Baby Stover Sneak Peek | Raleigh, NC Maternity Photographer

I still consider myself to be in the beginning stages of becoming a photographer.  I'm learning and growing and I am definitely not a full-time professional photographer.  I have a few photo shoots and weddings under my belt, but I'm still just starting out.  I took Jess and Rex's engagement photos a few years back when I was REALLY not a professional and barely had a grasp on the more complicated features on my camera.  They had heard about me through a friend, and thanks to that connection they asked me to photograph their wedding day.  They were my second ever paid engagement shoot and my second EVER wedding.  They put so much trust in me, and I'm so thankful for them!  They are always a pleasure to shoot because I am constantly laughing and smiling!  I love that I have now gotten to document 3 of life's biggest moments for them.  They are expecting their first little one in December, so thank you SO much for having me as your photographer guys!  We braved the winds of a hurricane and a few sprinkles to get these photos...so enjoy the sneak peek!

Rodriguez Family | Raleigh, NC Family Photographer

From the first day I started my job at Riverwood Elementary, Angie has been one of my favorite people there.  She is always so happy and friendly, and she makes everyone feel really welcome.  She's one of those people who never complains and always makes you feel better with just a smile.  So of course I was so excited when she asked me to take her family photos!  Doesn't she have the most gorgeous family?! We had one location in mind, but we decided the night before the shoot to change the location to Yates Mill Pond.  It's always a great place for photo shoots and even with a hurricane coming in it didn't disappoint! This family is such a beautiful family, and I can't wait for you to see their sneak peek...enjoy!

Taking Back the Blog | Fresh from the Art Room

During college I was taking 2 computer design-ish classes at the same time from the same professor.  I basically sat at a computer for 6 hours straight hearing the same information twice [one class was just more advanced], therefore I created a blog to entertain myself. [This blog.]  It was called "My Library" then.  I posted photos of things I had done in class, fun photos, and the tiny beginnings of my photography business. [I also did a segment called "Awesome Chica of the Day" and you should definitely explore some of the first posts on here...I've come a long way]. The blog eventually became "Photography and Handmade Crafts by Ashley P," and I posted crafts and tutorials [I miss this phase]. And of course now it's "Ashley Perry Blevins Photography."  My business has really taken over this blog [and it's only small part of my life].  Part of why I like blogging so much is having the ability to go back in my life, years back, and see what I was doing then.  Although I REALLY love that I have a place to post photos for my business, I spend most of my waking hours teaching these days, so I'm going to start doing a segment called "Fresh from the Art Room" on here about what we're up to at school.  You can also click "My Classroom" at the top to see exactly what the kids are up to.  This will be more of my take on what goes on in my room. SO, I'm taking back the blog!  Here's my first "Fresh from the Art Room."

Lightroom vs. Bridge | Comments Appreciated :)

I am deciding if I want to upgrade my Photoshop to CS6 AND if I want to get Lightroom with it.  I found this video explaining advantages/disadvantages of Bridge in RAW and Lightroom, but hearing from everyday photographers would help me.


What do you use? I use Bridge and Photoshop right now, but I'm starting to feel the strain of viewing too many files for Bridge's memory to handle.  I have to purge the central cache constantly.  I recently updated my camera RAW plugin so that viewing actual RAW files isn't a pain anymore. I know I might be speaking another language to some people, but I'm just looking for input.

Thanks!

Hello Fall

It was a beautiful but chilly morning today when I went for a walk to explore a possible photo shoot location.  The leaves are finally starting to change around here, and I'm glad I get to capture some fall family shots next weekend.  I also get to capture some maternity photos next weekend which I am SUPER pumped about! I have so many ideas going through my head right now that I need to get them out!  I will be spending this weekend editing wedding photos, but to hold you over until next week, here are some shots from my walk this morning...

Group Dances to Know for Weddings or Prom

If you are heading to a dance, club, party, or wedding anytime soon then  I just wanted to show you a few dances you might like to know/brush up on.  These are kind of the "new electric slide" dances of my generation.  As a person who goes to A LOT of weddings, these are the ones I see the most often. [I know some of these are weird...I didn't invent them haha!] 

Gangnam Style

Jon+Karin | The Sutherland, Wake Forest Wedding Photographer

This weekend I got to photograph another amazing wedding and rehearsal dinner.  I took Jon & Karin's  engagement photos last year after meeting Karin at an art teacher meeting.  It has been so fun getting to know her this year and getting to shoot her wedding was a treat!  They are such a sweet couple and you can just see how much they love each other from the second you meet them.  She's a Jersey girl who snatched up a Carolina boy, and I hope you enjoy their sneak peek!

Miami Wedding

This weekend I had the amazing opportunity to fly to Miami to capture this couple's beautiful wedding.  I took their engagement photos here in North Carolina and I was so happy they decided to use me as their wedding photographer.  Courtney and I had such a great time at our first Cuban/Mexican wedding!  All of the families and friends were so wonderful and friendly.  The wedding took place at La Jolla Ballroom in Coral Gables.  The wedding was beautiful and Alina was absolutely stunning in her amazing lace gown.  Here is a sneak peek of their photos, I hope you enjoy.

Daigle Family | Clayton, NC Family Photographer

I have been emailing with Becky for a few months now trying to get together for a family shoot.   We had our date and location all worked out but summer storms had another plan. It took us a while to work around military schedules and bad weather, but we finally got together for this fun and sweet family shoot!