10/20/2026
A little vulnerability from behind the camera. 🤎
I've gone back and forth about making this post because I never want to come across as complaining, asking for sympathy, or making anyone feel obligated to support my business. But I also think it's important to share the side of owning a small business that isn't always seen.
And lately, it's been hard. Really hard.
Not too long ago, right before photographing a wedding, my camera malfunctioned. With no time to waste, I had to make an unexpected purchase of nearly $3,000 for a new camera. It was a financial hit I wasn't prepared for, but making sure I could still show up for my clients was never a question.
Then came the hurricane.
We were incredibly fortunate that our home didn't suffer any major damage, aside from trees down in our yard and having to throw away everything in our refrigerator and freezer. I know so many others in our community weren't nearly as fortunate. We’ve been without internet for almost two weeks now also-a tree company doing cleanup accidentally pulled our entire areas line out and we’re still waiting on them to fix it.
Because of the storm, I made the decision to refund several clients. While my contracts normally include nonrefundable payments, I couldn't justify keeping someone's money when I knew they needed it more for their homes, families, and everyday necessities.
And even though those refunds affected my business financially, I would make that same decision again.
But the reality is, even when bookings slow down, the expenses of owning a business don't stop.
Business insurance, editing software, subscriptions, equipment, and everything else that comes with photography are still monthly expenses, whether I'm booking sessions or not.
And lately, bookings have been incredibly slow.
I've continued posting, sharing my work, offering specials, and trying to find ways to make sessions more affordable. I've had inquiries that never turned into bookings, promotions that received little response, and moments when it felt like my work wasn't reaching anyone at all.
I even reached out to previous and repeat clients with an exclusive discounted rate, allowing them to secure a session with a small deposit now and pay the remaining balance in 2027.
And still, things have been quiet.
I think one of the hardest parts is how much it starts to affect you mentally.
When you're constantly putting yourself out there, trying new things, and not seeing results, it's hard not to question yourself.
Am I doing enough? Are my prices too high? Is my work not good enough? Am I doing something wrong?
It's discouraging to put so much time, money, effort, and heart into something you genuinely love and feel like you're getting nowhere.
Some days I'm full of ideas, excited to create, and motivated to grow. Other days, it's hard to find that same excitement when you're wondering when the next booking will come.
It's hard to stay creative when you're constantly worried about whether your business is going to pick back up.
And I think that's the part people don't always see.
Behind the beautiful pictures is someone who has invested thousands of dollars, countless hours, late nights editing, weekends away from family, and so much heart into building something they love.
I know photography is a luxury, not a necessity. I know families are struggling, bills are expensive, and our community is still recovering. I would never want anyone to prioritize pictures over their family's needs.
But I also think it's okay to admit that small business owners are struggling right alongside everyone else.
I'm not sharing this to guilt anyone into booking. I'm sharing it because not every season of owning a business is successful or exciting. Sometimes it's just about trying to keep going.
I love photography. I love watching families grow, capturing milestones, documenting weddings, and creating memories that people will cherish for years to come.
And I don't want a difficult season to take that love away.
If you've been considering booking a session, planning pictures for 2027, or purchasing a gift certificate, your support would genuinely mean so much.
And if booking isn't possible right now, that's okay too. Sharing my work, recommending me to someone, leaving a review, or simply interacting with my posts makes more of a difference than you probably realize.
To everyone who has trusted me with their memories, returned year after year, recommended me, or simply cheered me on, thank you. I truly wouldn't have made it this far without you.
I'm not giving up on this dream. I'm just being transparent that this season has been a difficult one.
Here's to hoping brighter days are ahead, not just for Ashley Ivy Photography, but for our entire community. 🤎
Thank you for being here.
Lots of love from Ashley Ivy Photography!
