07.14.2010 | filed under: lifestyle, mentoring

I love reconnecting with people from the past. Ashley is someone who floated into my life by chance 3 years ago, shot a few weddings with me, then relocated to Jackson Hole, Wyoming & tied the knot herself. If she would’ve stuck around NC, I would have offered her a full-time position at the studio in a heartbeat. She has one of those bubbly personalities that makes you fall in love with her & want to keep her around. Her work has vision, depth & a sincerity that is tough to find in this industry. I knew from the first wedding we shot together that she was going places…

So when she emailed about setting up a One on One session to give her budding photography business a jump start, I was excited to see her again & give her a few tools to do just that. Starting your own business is scary. There’s an accountability that comes along with taking that leap of faith & believing you can make it happen. I have no doubt that Ashley has an exciting career ahead. As I flipped through her portfolio during our session, I was struck by how authentic her work is. How every image has such truth to it…no fussy post-processing, no contrived poses….just a simple, powerful beauty. A lot can be said for great images that can stand alone. Images that can move you… not by the toning, or the props used, but by the honesty of the moment captured. Ashley is in the process of creating her new website now & hoping to launch it sometime this month, so you can bet I’ll be adding the link to this post as soon as it goes live. I have a feeling she’s going to take the Northwest by storm ( no pressure Ash ;)

Here are a few pics that I think capture the true spirit of Ashley…

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ashley_p_b2

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Comments: 13    leave a comment

  1. You will always be the BEST!!!

  2. What #1 said. Your images are unique and beautiful.

  3. Great write up. Can’t wait to see her site.

  4. She’s adorable! These are great Kellie.

  5. LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!! thank you for everything!

  6. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by kelliekano and ashley pitt merritt, ashley pitt merritt. ashley pitt merritt said: kelliekano ♥ RT @kelliekano my favorite little boho chick @ashleymerritt is now on the blog. What a beauty: http://tinyurl.com/24me66c […]

  7. These photos make me feel two things: 1) I miss you ash and wish you could meet our little guy. don’t come to NC again without a visit to Durham! 2) I feel like I really need to meet you, Kellie. I love your style. I’m in Durham, if you’re ever over here, give me a holler (http://nclendenin.com/about/contact)

  8. Amazing, beautiful pictures of an amazing, beautiful lady!!!

  9. You captured a spirit that is daring, free and effervescent!

  10. okay, on this post i find the subject who i absolutely love, the photographer who knocks my socks off & light that is edible. how about a coffee date with you two lovelies?? xo!

  11. Incredible pictures. So sweet to see your scarf and boots- Word Bird!!!

  12. Beautiful!! I know someone who wants to get on a plane and fly out for some new head shots :)

  13. So I find myself in a dilemma. 1.) I could wait until you post a new blog to comment or 2.) I could comment on this blog AND the new one and say all these really nice things about you and how wonderful you are. But you already know that. So I guess there really isn’t a number 1. ;) XO!

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