Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McCubbins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started photography in high school, just taking pictures of friends, scenery, and whatever caught my eye! It was always something I enjoyed, but I never really thought about making it a career at first.
I’ve always known I wanted to be a mom and be home with my daughter, and the idea of working a traditional 9-to-5 never really appealed to me. When I started thinking about what I could do that would give me both flexibility and something for myself, photography just made sense! It was already something I loved, so I figured—why not turn it into a business?!
From there, I put in the work to grow Southern Oaks & Co., refining my style and learning how to run a business while keeping that balance of being present at home. Now, I get to do something I love while still having the flexibility to be there for my daughter, and that’s exactly what I wanted! It’s the best of both worlds, and I’m so grateful I get to do this every day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! 2024 was actually the slowest year I’ve ever had, which was really discouraging. There were so many moments of doubt where I questioned if I was doing something wrong or if my business was even heading in the right direction. It’s tough when you pour so much into something and don’t see the results you expect!
On top of that, I wasn’t feeling content with my editing style—it just didn’t feel like me anymore. And that made it even harder to stay motivated! So, I decided to make a change. I switched up my editing, refined my approach, and really focused on creating work that felt true to my vision!
It wasn’t an easy year, but looking back, I think it pushed me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have if everything had just stayed comfortable. Going into 2025, I’m so excited for a fresh start! I’m focused on working with couples who truly value photography, creating images that feel timeless and intentional, and continuing to evolve in my craft! I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a wedding and couples photographer specializing in timeless and editorial photography! My focus is on capturing love stories in a way that feels natural, refined, and true to each couple! I don’t just document moments—I create images that are intentional and thoughtfully composed, so they not only capture how things looked but also how they felt!
What sets me apart is my artistic approach and attention to detail! I look for the in-between moments—the way you reach for each other’s hand, the subtle glances, the quiet interactions that might otherwise go unnoticed! My goal is to capture your connection in a way that feels effortless and true to who you are together!
What I’m most proud of is the trust my couples place in me to tell their stories! Being invited into such a personal and important day is something I don’t take lightly, and getting to create images that will be looked back on for years to come is what makes this work so fulfilling!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t say I’m a big risk-taker, but I do think taking calculated risks is necessary for growth. The biggest risk I’ve taken in my career was changing my editing style. It’s not an easy decision, especially when you’ve built a client base that’s used to a certain look. There’s always the fear of losing bookings or not attracting the right clients, but I knew I wasn’t feeling content with my work, and something had to change.
Looking back, it was the right move. My work feels more aligned with my vision, and I’m attracting couples who connect with my style in a more intentional way. Risk is always uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that staying in a place that no longer feels right is even harder. Sometimes, you have to trust that the right people will find you when you’re staying true to what you love!
Pricing:
- Weddings Starting at $4,800
- Engagements: $500
- Couples: $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernoaksandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernoaksandco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernoaksandco
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@southernoaksandco?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
