Photographer Feature: Q&A with Ashlyn Nuss

Photographer Feature: Ashlyn Nuss

Hi! I’m Ashlyn—a wife, mom of four, and a California girl at heart who now calls Utah home. My journey has taken a few turns, from studying Political Science and interning at a law firm and the Utah State Capitol, to dreaming of becoming a labor and delivery nurse after the birth of my first child. Though my fear of needles kept me from that path, it led me back to photography—a passion sparked by my dad and my first DSLR gifted at graduation. I’ve dabbled in photography for years, from capturing political moments to gifting friends hospital sessions, and in 2023, I finally took the leap to start my own business. Now, I document all kinds of love stories while navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

What is your proudest photography moment?

I originally set out in photography thinking birth photography would be one of my main offerings, but not fully realizing just how available you have to be to pursue that niche. With four kids at home, it hasn’t been realistic for me to do that yet. However, when I found out my childhood best friend received a terminal diagnosis for her baby while still in utero, I felt strongly that I should offer her a birth session. She ended up deciding to take me up on that offer, and it was truly one of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve ever had. Being able to jump in, roll with the punches, and produce images for her and her family that have been deeply treasured (especially now that her sweet baby has passed) is hands down my proudest and most sacred photography moment.

What would your dream session be?

I’m dying to do a romantic shoot in the English countryside! Give me all of the cotswolds and sheep and misty light!

Photographer Feature: Ashlyn Nuss

What keeps you inspired?

I love all kinds of art, and have a side hobby for collecting oil paintings! I love beautiful interior design and try to sit down and go through my books as often as I can. I also love all kinds of florals (my favorites are peonies, hydrangeas, and ranunculus!); I am so inspired by florists and am trying to be a better gardener. Surrounding myself with beauty in all of its forms has been such an important part of my photography growth and inspiration!

If you could go back in time and share one piece of advice with yourself as you were beginning photography, what would you say?

You’ve heard it said a million times, but comparison is the thief of joy. It is so incredible to have other photographers that you admire, but if you spend your time sucked into the comparison game on social media, it will make it so much harder to create from your heart and find your groove. Instead, find real life photographer friends and work with them when you can. Find inspiration from real life; your experiences are what will help you create the most authentically!

Photographer Feature: Ashlyn Nuss

Unpopular opinion about the photography industry?

I’m going to hold your hand while saying this, but your pricing can be based on what works best for you and your life, not what helps the rest of the photography industry keep their prices where they want.  If you’re new and nervous and want to charge $100 for a session, please do it, and don’t buy into the pressure that your personal choice will hurt the rest of the industry.  People choose their photographers based on what speaks to them, and they will be willing to pay the right price when they find it.  So PLEASE have the confidence to charge what you deserve, but don’t feel pressure to do it for any reason other than you’re worth it!

Photographer Feature: Ashlyn Nuss

Is there a photography or business book, podcast, etc. that you wish everyone would read/listen to?

I keep a copy of Elizabeth Messina’s The Luminous Portrait on my front room coffee table and think it is such a beautiful representation of using technical skills combined with heart and emotion to create stunning portraiture.  That combined with the two podcast episodes she has done with The Motherhood Anthology and Catherine Guidry’s podcast will leave you feeling so inspired!  (Bonus, Mel Robbin’s The Let Them Theory because it applies to literally everything, and your life and career need it).

What’s a habit or routine that has changed your life for the better?

Not the answer you’re expecting, but when I was a new mom struggling with skin issues that were fairly new to me, my aunt encouraged me to fully wash my face every night.  (Don’t judge, but I definitely was not doing that at the time).  Since that day about 9 years ago, I haven’t missed a single night intentionally, even if it means I’m waking up at 3 am after falling asleep on the couch and THEN washing my face.  It’s such a great refresh for me and I love having a skincare routine!  I love how it invites calm, relaxation, and, of course, better skin.  Come talk to me in a year when I’ve gone a year with only reading physical books at night and not using my phone in bed anymore 🙂

Photographer Feature: Ashlyn Nuss

What’s your most embarrassing photography moment?

This one still hurts!  My husband and I were (and still are) very close friends with a couple and I went to the hospital to do a fresh 48 session for them about 8 years ago.  Mind you, I was not a professional at the time, just a girl with a camera with a passion for photography and newborns.  My lack of professionalism was clearly established as I was taking photos of the husband with his new baby, off in my own world capturing a candid moment.  The husband sees the camera and looks up at me to smile for a photo; I see him smile up at me through my lens, and promptly move my camera aside to smile back at him assuming he was just smiling at me.  YOU GUYS.  This one will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Untethered Family Photography Publication | Q&A with Ashlyn Nuss | Education and encouragement for family and newborn photographers

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