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Ashley Sturm Photography Blog bio picture
  • I am Ashley and I'm a Salem Oregon based portrait photographer. I specialize in senior portraits, I just love their energy, style, and ambitions! I also shoot weddings, engagement, newborn, maternity and children.

    I am inspired by my Creator God; His love, creation, and grace are what I seek to mimic. I believe my job as an artist is to love people and give all glory to Him. I am inspired by my clients. When I get a taste of who you are as a person, what brings a true smile to your face, and what you are passionate about, I am inspired beyond words. For me it's about a connection that brakes down any wall of fear or caution, leaving only sincere, honest, beautiful photographs.

    I am newly married to the man of my dreams, Ryan. Family is something I cherish, we are very close and share an obsession for cooking and eating. As you're reading this, chances are I'm either drinking coffee working on my computer or at a big family gathering eating too much food and squishing cute baby cheeks and thighs. Hmmm.

    PHONE: (503) 559-1906 / / / EMAIL: ashley@ashleysturmphotography.com

Noel & Joy { Salem, Oregon Artist Photographer }

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.

jamie - really pretty session Ashley! would love to see more work with musicians from you. :)

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 }

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

Robyn King { Senior Photographer, Salem Oregon }

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!!

Melissa Comer { Senior Pictures, Salem OR }

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!!

Tara Haney - Love, love, love this session. The posing, the beautiful natural light. She looks very relaxed and is obviously having a great time.

Erica Ann - Wow, what a beautiful girl – and so stylish! Great photos Ashley!

sally - Ashley! These are beautiful! such an incredible setting, perfect lighting and a very lovely girl… great pictures! Love them all!

Kira Noble - Wow, wow, wow. Gorgeous girl, amazing styling and FABULOUS photographs. Love it.

Click Chicks Shoot { Salem, OR Photographer }

I am so blessed to be in a network of female photographers called Click Chicks. We get together once a month and share tutorials, discuss photography topics, and every once in a while, take pictures! This month it was my turn to host, and I decided it was about time we all just got outside and shot. So I contacted some family, some friends and some past clients who I knew would enjoy modeling for us, and whalla, the 2011 Click Chicks summer shoot!

Being the host I didn’t have as much time to actually take pictures, I found myself fussing over everyone making sure they were ok, that no models were being neglected…etc etc. But I had a blast, and I loved shooting alongside all these amazing ladies! And the models, so much love for all of them! They were just so sweet to be a part of this and let us all bombard them with our cameras.

All the girls had their makeup done by our uber talented makeup girl Amie Montgomery. We love working with her, and I always know my girls are going to look fabulous when she’s done!

Becca’s Fashion Friday { Issue 14: How To Rock Nautical }

Becca is not only my Regis High School 2012 senior rep, she’s my intern for this year. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and see what a mature, thoughtful, and kind person she is.

Here’s some thoughts from Becca about today’s Fashion Friday,

When I was 5 I enjoyed watching the occasional Popeye episode on t.v. and one of my favorite experiences was going to a lighthouse in Maine with my aunt. I can also remember taking a trip to the wharf in Newport with my grandparents. 12 years later I find myself wishing I had the time to watch Popeye gulp down his spinach, eager to go on an adventure to find a nearby lighthouse, and absolutely in love with coastal towns and wharfs. So after a couple of hours of skimming through hundreds, maybe thousands of clothes I decided to go with a nautical theme for my style board. It reminded me of something I love and is also a fun way to dress during the July sunshine! If you’re not a large fan of the stripes, but love the sailor look, check out www.modcloth.com for some really cute (but a little spendier!) sailor-esque dresses. If you’re looking to use something you already own, pairing a striped cardigan with a plain tee can help create the look very easily. From the collection I put together, my favorite piece is the dress from Delia’s paired with the red belt from Forever 21 and the red wedges from Payless. You can never go wrong with a cute, summery dress and a pop of color! This nautical themed wardrobe will have you ready to go sailing anytime!”

STYLE GUIDE:

1. Anchor Earrings ($1.50) Forever21
2. Nautical Stripe Knit Dress ($29.50) Delias
3. Red Belt ($2.50) Forever21
4. Kendal Knot Wedges 1&2 ($24.99) Payless
5. Slub Sailor Top ($19.80) Forever21
6. Sailor Short ($19.99) Rue21
7. Vans ‘Palisades’ Sneaker ($41.95) Nordstroms
8. Braided Bracelet ($3.80) Forever21
9. License Juniors Love Anchor Tee ($12.99) Target
10. Mariner Terry Shorts ($13.80) Forever21
11. Merona Striped Straw Tote ($19.99) Target
12. Sperry Top-Sider® ‘Angelfish’ Boat Shoe ($74.95) Nordstroms
Class of 2012, don’t forget to check out our newly updated official [Senior Portrait website]. We are now booking SUMMER – FALL dates. Summer 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!!

Kelsey Smith { Senior Pictures, Salem Oregon }

Kelsey choose the coolest location for her senior portraits, and we couldn’t have selected a senior day! She has some friends who own this large property with horses and they were generous enough to allow us to take Kelsey’s senior pictures there, thanks Sunny ; )

I really enjoyed working with Kesley, she herself is an aspiring photographer and she had some great ideas during the shoot, including some shots with this handsome horse (forget his name?).

Class of 2012, don’t forget to check out our newly updated official [Senior Portrait website]. We are now booking SUMMER – FALL dates. Summer 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!!

Product Spotlight: Smart Phone Skins { Salem OR Photographer }

Check out a new HOT summer product we’re offering, the Smart Phone Skins! Choose from 6 fun designs that feature YOUR portraits! They’re only $35 buckaroos so grab yours today! These babies work with most smart phones, and are made of thin, laminated vinyl decals that provide scratch protection from everyday wear and tear. They are easy to apply and allow you to reposition so you can easily get the perfect fit. Make a statement with your personalized phone cover and be able to easily share your portraits with friends and family. Choose from 6 unique cover styles!

These are great as a surprise gift to your senior, or for the mother who wants to show off her kid’s recent pictures, or as a birthday gift, or for whatever the occasion may be. Call today to order yours! PH: (503) 559-1906 or EM: ashley@ashleysturmphotography.com

Becca - Clever idea! And, cute sun glasses. ;)

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