My word for 2020: Bloom 〡 Ashton Leigh Photography 〡 Timeless Saginaw Michigan Wedding & Family Portrait Photographer

Hey there! Welcome to my new blog!

I’m super stoked to be able to share with you my upcoming 2020 sessions and what the year has in store.

But first, I wanted to do a little reflecting and share with you something that I struggled with for a very long time. 

FEAR.

To the 24 year old me sitting in my office, pulling out staples so I could shred papers for an afternoon, organizing boxes in a basement alone for hours, feeling like I was going no where in my career and left dry and empty creatively, leaving so much potential on the table and what I knew I was capable of, feeling like I’d be stuck there forever, the girl that promised myself that I’d never work an office job and yet there I was, know this:

It’s okay to LEAVE and pursue something new even if you have no idea what it will be like and where you are going. It’s all a part of the adventure of life. Step out in FAITH. It’s going to be okay.

In 2019 I learned a TON about boundaries and that it’s okay to say ‘no’ and leave something behind if it’s not a good fit (especially if it is toxic). You might be thinking ‘duh’, but I was so crippled with fear about leaving because of my limiting beliefs: ‘what will people think’ ‘what if no one hires me’ ‘how do I explain a gap in my resume?’ ‘how will I pay the bills’ ‘what if I’ll have to come back??’ ‘I don’t have a degree’ (which people have a hard enough time trying to find a job with anyway)’ ‘I could never move up in the world’ ‘I could never find a job good enough to support my family’ ‘maybe I should just embrace this new reality and give up’ ‘I’ll just wait till next year’ ‘maybe things will change’.

I felt hopeless and helpless. All my confidence felt smothered to pieces and I became a shell of who I used to be. Yet from time to time, I thought about one of my dreams. I wanted to be a creative entrepreneur, but not just any entrepreneur.

I wanted to be a photographer. 

So I did the unthinkable,

I left.

‘What if it doesn’t work’ ‘What if I fail’ ‘I could never make this happen’ etc. etc.

Well at age 26 in 2019 I finally said ‘enough’ and died to those lies, fears and limiting beliefs. Those seeds have died and are no more. My word for 2020 is BLOOM!!

I could not be more excited about my business. I did it!! 

And I feel more like myself than I have in a very, very long time.

Have you ever felt succumbed to fear? 

I want you to know that as your photographer, I am here to ease your FEARS.

‘I’m really self critical and too awkward in front of a camera.’ Feeling a little awkward in front of a camera is completely normal. Guys my posing is so easy, natural, and real. Say goodbye to the ‘cheese’ and let’s go on an adventure and have some fun! I want you to be yourself. You don’t need to pretend to be anyone else. You will be so glad you made this investment.

‘We could never afford heirlooms now so might as well never start.’ I have done SO MUCH research in the print world and promise you I’ll be the expert. I have heirloom payment plans and registries making things affordable and attainable for you so you can have the luxury heirloom quality you want and deserve. Your memories are priceless and there is no hurdle we cannot overcome together. 

‘My biggest fear is that it would take All. Day. Long.’ (This one was my Dad’s, lol! Of course he was joking, heh.) Don’t worry Dads, sessions last up to an hour and I guarantee you will have a lot of fun with your family. 

Big or small, what are some of your fears about hiring a photographer?

Comment below and I may do a follow up blog so be on the look out at Ashton Leigh Photography – MI

I want to invite you to bloom with me in 2020. 

Leave that job, sucker punch those fears, book a photography session, whatever it is. How will you know if you never try?

I’d say he did pretty well 😉 I will always treasure these pictures of me and my Daddy.

Now booking 2020 weddings and family portraits! I work with adventurous couples and families all over the state of Michigan, including providing portraiture for the Tri-Cities (Saginaw, Midland, Bay City)! Contact me here to inquire by filling out this brief form to schedule a call.

Headshot by my #photobestie Keepsakes By KT!

  1. Jen Coet says:

    Ashton – great post. What an adventure – jumping out despite your fear! I’m sure you have great adventures and freedom ahead – good luck girl! Jen Coet, Jen Coet Photography, Northern Colorado Family Photographer

    • Ashton Rogers says:

      Thanks girl! Amen! On my way to Colorado as we speak for a workshop. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the future!!

      Why is trusting God so scary sometimes? When we do there is so much peace, but when I fear I’m losing control that’s when I feel all the nerves.

  2. I just have to say… Holy Crap that’s your dad?! He looks so young! I’m sure he gets that A LOT!
    It sounds like you have an amazing road ahead of you! I can’t wait to see more from you and see you BLOOM, you got this!

    Thank you for sharing a little bit of your vulnerability! It makes me a little more confident in myself!

    • Ashton Rogers says:

      LOL It IS my Dad! Haha! I remember once someone mistook me as his wife a few years back (awkward lol!) Him and my Momma married way young. She’s as beautiful as ever. I’ll have to tell him you said that, He acts way too old for his age 😉

      Thank you so much for your encouragement and I’m so glad we get to BLOOM together! ☺️

  3. Awww girl, this is so awesome! I’m so excited to follow you on your journey and see where your dreams take you! Best of luck in 2020!

    p.s. I love your headshot photo! So cute!

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