Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanze Ashorn.
Hi Chanze, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started when I was a young teen, I got a trendy camera for Christmas from my parents and was obsessed with taking photos of everything, mainly our animals and self-portraits. I remember chasing our cat around trying to get him to sit still for me long enough to put a flower by his ear and snapping a photo, then repeating this 50 more times until I finally got ‘the one’. Years went by before I dove into weddings, I thought that was the direction I would take my business, then I became a mother and everything about Motherhood sparked my interest. I feel like some of my best work has always surrounded motherhood-maternity, newborn and family sessions. I became comfortable and confident in myself as time passed and these days, I honestly feel like I’m living my best life. I get to create these emotional experiences for a lot of my families, doing all of these fun and silly things with their children, not only making memories with them but giving them something to cherish for generations! I get to snuggle squishy babies on a weekly basis, and I get to be home and watch my own children grow, I get to live life with my husband, which happens to be my #1 supporter. All in all, I am extremely grateful for where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Anything that you dream of usually comes with a rather bumpy road. I used to be a huge introvert, so overcoming my social anxiety was a huge goal for me as a photographer. It didn’t take very long for me to let go of myself a little and engage with my clients, but just before a session I would get a little nervous and repeatedly tell myself not to mess it up, haha. Guiding a session is one thing, but making sure you aren’t missing all of the in-between moments is really how you perceive their story. Observation and anticipation is the key to capturing those raw emotional moments that unfold!
Another thing is balancing my home/work life. I want to do all of the things that come to my head, and I used to try but I quickly learned that there needs to be balance. Every year becomes easier than the last. I’m learning to work smarter, not harder but it has taken me a few years to get here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I specialize in Maternity, Newborn and Families. I do dabble in Weddings still, they will always have a piece of my heart, giving up weddings would be like… cutting off a finger… As awful as that sounds, I just have to have them!
I have an in home studio dedicated to lifestyle and newborn sessions. I also have the scoop on some beautiful outdoor locations in the Austin area! My sessions are typically feel good centered, lots of laughing and love. I don’t focus on some meaningless prop or elaborate set. I want my clients front and center at all times. I’ve heard from so many of my clients that I make the things feel pretty much effortless, which is honestly the biggest compliment I could ever receive! I’m not a fan of a forced smile, I have to have a giggle behind it, and I’ll do whatever means necessary to ensure I get it!
I’m most proud of my growth. Not only as a person but as a photographer. I have come a long way from photographing anything and everything to where I am now, saying no to jobs that I’m not passionate about. I am confident enough in myself to facilitate my vision and that is something to be proud of as a small business owner.
I have a huge client wardrobe, which is dedicated mostly to my mamas, having it available makes the stress of picking outfits so much easier for them. My husband will tell you it’s my friendliness towards my clients that sets me apart because as soon as I get the inquiry and we start talking about your session, I’m all in! If I’m awake at 1:00 AM and you text me, I’m replying! You’re not just a job for me, you’re a friend.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@chanzeashornphotography.com
- Website: www.chanzeashornphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chanzeashornphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chanzeashornphotography
Image Credits
Chanze Ashorn Photography Alyssa Martin Photography for the headshot
