link goes live for everyone. Mini-sessions book up FAST.
What is your Photography "Style"?
I describe my style as: Bold, Rich & Vibrant. It is very important to do your research when hiring a photographer, our styles change, and they don't always reflect the style our clients are after. I am not a "light and airy" photographer. I'm a mixture of Moody and Colourful. I also do not mute my yellows, as most moody photogs do. If you are looking for light & airy or muted tones, I know some FABULOUS photographers in our area I can refer you to. Always check a photographer's recent work before deciding to hire them, or flat out ask what their style is. Mine will probably change along the way, but for now: Bold, RICH & Vibrant is what you can expect.
What do I get what I hire Ashley? When you hire me to do your photos you get one-on-one planning of your session, access to my client closet, and a professional, licensed & insured photographer. You pay a sitting fee, and with that you get a private online viewing gallery of all your images (unedited proofs). You then choose the number of images you would like me to edit. You receive those high resolution digital images via a download link, or you may request to have them put on a USB for an additional $25. I require a contract be signed by an adult in each household participating in the sessions.
How does the Payment work?
All sessions require a non-refundable deposit of $40 to confirm booking. This fee is for my time organizing, and to cover the cost of my childcare. The remaining amount is due on the date of the session. It can be made by cash or EMT to ashleybrooks.photography@gmail.com.
Payment plans are available, and can be discussed on a one-on-one basis.
What should we wear for our photo session?
Family/Engagement Portraits: Try and coordinate without looking dorky. Choose either a grey, navy, white or black base colour with an accent colour that everyone incorporates somehow. The KEY is choosing a minimum of two-three colours, and using only THOSE colours in different ways.
Children: If it's one child on their own, anything is possible. A whole rainbow of colours IF you want. If there's more than one child, the same rule applies as above, 3 colour rule. DON'T have them wear identical outfits, but have them coordinate instead.
Cake Smash: choose ONE colour that's in the cake's icing (ex: Blue icing around the edge of the cake) and dress the baby in ONLY that colour to cover their diaper.
You mentioned a client closet, what is that?
Over the years I have put a lot of thought into my photography business and how I want my images to look. Which means I have purchased a significant amount of attire. If you are unsure of what to wear, or what to have your child(ren) wear during a session, just message me and we can discuss the sizes I have that may work for you. I obviously don't have everything in every size, but it is always worth asking during our consultation, or anytime before your session.
Should we do our photos Inside or Outside? Whenever given the choice, always choose outside. Better, more natural light and an amazing outdoor backdrop can make all the difference in a photograph. That being said, I can make anything work.
*COVID-19 UPDATE* I am not currently able to do any indoor photo-sessions at this time.
Why don't you prefer to take photographs of newborn babies? It is not my BEST work. I'm secure enough to know what I am good at, and what I am not. I will take lifestyle (natural, and minimal posing) images inside your home of your family and the newborn baby, however the images I produce from newborn shoots are nowhere near the quality other photographers in our area have mastered. I am always willing to refer you to someone more skilled in that area.
How long will it take to get my photos back? My turn-around time is roughly one week for sneak peeks, and three weeks for delivery of your gallery, based on the time you communicate with me which you'd like edited. Certain times of the year are more busy than others, so sneak peeks might take a little more time, but not too much longer. If you prefer not to have your images put online that is not a problem at all, there is a spot for you to say so in the contract & questionnaire.
Is being a photographer your full time job? Yes. Aside from having two young children, my full attention goes into my passion and career as a Photographer and Photoshop Goddess.