Ashlan Alderton
Meet Ashlan Alderton, Documentary Family & Birth Photographer, out of Commerce Township, Michigan. “I never thought I would stay in the same spot my entire life but after starting a family we realized that the lakes, parks, community and schools in [the area] are perfect for our growing family,” she says.
“I’ve always loved photography. Even as a kid with my first Polaroid camera, to my film camera, to my small digital camera, then my DSLR in high school for photography class - freezing a moment in time is something so magical and special,” says Ashlan. When Ashlan is talking about her work, she explains, "It is my absolute honor and privilege to show you the beauty in your every day. I believe that it’s the little moments that deserve to be photographed. Because the little moments always end up being the big moments.”
Ashlan offers “Day In The Life” sessions where she tags along with your family and photographs your extraordinarily beautiful life. Sessions run anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours. There is no posing, no forced smiles, and no pressure. These are real photos for real people.
“In my opinion, I think real photos are more interesting. If you were to show me a photo of my family in coordinating outfits posed in a random field; I wouldn’t feel much,” Ashlan explains. Sure those photos are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, but they are disingenuous to who my family is. I feel like most people think about the big moments in life and consider those the only moments worth documenting (i.e. weddings, birthdays, parties, etc.) but 50 years from now it will be a collection of the little moments that matter the most,” she goes on. “A slow Sunday morning making breakfast, cuddling with your children who grew in the blink of an eye, and the authentic connection and love you shared with one another in the house you made a home. It’s the little moments in life that end up being the big moments and I think the deserve to be photographed.”
As a birth worker, Ashlan holds space and supports any and all birth outcomes. Advocating, educating, and supporting people through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are a few things you can expect from her as your doula. “You deserve an empowered birth experience with bad ass photos to remember it,” says Ashlan.
IG: @ashlanmariephoto
IG: @ashlanmariedoula
www.ashlanmariephotography.com
