Ashley Ward Photography – Columbia SC Child Photographer

Newborn Baby Photographer | Columbia SC

February 6, 2010

I had a fabulous newborn session this morning! I wish I could sit down and edit all of these right now but time does not allow. There are still two more performances of “Charlotte’s Web” at the Columbia Children’s Theatre to attend! All of the actors did a wonderful job last night. They really rose to the occasion. I was as proud as I could be of my daughter. And her Aunt Amy flew in from NY to see her first performance, even keeping it a surprise from me until I arrived at the theatre!!! Yeah, Amy, you got me good:)

Well, back to the reason for this post. Even though I cannot edit this whole newborn photography session now, I just couldn’t wait to edit this image! Eeeek! How I adore this little baby girl and just love this image of her. You can almost smell how sweet she is! More to come from this great baby session soon:)

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Ann Gordon: Cutest ever! Love the hat :-)

ckmetrophotos: OMG - this is seriously wayyyyy too cute !! - wonderful composition very striking congratulations.

Rosemary Faile: OMG - if this doesn't make you smile - your just not human. WOW! Great job.

jennifer adams: awww these are beautiful, I love all the colors!!!

Columbia Children’s Theatre headshots for Charlotte’s Web | Columbia SC Photographer

February 4, 2010

Some of you may know that my daughter will be in a production of Charlotte’s Web with 50 other talented kiddos at the Columbia Children’s Theatre this weekend. She is very excited to be a part of this production and we are thrilled too. I wish I could have been there for all the rehearsals and preparation of the performances but I guess that will make it all the more special when I see it this weekend! I have only caught a little bit here and there but from what I have seen it is going to be wonderful:) Come see the production if you can or their production of Cinderella, performed by adult actors, next weekend. This month they are also having “Cinderalla’s Royal Ball” with a performance by the children’s music artists Lunch Money! How cool is that!!! This is a fantastic group of people and we are so lucky to have them here in Columbia. They have a lot to offer the whole family for entertainment and also offer classes and camps. See their website for more information or to be placed on their mailing list.

So, I spent a little time in the theatre the past couple of Saturdays taking headshots of 51 talented youngsters to be hung on a “wall of fame” showing all the cast members. I delivered those this evening. Be sure to check them out in the window outside the theatre! I am posting the one of my little superstar here:)

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Good luck, Sweetheart!!! Break a leg!!! No, not really….but you know what I mean:)

Aseel: Ashley - your daughter is gorgeous - what a great image, and a wonderful thing you are doing to help the theater!

lara: ooohhh -- good luck to your sweet girl! You image of her is just lovely. and how COOL for all these kids to have real headshots!!!

Lori: WOW! How great that they get headshots from you!!! Lucky ducks- excellent work as always and what a great way to be involved in local ARTS!!!

Paige: That is so awesome Ashley. I LOVE the headshot and it it so generous of you to volunteer your time for those kids. What a memorable time for them.

Amber Sheree: Your daughter is gorgeous! They are lucky to get head shots from you, I bet the kids feel so special.Wish I lived closer, I'd love to see it!

alpana: great job, Ashley! The photo has such a wonderful, modern feel!

Leya Stefanski: How fantastic! How wonderful of you to volunteer your time to somethng you feel strongly about. I'm sure your daughter, her friends and the theater feel blessed for you to donate your talent. I'd love to see pics of the final product.

amy b: ashley you are such a talent. so generous and thoughtful with your time. I am sure all 51 head shots are just gorgeous.

ShellyS: Your work is fabulous, and I think it's awesome of you to volunteer your time to hlep these kids. Gorgeous picture of your daughter!

kellie: What a generous thing to do!! This headshot of your daughter is lovely. The lighting and black and white conversion are wonderful.

Julie Wagoner: Your daughter is beautiful! I'm sure the theater is thrilled that you are so generously donated your time and talent!

Kari W: How generous of you to volunteer your time and talent. Your daughter is beautiful!

Katherine: Just gorgeous and how awesome of you for donating your time and talent! Good luck to your daughter and all the performers!

allison f.: These look so great! That's a lovely b/w conversion. Great catchlights! Nicely done!!!

Ashley: Thank y'all so much for all the lovely comments today! Getting ready to go to the performance now!

Danielle McCarty: Wow, gorgeous work! I love the BW, so perfect for a headshot!

Shelby: What a beautiful image of your daughter. What a lucky group to have you working with them.

moki: this is so pretty! I wish the production my daughter was in had shots this great!

Jill: It's so wonderful that you are donating the kind of photography that would normally cost an arm and a leg to such a worthy group! Your daughter is gorgeous!

Fabiana: Ashley - they are so blessed to have you help out with their publicity photos. How ingenious of you to offer this to the theater company. You are such a loving an giving person! And an excellent photographer. Good luck to all the performers tonight!

Danielle: Beautiful AND talented ..... both daughter AND mom! :) I wish I was still there to come and see the play. I bet the kids (and parents) love the professional headshots of the kids! Great job!

Wende Trew: Your daughter is beautiful!! They are soo lucky to have you do their head shots!

Ashley: Thank you so much for the incredible comments. It was so fun and the kids loved their headshots. I really DO think it made them feel like superstars tonight! The best part for me personally is that my sister flew in from NY as a surprise! My mom did a pretty good job of keeping it a secret....I had no idea until I got there. She got to come to her nieces first drama performance! I tell ya, life is good:)

Carrie: what a fantastic project and so kind of you to take on! You did a great job!

Holly Sisson: Great shot! Wish I could see all of them. Love the catch lights too! :-)

K: What a gorgeous headshot! Those catchlights are amazing!! I bet that 'wall of fame' will look just amazing!

Jenifer Johnston: your daughter is so gorgeous!!! what a fun thing you are doing for the theatre!

Ashley Ward Photography 2009 Image of the Year contest winner announced | Photographer Columbia SC

February 1, 2010

What an fantastic turnout for voting in the contest! Thank everyone so much….from the contestants who sent the word out, to the people who came and voted and to those who commented here on the blog or sent me a message. It was an exciting contest with several people taking the lead at different times. But in the end we had a clear winner.

A very short post today as I announce the winner of the blog contest………drumroll please………..

IMAGE 15!!!! Yay! Congratulations on the win and I look forward to seeing and this precious boy again this year:)

Thank you again to everyone! I hope it was fun for you guys too:) Have a wonderful week!

aseel: Love the colors...what a precious little one! Nice work.

Tanzyn: Love the colors, so soft with a nice pop! Beautiful:)

Last day for votes and promotion! | Columbia SC Lifestyle Portrait Artist

January 29, 2010

Well, this is the last day for voting on my image of the year contest and I cannot wait to see the end results!! It has gotten so exciting, with over 500 votes so far and an entry who rose dramatically yesterday from the middle of the pack to the new leader position! I wish you all luck and remember that the voting ends tonight!!! I will announce the winner sometime this weekend.

Also, I want to say a special thanks to everyone who has visited and left a little note on the blog behind or sent me a personal message. I appreciate that so much more than you know. It makes me so happy to hear from you:)

And finally, don’t forget this will be the last day to take advantage of the promotional session fee discount. Book your session today for anytime between now and May 15th and receive $50 off your session fee! You must book today and this special pricing is not valid with any other offer.

Thank you again for your support and interest! And ya’ll come back now:)

Columbia SC Photography 2009 Image of the Year Contest!

January 21, 2010

It has been one crazy and wonderful year! My business and my personal life have gone through lots of changes and I am just so grateful for where I am today. Thank you to all of my fabulous clients….it has been so much fun getting to know you all and working with you. And thank you to all the visitors to the blog and my community of photographer friends for checking in from time to time and showing your support. I appreciate all of you so much!

Lots of great changes are coming for Ashley Ward Photography. And I am looking forward to sharing it all with you in the days and months ahead. Be sure to check back in with me for all the latest.

It’s time for my annual Image of the Year contest. The winner will receive a 2010 photo session and 8×10 portrait! I have selected some of MY favorite images from this year and I want you to help me pick numero uno! Take a look at the images and cast your vote below. Only one vote per computer….NO CHEATING! Let’s keep this fair and fun for everyone:) Oh, and select your number carefully! Each image is just after the number (so it is the number ON TOP of the image:)

UPDATE!!! There have been well over 300 votes so far to the blog contest! Thank you so much for continuing to vote and leave comments…..I appreciate the blog love so much:) And here is a little special for all those NOT in the contest!
BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK! – Any Ashley Ward Photography Facebook fan who books a newborn or portrait session today through the end of the contest for any session time before May 15, 2010 will receive $50 off their session fee!!! Good only as long as session dates are available:)

Thanks for visiting and for playing!
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Nici Comer: it is almost impossible to choose among these. i also love images 7, 12-14. just beautiful!

kris allbright: Ashley, I am so glad to find your blog. I have been enjoying your work on Flickr. Thanks for letting me vote, they are all beautiful. but there is something so special about #7. The colors are so soft and pleasing, the artwork is beautiful and the baby is just such a gorgeous little one..The combination of all the elements including the basket make this a winner. The whole shot is perfection...

Jason: I am a sucker for newborn shots! #7 is AMAZING! It screams perfection and attention to detail! I really like how the hat matches the canvas behind the baby, great touch!

Slavie: I was very hard to choose just one. They are all beautiful.

Amber: I love them all Ashley, looks like you had a great year! I hope this year brings you even more success!

Amber Norris: Thanks for the blog love girl! OMGosh it's hard to pick just one they are ALL beautiful. You do an amazing job. Love your work. My vote is for #4! Love it!

Meghan Rickard: That was some tough pickin's! Good luck to everyone!

Nicole Schmaltz: Ashley, beautiful images! Your clients are so lucky!! Such a tough choice, and a toss up for me between 7 & 13! Lovely work.

Carrie: oh wow- this was hard!!!!!! They are all so great Ashley!

Carolyn Egerszegi: Impossible to choose. So many amazing images. I voted for #17 because I have no idea how you got the baby to sleep on a cold, hard bookshelf like that. Incredible! (ps - thanks for your wonderful comments on my lonely little blog - it's SO appreciated!)

shalonda: oh a you know how much of a fan i am of all of your beautiful work but see'ing it all together like this is drool-worthy! while i am drawn to newborn images the shot of mom and daughter 18 speaks to me as an artist, as a daughter, and as a mom...and of course the flare didnt hurt, ; )

Ashley: I just want to thank you all for taking the time to stop by and cast a vote and especially to those who have left me these sweet messages! Yall are so awesome! The voting is amazing....in less than 24 hours we have had 168 votes so far! Good luck to everyone and thank you again for your support:)

Alyssa Anne: Give yourself one seriously large pat on the back, Ashley; because these are all GORGEOUS! You made it so hard to choose a favorite which means you worked your artistic rear off this year. May 2010 be just as beautiful!!!

Jan: #7 is precious, but so are many of them. Hard to decide.

Jennifer Mott: You make it hard to choose, your work is amazing!! It's funny, it was a toss up between 7 and 13 for me too, I just love the colors in them both so much!

ashley lindler: these pictures are amazing. the colors are so vibrant & the textures are beautiful. choosing just one was pretty difficult.

Ashley: Thank you so much, ladies! I really appreciate the votes and the blog love:)

Stacey: I love image 15, he is soooo adorable (of course I may be biased since he is my little boy!) Thanks Ashley for a wonderful picture!

Allison Foster: what great photos all, and I see some beautiful shots of people I know and love, all so heart-warming : )

Murray Parks: The first photo of the young man is sophisticated and shows excellent composition. The photo causes questions to arise! What is he Thinking? it really is an intereting photo.

Rachel: #5 please! Darling, darling boys!

Kathy: Ashley-you have really outdone yourself with the gorgeous images! I always love visiting your blog to see what you will do next!

Paul: Too many great shots to choose from!! The colors are outstanding!!

Jennifer: Had trouble choosing b/t 15 & 17 b/c I LOVE babies... but 17 stood out to me b/c it is so original... great job! LOVE them all!

Allison: Ashley I just wanted to say that I think your photos are AMAZING! I didn't think our little man Connor could get any cuter, but your pictures managed to do just that!

Newborn Baby Photography | Columbia SC

January 19, 2010

Another newborn photography session and this time it’s a precious little girl! I have loved photographing all the brand new bouncing baby boys lately but I have really missed the little girls. This little sweetheart was 3 weeks old at our shoot. It took quite some time to get her to sleep for us. We had to be really patient with her. But once she did hit that deep sleep – oh my goodness! She let me bend her every which way and try on hats galore – including a hat that her grandmother made for her mother when she was an infant and a rockin’ cool new hat I picked up this holiday season:) She was so good!

This preview is full of close-ups of this little doll. Mom and Dad, thank you and I hope you enjoy this preview. Have 35 unique friends or family members leave a comment on this post along with an email address and you can choose a 5×7 or set of wallets with the image of your choice on me:)

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Meghan Rickard: How cute is that last one!

Anna Sykes: Love the hats!

Jim Clark: Thanks for putting these up Ashley. They look great! I can't wait to see the proofs from the whole shoot.

Jennifer: Absolutely adorable!

Jas: She's so cute! I love the pretty hats too! Her facial expressions are just precious. :-)

Gerri: How amazing she is! Can't believe these beautiful shots!

Ashley: Thank you for the comments:) Jim, so glad you like them. I'm looking forward to the proofing also!

Rene: OMG! I can't believe how cute! Love the hats!

melody: fantastic photographic skills ... and of course, a gorgeous baby!

Mickey Moore: Jessica is just beautiful.Love the pictures!

james clark - Granddad: Cute pictures

valerie clark - Gram: My granddaughter is precious and the pictures are outstanding.

Missy Reid: WOW!!!! Just look at Jessica!!! How are you going to make a decision???

Lynn: Adorable!

martin: really neat..i like how the fingers play a role in one of the shots

Maggie & Dave: I love the orange hat ones!! Sooo Cute! Soo tiny!!

Sarah: She is so beautiful!!! I love the hats :-)

jason: Jim & Gabi, congratulations on your baby!

Harry: Yes! Finally a REAL photographer. Nice composition, nice color choices, nice lighting! Great job Ashley and of course emerging model Jessica.

Tante Angelika: I feel lucky to have such a beautiful niece. Love these pictures. Thanks for sharing!!!

Sheri: Love the delicate little fingers and pursed lips in the one with the orange hat, so cute! What a GREAT photographer you found! Precious little one...

Nici Comer: How adorable!!! i cute just eat her up. Y'all know how i LOVE me some babies. Can't wait to meet her in person! Congrats! :)

Deb Goodwin: She is so lovely. Great pics!

Randall David Cook: Nothing like a sleeping child to put a smile on one's face! Beautifully done.

Marta: ¡Hermosa y tan preciosa! ¡Total una princesa! ¡Felicidades papitos! Ashley..all I can say is brilliance.

Priscilla: I love the prop with the orange hat. She is precious. Love the skull hat.

Tia: Pictures are fabulous!

Luicina Terrien: Gerber baby move over, here comes Jessica!

Marta Hernandez: She is so beautiful ! just like her parents =), can't wait to meet her in person, these pictures are very special!, everytime you'll look at them they'll take you back in time to this precious moment, miss you

Omi (Dagmar): Ganz liebes Baby, wie auf den Fotos! Ich freue mich, diese Zeit mit ihr verbringen zu duerfen.

Opa (Hans): Kleine süße Jessica ist in allen Bildern zufrieden und glücklich. Gut gelungen!

shalonda: oh me oh my these are divine

Kathy Cicala: These are the cutest pictures ever! How sweet! Congratulations.

Gabriele: Such a great preview -- I can't wait to see the rest! Ashley has done a wonderful job in capturing the sweet baby that she really is.

Erin Cutts: I just came across your site and your work is beautiful! Great pictures!!

Mark Livingston: That baby is so cute, really makes you question who the father is, doesn't it Jim? Great Photos.

Barbara Garwood: What a cutie! Love the orange hat. What great shots.

Newborn Baby Photographer | Orangeburg SC

January 11, 2010

Kicking off the New Year with a newborn session in Orangeburg! This was so much fun. The family was warm and patient and fabulous. Big brother and I were instant buddies and he is such a doll. The home was beautiful with fantastic props and settings….just check it out! And the new addition couldn’t have been sweeter. Yes, he did take his time getting to sleep, as they sometimes do….but once he settled in I was able to get him to do pretty much whatever I wanted. Thank you, little guy:)

Mom and Dad, thank you so much for your patience. Have 35 unique friends or family members leave a comment on this post along with an email address and you can choose a 5×7 or set of wallets with the image of your choice on me:) Your comments count too! Looking forward to showing you all the images at the proofing session.

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This was mom’s little chair when she was little. We had to find a way to work that in:)
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Kris: These are amazing! Love the ones under the horse

angela: thanks, Ashley for capturing our greatest gifts. You are so talented!

Tara: Great photo's of two of the sweetest boys I know!!! Terrific pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Amy R. Yow: Beautiful pictures Great job. Love the picture of Morrision on the couch and the one of Council under the horse.

Slavie: Love them all! Wow! But the one with the baby at the front door, is really special.

Jason: Great session, I REALLY like the 5th image down where the baby is in the round basket!

Ashley: Thank you so much for the blog love:) Angela - it was my pleasure!

GG: Fabulous shots. I love them all but especially our newborn in the round feather basket. Big brother on the couch now looks so grown. I cant wait to see the whole shoot. Thanks!!

Meghan Rickard: These are stunning!! Perfect location, props & family!

Aunt Patsy: Awesome!!!! Love them all! You have a beautiful family!!!!

Lois: Loved the family photo, but the baby at the front door was really special. All the pictures are so special

Danielle: Great job, A!!! and such an amazing home & nursery!

Aunt Dendy: beautiful people, beautiful surroundings-these should be in a commercial!

Gayzee: this photographer is unbelievable!!!! I am the maternal grandma of these boys and they have never looked so good!

Meg: Love the pics.. Love the boys... Love Love Love!!!

Dianne B.: Precious, precious pics of precious, precious little boys! I especially love the one of Council in the basket of feathers -- looks like an angel on a cloud! Handsome little Morrison looks like a young Ashley Wilkes.

Aunt Carol: These pictures are so precious. Awesome job. Babies are so cute.

Lori: Ok this has to be one of my FAVS! What a great house! I can't get over that baby room!! Sweet sweet family =)

michelle ward: OH my goodness- ALL awesome photos- I really like the rocking horse ones- shame on me for not doing newborn shots for the twins

PaPa and LaLa: OMG!!! These pictures are amazing. Most beautiful babies in the world!!!

Jill: Wow!! What fabulous pictures of such a beautiful family!!

Shawna: Ang - Council and his big bro Mo are ADORABLE! I can't wait to meet him. The pics are amazing!

Chris: These are just gorgeous! LOVE the nursery, and your fam is just beautiful! xoxo

Ashley: Thank you again for the comments, everyone! They sure were some sweet boys:)

Ariel: Beautiful!

Taylor: These pictures are wonderful! What a beautiful family!

Lisa: Wow! Those were some awesome photos and my favs were of Council in the black & white photo and then the family photo was so real and at home. A beautiful family captured in such a beautiful way. Great job!

Trisha: Great picture of a wonderful family. Lots of Love.

Lewis aka "Boss": beautiful subject and beautiful composition!

MCH: How creative this is. Stunning!

Shane: GREAT work and thank YOU for YOUR patience, Ashley!!!

nancy: ashley, these are awesome! love that rocky horsey--also,did you notice the baby's crib is the same as hank's, just a different color? love it!--love the pic's on the porch, too!

Freeda Wood: Aunt Freeda says--cutest photo ever--precious family--darling Morrison and darling newest addition little Council-----------

Nancy Reitz: This is the most awsome photography I have seen. You captured the essence of the family as a unit. Precious family photos.

Darren: The Styling in these images are simply amazing, great skill indeed. congratulations on these sensational shots.

shay2oo2: WOW a, these are beyond divine! simply gorgeous!!!!!

Ashton: love the pictures! Especially the one by the front door.

Erin: Mo looks like a little man - he's so precious and Council is so sweet and angelic. Great pictures!

Columbia SC Photographer | New Year Greetings

January 1, 2010

Happy New Year to everyone. May this year bring you love, happiness, peace, and prosperity, and may you see the beauty around you everyday:)

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ashley petty: Ashley - - - This is AWESOME!!! You can't help but smile when you see it. What a fun, happy, beautiful image you captured...as usual : )

Amber: Love this so much! Your so lucky to have such a perfect little model!

Laura: This is adorable!!!! Gorgeous vibrant colors. I love!

Family, child, newborn photography | Columbia SC

December 24, 2009

Just a very quick post this evening to thank those who nominated people to receive a package of my services and products worth approximately $2000! I have drawn a name and will contact the winner after the first of the year. A special thank you to Betsy for nominating her friend and I hope you will enjoy receiving a $200 print credit on your next session with Ashley Ward Photography!

Now I need to finish my last minute wrapping. We’ve been tracking Santa’s progress and he should be here soon. I’ve got to hurry and get to bed!!!

Happy Holidays!
Ashley

Giving is Awesome! | Columbia SC Photographer

December 10, 2009

I am so happy to be taking part in this worldwide effort by photographers to give their time and their art to deserving people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy their products and services. Please help me give to someone special.

You know someone. You know someone who has experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — just over $2000 worth of my services and products, to be exact. Someone will recieve a photography session with me, a custom designed image box filled with 5×7 portraits and a disc of the digital files of each presented image, and a 16×24 Canvas Gallery Wrap of the image of their choice. It’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $200 print credit toward their own session. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in the Columbia area of South Carolina. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : ashley@ashleywardphotography.com.

* Both sessions must take place by August 1, 2010.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Ashley

Danielle: Giving is such a wonderful thing! I'm about to do this as well!

Meghan Rickard: I had been thinking about doing this exact same thing! Good luck with it!