Mckenzie Carter / 2011 Senior Rep / Salem, OR Senior Photographer

Mckenzie is my first Senior Rep for 2011. I've had lots of applications coming in but this girl not only turned hers in first, I was very impressed with her application and how seriously she took this opportunity. I'm still accepting applications and most likely there's still a spot left at YOUR school! Download your application here and be sure to shoot me an email or comment here if you are planning to apply!

I want you all to get to know one of the new faces of Ashley Sturm Photography, Mckenzie Carter. I've had loads of fun becoming acquainted with this bubbly, energetic, intelligent teen.

Here are a few fun facts about her:

• Some of her favorite clothing stores include: Nordstrom, Buckle, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21 and Maurices.

• Extra Curricular Activities: Volleyball & Basketball.

• I asked if she had a style her peers want to emulate, here's what she answered:
"If I had to put a label on my style it would probably be sassy, fun, confident and girly all mixed into one."

• She plans to pursue her degree in Business and after college open a boutique shop in Portland or Seattle, and eventually bring her own line of clothing into the shop. (How cool is that!)

She looks stunning in this shoot above.

These are the 4x6 promo cards I ordered her, aren't they cool?

I don't think either of us can wait for her Spring shoot in May. We've begun planning all the fun details and I'm sure it will involve color, fashion, and just the right amount of 'edge'.

Once again, I'm still accepting applications for 2011 Senior Reps so if you're currently a Junior and think you may have what it takes, download the application and send it in today!

Product Spotlight: Senior Folio / Salem, OR Photographer

I've never been a fan of those cheap card stock senior folios used to display senior portraits. You know the ones with the gold lining? But after multiple clients asked what folios I offered I realized I had to find a higher quality product to offer them, and I did. :)

Made locally in Gresham these sleek leather folios offer a minimalistic, clean, sophisticated case for your senior's portraits (or any subject for that matter). The photo slots are customizable and they even offer imprinting. Comes with a beautiful black box to safely store and carry your folio.

Prices range from $105-$205 depending on size and the amount of photographs you want and include photographs. Imprinting costs an additional $45 but adds a personal touch.

Call today if you're interested, for a limited time I'm offering a 15% discount to any customer who mentions this post when ordering their folio. Offer ends April 14th 2010.

I Need Your Vote / 2010 Best Of Mid Valley

Hi Fans! Today I've got a special request that involves YOU. Through April 6th votes are being cast for the 2010 Best of the Mid-Valley and it would just knock my socks off to be nominated! With no need for login votes are made simply and quickly, it took me 1 minute. You can vote once a day which means you could vote every day between now and then if you felt so inclined. Winners are announced May 2nd.



Here's How To Vote:

1. Click this link to head over to the Statesman Journal's website where votes are being cast.
2. Select the 'Professional Services' button.
3. Under Photographer, select 'Ashley Sturm Photography'.
4. Repeat as many times as you like, once a day. : )

It's a long shot being a new photographer compared to some who've been in business over 10 years, but why not try?! Thanks in advance for all who vote, I really appreciate your support!

Ashley Sturm Photography Joins Luxe's NW 7 Photographers

Hey Family & Friends! I've now been selected to join the ranks of Luxe Event Productions Exclusive NW-7, a group of the Northwest's top Seven Wedding Photographers! I had the pleasure of connecting with Misty, Luxe's owner after noticing and commenting on her blog which features real weddings, DIY tips, local vendors and event ideas. We started emailing and within short order were sharing ideas, talking about MY wedding, and arranging coffee outings to scheme about networking our businesses. I'm so glad we did! Not only is she helping me plan my wedding, she's got me guest blogging every other Friday to share my wedding planning experiences. In fact, tomorrow I will be posting about finding your vendors, be sure to stop by her blog!

When Misty approached me about being part of Luxe's NW7 I was so excited and flattered to be included in this exclusive group of fabulous local wedding photographers. I hope you'll take a moment to stop by her blog and see my feature, it's pretty snazzy! Thank you all for your support and encouragement as I continue to grow and nurture my business!

Luxe Event Productions provides a care-free wedding planning experience sure to make each bride feel pampered, relaxed and in-the-know. Misty ability to work with any budget pulling from affordable resources such as Ebay, Craft Warehouse, Costco, amongst many others makes her advice and knowledge valuable to any bride with a budget to please. I've been so thankful to have her guidance and help as I navigate the ups and down of wedding planning. Her experience, personality, and love for her job makes me a firm believer in her business, Luxe Event Productions and I advise any Bride to visit her website and see what wonderful ways she can help YOU!

Save Up To 30% During Spring Print Sale / Salem, OR Photographer

Two week Print Sale starts today! Save up to 30% on your print order when placed by March 30, 2010. This is a great opportunity to place your order from last year's session or purchase additional prints for family, yourself, or to prepare for senior graduation announcements! See below for more details.

*Discount cannot be applied with any other coupons or promotions.

Megan & Ryan Ward / Couple Photography Salem, OR

How do you explain in a short blog entry the value of a friend, the impact a person has made on your life? When that person has been such a support, inspiration, and source of joy in your everyday life a cyberspace blurb seems small. But you know what, I LOVE Megan and and thank God everyday for making our paths cross. Laughter is effortless when I'm with her, it often gets out of hand, which causes some eye rolls from my Ryan and her Ryan. We work on business matters together, oh, did I mention her custom invitation business Red Pearl Designs? Well it's fabulous! Conversations range from iphone apps to how to file business taxes, loving our Ryan's to not always washing our hands after the bathroom (sorry Megan, I couldn't resist), and trusting God as we endeavor on similar paths of marriage, owning a business, and someday even having kids. We cherish the ability to be 100% ourselves together and relate on so many levels. Megan is a daily reminder of God's love and concern for me, not only to meet my needs, but to exceed what I could imagine is possible in a friendship.

Megan also has a closet full of ridiculously cute clothes, I'm kinda jealous. ; )

Today I'm posting some photographs I did of my dearest friend Megan and her husband Ryan on my birthday (what a treat!) last December. It was a chilly 34degrees, she wore the cutest dress in spite of her freezing legs, which look pretty hot, right? We even managed to get Ryan in a classy argyle sweater!

Georgia Newborn Shoot / Salem OR Newborn Photographer

Cuteness abounds once again as we are graced by another adorable newborn, Georgia. Daughter to a dear friend of mine Lily, Georgia was born January 30th, 2010 at 7:08 AM weighing 6 lbs 8 oz, 18 1/2 inches long, with plenty of dark brown hair. I just love a newborn with hair!

She put up quite the fight as soon as she caught on we were taking her pictures but we managed to convince her to go along in the end. Isn't she just precious?

Willamette Christian School Auction / Salem OR Photographer

This is a little shout out to Willamette Christian School who's doing an auction tomorrow as a fundraiser for their school. I'm so pumped to be a part of their auction and help raise money for this incredible establishment. I know quite a few kids who attend, inlcuding my nephew Isaiah, and taught Digital Photography to an awesome group of Middle Schoolers last Fall term.

The basket is valued at $525 so I'm praying this really brings in some serious cash to help WCS keep delivering their awesome teaching program! On top of this one-time donation I decided to pitch in 10% of portrait proceeds and 5% of wedding proceeds when the client mentions WCS from now until July 31, 2010.

I believe very strongly in the principle in tithing as it applies to my business. I never want to become greedy, hoarding all the money for myself. Rather, I believe through giving generously to good causes my business will be blessed and enriched. I see my ability in photography as a gifting from God and what better way to honor and thank Him than make a habit of generosity? I'd rather be known as a generous business than a profitable business any day! I hope to inspire both businesses and individuals to give of their time, talents, and treasures to make someone else's life better.

I took a few shots of the basket which turned out pretty cute, and will be sure to snatch more photos of the whole display tomorrow when I put it together. What do YOU think?

Georgia Previews / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

Can you believe how cute Georgia is looking at her momma?


More to come soon!

New Boutique Packaging / Salem OR Photographer

I have to show off my new boutique packaging, isn't it cute? Who doesn't love receiving something in a nicely wrapped package? I really enjoy the pop of teal against the natural Kraft paper boxes, and the texture of my Referral Card case sealed with a hot pink jewel. It's taken some time to gather all the parts and I'm so pumped everything has finally come together! Packaging is something that really speaks to me, and gets me excited about what's inside. I believe it says a lot about a business and how important your business and continued happiness is to them. Why not leave the best impression possible?!

My plan is to find a different tissue, hopefully one with a fun print like zebra, and a similar teal ribbon in a small size to replace the thin pink ribbon so there's a nice consistency.

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for my personal entry on Wedding Planning for Brides; it's all about getting organized, setting your course, and choosing your vendors.

Sailor Metzger / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

I checked the forecast on this blog post, and the cuteness level is officially off the charts! These photographs are some of my favorites I've shot to date, and the joy it brings me to capture and share these with our family make all the annoying parts of my job so worth it! I'm going to reference the Olympics again, bear with me...Think about the amount of work the athletes invest for one brief moment of victory, and the satisfaction that must bring when they've done their best and stand on the podium! I guess I feel a slice of that emotion every time I know I've done my best and capture moments a family will cherish for a lifetime. Have you seen the tears part, where they're so overwhlemed with joy at their victory? Maybe it's because I'm sentimental and carry my heart on my sleeve, but I get choked up when I see my client is emotionally connected to their photographs. Ahhh, I really do love my job!

Last week I had the delightful opportunity to photograph my dear sister Sally's first child, beautiful Sailor Danielle Metzger. Remember Sally? I posted her maternity session about two weeks ago, I bet you'll see where Sailor gets her pretty feminine features! ; )

This was the ideal newborn shoot because we were at our parent's house and I had the afternoon to photograph Sailor, who, as they always do, took a long time to fall asleep. Here's a tip if you're a photographer or mother wanting newborn portraits done: you must have patience and NEVER rush the baby. Is it just me, or does the newborn sense your presence and put all efforts to staying awake? Anyway, this is my 5th newborn shoot and I've learned a great deal already, which I plan to share in a post later this week.

OK, I don't think I need to keep rambling, just look at these photos!