Ashley Sturm Photography Blog

August Previews { Salem OR Senior Photographer }

Monday, August 22, 2011 Posted in Business, Personal, Senior

I have been a little absent from my blog recently, but all for marvelous reasons. I am swamped with consultations, order meetings and shoots for seniors, seniors, and more seniors! When my husband and I decided to start specializing in seniors, and center everything around that I will admit I was scared. I was worried about what shoots we wouldn’t book, and unsure if there would be enough seniors to sustain us as we moved in that direction. We still do other types of session and weddings and quite enjoy them, but our intent is to eventually shoot seniors exclusively. Anyway long story made VERY short, this season has blessed my socks off so far, and I can hardly get all these seniors booked fast enough. I think I tapped into something, God’s plan perhaps? Starting a business has been so hard, and the last 3 years has had it’s fair share of difficulties, setbacks, insecurities, and struggles, as it would be with any new business. This year we took a big risk, followed a dream, and asked God to open doors. He did. : ) I can hardly describe the feeling I have seeing all the difficulties, struggles, risks, and working WAY TOO MANY HOURS pay off! This is my dream job, working with high school seniors and providing them the service, experience, and product I do. I have so much more to share, but I will keep it short and sweet for now.

I wish I had more time to get some full blogs put together, but in the meantime I will tease you with previews from some of my recent sessions. Some if not most of these may or may not be ones I’ve already shared on facebook. But cut me some slack, it’s BUSY SEASON! And I’m so busy with seniors, hallelujah!

Class of 2012, don’t forget to check out our newly updated official [Senior Portrait website]. We are now booking SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER dates. This is our busiest season, and September dates will be gone very soon, so don’t delay! [Please Email us] or call [503-559-1906] to get information about Senior Portrait sessions and to book your session now!!

6 comments

Emily Hall - OMGoonnesss! All of your seniors are SO gorgeous! I love the way you capture them. The colors just pop and the sun feels so warm. Awesomesauce!

Kira Noble - gorgeous. simply gorgeous work.

stephanie newbold - beautiful work!!

Becca - LOVE all of this!!! Wahoo! Go Ashley!

Rachel - Awesome work Ashley!! Especially love that shot with all the pink flowers. Love seeing your work!

sally - MY GOODNESS!!! Ashley, every single one of these images speaks volumes about their subjects – what an incredible job you have done this season! I can’t wait to see more, more, MORE!!! Absolutely beautiful, breath-taking work! You should be very proud! I know i am

Product Spotlight: Cypress Matted Folios

Monday, August 15, 2011 Posted in Product

I believe all my clients deserve the very best of products for their home. Choosing to add the Cypress Matted Folio to my product line was a no-brainer. They offered luxury, options, and a classic, timeless look…and honestly, how could I pass up such a gorgeous item?! The Cypress Matted Folios have a whole new spin on the old black leather folio, replacing with an extravagantly lush fabric cover, a Japanese silk bow closure, and simplistic ivory mats framing your portraits in an accordion style presentation. We have many fabrics and ribbons to choose from so you’re sure to find something that will look wonderful in your home. These look stunning on a mantel, console table, or wall shelf. Depending on the size you choose, our folios hold 5×5, 4×6, or 5×7 prints with the choice of 2-4 panels, each holding one portrait.

Contact me today to order yours! Talk: (503) 559-1906 Email: ashley@ashleysturmphotography.com

Product Details:

• many luxury fabrics and ribbons to choose from
• accordion style presentation

• thick matting for optimal quality and longevity

• sizes include the small double mat (5×5 or 4×6) , medium triple mat (5×7), and medium quad mat (5×7)

1 comment

sally - these are seriously gorgeous!!!

Noel & Joy { Salem, Oregon Artist Photographer }

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 Posted in Artist/Musician

I’ve known Noel since High school, and even though our lives have kept us both busy, we still manage to catch up every now and then, and pick up right where we left off. Aside from being a wonderful friend, Noel’s voice is just yummy, and her heart is golden. She is such a uniquely sweet girl, and I thank Jesus I know her!

She’d been after me for some time to do a shoot her and her sister Joy who is also musically yummy. They want to record together and separately, and knew it was time for some professional portraits to make them look their best. I jumped at the chance of course, I love working with artists and musicians, especially when they are as charming and funny as these two. All 2 hours was a blast, and I thought I would share a few of my favorite shots from the set.

Beautiful Makeup by Blush Makeup Artistry by Beth Level

How could I resist posting this last shot? The weirdo on the right is of course my husband Ryan. This is what went on the majority of the time during our shoot, just goofing around. I laugh out loud every time I look at this picture.

1 comment

sally - hahahaha, that last shot is priceless!!! but these pics, Ashley, really!? INCREDIBLE! these ladies are so beautiful, and you did a wonderful job showing it off. VERY nice work, love these!

Fashion Friday { Issue 15: Hot Trend: The Blazer }

Friday, August 5, 2011 Posted in Fashion Friday

Having a fitted blazer is a must for every closet. Contrary to what some people think, blazers are not just for stuffy office jobs. They can be worn with everyday clothes, and make your outfit much more stylish and eye-catching. I’ve paired a blazer with outfits in that past, like this cute nude/pink one, or a yummy cream blazer over a dress, and this classic black blazer to swap over multiple tops. Today I decided to get even more creative and show you some unexpected outfits, incorporating a blazer. If you’re a Salem local wondering where to find yourself a young, fresh blazer I would encourage Nordstroms. They always have a great selection in the Juniors section of great fitting blazers for everyday wear.

First is the blazer and shorts combo. Yes shorts can be dressed up! Take this pair of white shorts. The color and the shaping make these a dressy pair of shorts, and a perfect option to pair with the fitted, ruched navy blazer. Then grab a floral print top, tuck it in to your shorts and finish with these cute navy suede pumps. This outfit is sure to make an impression and look incredible in pictures! I can picture this in a natural or urban setting.

Second I mixed bold, stripey and red. Fashion is very encouraged in photos, and having one bold colorful outfit like this is a wonderful idea! I found this darling striped blazer (could be paired with so many things) and knew I wanted to find some classic red pants. In order to not overdue the outfit wear a simple white or off-white tank underneath and some basic black flats. To finish I found this small, triangle necklace (it’s important to not overdue the jewelry with such striking clothing) and this basic leather band watch. This outfit would really look wonderful in an urban setting!

How do YOU wear your blazer?

STYLE GUIDE:

1. Glazing paint stroke print tank ($35.99) Ruche

2. Running on luck pleated shorts in white ($34.99) Ruche

3. Casual Knit Blazer ($24.80) Forever 21

4. Suede Pump ($39.00) Urban Outfitters

5. Never Enough Necklace ($23.99) ModCloth

6. En Route Blazer ($98.00) Anthropologie

7. BDG Cigarette High-Rise Jean ($58.00) Urban Outfitters

8. Extended Basic Tank ($6.80) Forever 21

9. Fold Friends Flat ($29.99) ModCloth

10. Watch ‘n’ Soda ($29.99) ModCloth

11. Tiered Geometric Necklace ($29.00) Urban Outfitters

no comments

Robyn King { Senior Photographer, Salem Oregon }

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 Posted in Senior

Senior portrait season is in full swing, and our books are getting pretty full for August and September. I love the rush I get when juggling all the late summer sessions, it gets my blood pumping and puts a big grin on my face. Plus I have an excuse to work outside all the time! I can’t tell you how many people contact me the end of August, even September wanting their pictures booked before school starts. I hate to tell you but that’s probably not going to happen. Don’t wait until school starts or right before to get in touch with us, call today so you can get your portraits done before fall! We typically book 2-3 weeks out, so don’t put off that quick phone call or email any longer! I’d love to talk to you, set up a free consultation, and plan your senior, or your senior’s portrait session!

Robyn is yet another senior who took advantage of our Fashionista session that includes professional makeup application by Amie Montgomery. I thought she looked so beautiful, and the makeup really enhanced her natural features without being distracting.

Class of 2012, don’t forget to check out our newly updated official [Senior Portrait website]. We are now booking AUGUST – NOVEMBER dates. Summer & early fall sessions book up quickly, so please be sure to plan ahead. [Please Email us] or call [503-559-1906] to get information about Senior Portrait sessions and to book your session now!!

no comments

Melissa Comer { Senior Pictures, Salem OR }

Thursday, July 28, 2011 Posted in Senior

Melissa Comer has to be one of my favorite seniors session thus far! Not only was she adorable and as petite as can be, she had such a great sense of humor and fun fashion. In fact, these pictures will soon be featured on a blog called Inside The Locker, I can’t wait, and I will be sure to post links on Facebook when it does!

She also gets props for being Kelsee Irby’s friend, who came along and is in some pictures too!

Melissa choose our top session, The Fashionista which includes makeup application by our talented professional makeup artist Amie Montgomery. You should too!

Class of 2012, don’t forget to check out our newly updated official [Senior Portrait website]. We are now booking AUGUST – NOVEMBER dates. Summer & early fall sessions book up quickly, so please be sure to plan ahead. [Please Email us] or call [503-559-1906] to get information about Senior Portrait sessions and to book your session now!!

4 comments