Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Ashburn.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katrina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love of photography started as a kid. I was always the one taking the pictures and capturing the moment. As I grew older the passion stayed and became more prominent after the birth of our first child. I wanted to capture his everyday moments and the changes happening since I realized very quickly life is fleeting and children grow up so fast. That was almost 13 years ago! We lived in Michigan at the time with the United States Coast Guard a long shot from all our family in the Greater Houston Area. I had started my college degree at Sam Houston State but got married in 2004 and made the trip with my husband to where he was stationed. In 2007 I graduated from Lake Superior State University after many long nights in the art department in Sault Sainte Marie, Canada with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with emphasis in Visual Arts and Music. Along with photography I made kids clothes through my company Joe Bangles. It took off first and then when I started needing models for my clothing – the clients came. It’s been a whirlwind journey since and I wouldn’t change a moment of it. The good, the bad or the ugly. In 2010 I opened Junkyard Studio Photography and photographed mainly in outdoor settings. In 2014 we moved into an old 1930’s home in West Columbia with a lot of amazing history and turned a portion of the home into my studio, my oasis. Now, clients from all over come to allow me the honor and privilege to work with their children and newborns! I absolutely love my job!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh gosh no. Aside from motherhood, it’s been one of the most challenging, confusing, tiring, frustrating but yet beautiful, inspirational, life changing journeys I have ever been on. I have learned so much through my life lessons that have brought my work to this point. I’m so grateful for the ride, without it – I wouldn’t be in the place I am today. I have met so many amazing people, families, and artists that have become friends in this adventure. Some of the bigger struggles I faced and face daily is with my own self confidence. Making sure that I stay true to who I am as an artist. Realizing that my work is not like someone else. I don’t need to see what they do and try to do it myself. I am me and how I see the world is different from you – and that’s okay. Acceptance.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Junkyard Studio Photography – what should we know?
Junkyard Studio Photography was birthed from the idea of taking old pieces we find tossed in the junk pile and turning them into something usable in photographic memories. My husband and I are pickers at heart. We love a good vintage find at an antique store and I try hard to think outside the box and use chippy, rusty old treasures in my photography. My specialty and passion is with maternity, newborn and family photography. I used to photograph weddings but realized it wasn’t my passion. I liked it but I didn’t love it and if I didn’t love it, I didn’t want my work to be less so I stopped weddings. There are so many amazing photographers out there so I had to realize that letting that area go was OK. It’s better to focus on a couple of things than try to do it all. Recently I started creating and selling digital composite images for sale through a company called Hazy Skies Designs with over 58K followers. The idea behind digitals is to extend a client’s gallery without having to actually have all the props and decor to set a scene. It has been one of my biggest accomplishments thus far, one that I am very proud of. I was also recently voted in the top 100 photographers in the world (number 47) out of the child category in the global Shoot & Share Contest. What sets me apart from others is my use of shadows to create mood in my images and also the earthiness I try to incorporate in my work. Like I said, I love vintage props so I also try to use them as much as possible. I work with many, many newborns. I tell my clients its great birth control because I can snuggle them and give them back! I have four kids of my own, four no more as we say!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh, goodness. I don’t even know where to begin. First off everyday I thank God for the ability to capture these moments for my clients, for the drive that sustains me and the journey that has led us to this point in life. With him all things are possible. So, he for one, gets my biggest shout out! Others would most definitely include my husband. He has been such a rock through all of the unstable moments and the uncertainty that this road has brought. He believes in my dreams as much as he believes the sun will rise each morning. I also thank my parents, brother and sister in law, and my in-laws for believing in me, pushing me in this direction and helping me follow through on my goals in life. They are amazing and I couldn’t do life without them. My assistant Leslie Kennington has been my best friend for over 23 years. She also happens to live next door (life has a funny way of working out sometimes). She assists with every newborn session unless she absolutely can’t. I can count on her to do what I need without me even saying it. Most times before I even know I need help with it! Ann Smith from Ann Smith Photography – I would tell you she’s my photography sister. She not only encourages me and prods me to be better but it’s deeper than just work. She is constantly reminding me of why I do all I do – for my family. She has stayed true and faithful when the busy season swamps us both and remains an ear I can vent to, laugh with and just share this journey with. She does the BEST Senior photography in the county and she shares the same passionate heart about her work as I do. We make an amazing team when we get together with our Limited Edition Sessions throughout the year. And lastly my clients! I couldn’t do ANY of it without them. They have been amazing and most just say, “I trust you – do what you do!” I love it! I have been so blessed.
Pricing:
- Newborn Sessions are $200
- Maternity Sessions are $150
- Family Sessions are $150
Contact Info:
- Address: West Columbia, TX 77486
- Website: www.junkyardstudiophotography.com
- Email: junkyardstudiophotography@yahoo.com
- Instagram: junkyardstudiophotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/junkyardstudiophotography
Image Credit:
Twig and Olive Photography
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