Ashley Moore
Owner of Ashley Kristine Photo
Age: 25
Location: Severance
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I was raised in Washington between Seattle and Mount Rainier. Growing up around so much beauty is what made me fall in love with photography. I started taking photo classes in middle school, and I eventually became the volunteer wrestling photographer for my high school. In college, I photographed the University of Northern Colorado wrestling team. I originally went to school for nursing, but during COVID-19, I realized my heart was fully in photography. Now, six years later, I’ve photographed almost 200 weddings and done 400 sessions, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
Over the past six years, I’ve grown my photography business from a side passion into the career I once dreamed about. For the first two-and-a-half years, I balanced building my business with pursuing my college degree before officially going full time after graduation. Since then, I’ve photographed nearly 200 weddings, traveled to more than 20 states and internationally for work and been featured in multiple wedding and photography publications. I also love mentoring newer photographers and helping others grow confidence in both their creativity and their businesses.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
One of my favorite ways to give back is through a yearly seminar and Q&A with a middle school class, where I get to talk about photography, entrepreneurship and how it’s OK to take an unconventional path in life. I love encouraging students to chase creative careers and showing them that passions can absolutely become successful busivwnesses. I’ve also donated my time and photography services to fundraisers and nonprofit organizations since college. Being able to use my business to encourage others, support my community and inspire people to dream a little bigger is something I care deeply about.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
One of my biggest accomplishments has been creating financial stability through my career. Turning photography from something I loved into a successful full-time business at a young age took long hours and persistence, especially while I was still finishing college. I’m incredibly grateful that I have been able to build a career that has provided stability and allowed me and my husband to buy our home and continue growing a life we’re proud of.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I hope to have a family while continuing to grow my successful photography business and mentor other creatives. Long term, my husband and I dream of owning a wedding venue together and creating a beautiful space where couples can celebrate some of life’s biggest moments.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of pursuing a passion just because it doesn’t follow a conventional career path. Some of the best things in life come from taking risks, trusting yourself and building a career that makes you excited to wake up every day.
Tell us something unique about you.
I’m 6’1”, which always surprises people when they meet me at weddings. My couples always end up laughing about it with me, and I think it adds a fun, memorable part to the experience I create.
How do you define your artistic style?
My artistic style is warm, vibrant and genuine. I focus on creating images that feel natural rather than overly posed, blending candid moments with intentional direction when needed. My goal is to capture people as they truly are while preserving the emotions, connections and details that make each story unique. I want my photographs to feel timeless years from now, allowing clients to relive the moments, relationships and milestones that matter most in their lives.
In your opinion, what is the key to having a successful creative career?
Recognizing that creativity alone isn’t enough. Early on, I focused just as much on learning how to run a business as I did on improving my photography. Understanding finances, marketing, client experience and long-term planning allowed me to turn a passion into a sustainable career. Creativity is what draws people in, but strong business foundations create the stability and opportunities that allow artists to continue doing what they love for years to come.
