I originally picked up a camera to document a backpacking trip I took with my husband (then boyfriend) way back in 2016. Once we got home, I downloaded a program to edit my photos and then began asking my friends if they'd let me photograph them to see how I did with real human beings in front of my camera. I loved every minute of those early sessions, and in January 2017 "Laurie Ashley Photography" was born. A lot of my early photography embodies the things I still see in my work today: beautiful light, true to life colors & genuine joy.

& I’ve been a wedding photographer for seven years now. I’m more than just a photographer though. I’m an animal lover (especially the 4 rescue dogs & 1 cat we affectionately refer to as “the zoo”). Wife to a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. Mom to the cutest Teddy you’ve ever seen. Part die hard Swiftie, part elder emo. A born and raised Jersey girl who let her California dreams take her all the way to San Diego 11 years ago and never looked back. Other than photography, I'm passionate about working out, pop music, camping, bad reality TV & animal rescue.

Hi there!

one of the first photos I ever took on a DSLR camera on that 2016 backpacking trip... and still one of my all time favorite photos!

I'm Laurie :)

My approach

I believe in capturing you at your most genuine. I know getting in front of a camera isn't easy for most people & it's my job to create space for you to be your truest self. I help guide my clients into flattering poses & use prompts that illicit real emotion. I truly want to know your story and love when you share details of your life with me. I am both quick & efficient when I need to be and not afraid to let myself get lost in the art during our time together. I am crazy obsessed with great lighting and it's always my mission to find the most beautiful & interesting light for your photos. My editing style is what I like to call "true to color -- but maybe a little better than you remember." I want my photos to have a timeless feel while also having a certain pop that makes them truly come to life.

When it comes to weddings, I imagine I'm taking photos for an heirloom album you'll be showing your grandkids one day. This means I take time to capture everything from the tiny details that make your day truly yours, to the big OMG moments throughout your day. I love those epic mantle piece photos but I am also searching for the photos that tell the most honest story about your wedding day. Whether that's your wedding party steaming your ceremony outfit, your mom tearing up watching your first dance or your nieces doing cartwheels at the reception -- a wedding day is about so much more than just the two people getting married & all of these things deserve to have their place in your wedding album.

let's work together »

Enough about me ... let's talk about YOU!