Meet Ashley Rock | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Rock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how do you think about risk?
Risk has determined everything for my life and career. If we took no risks, we would get nowhere. We would stay comfortable, sure. But nothing great was ever achieved without a little risk. I ended up in ATL over a risk. I ended up having a store front and entire business over plenty of risks. Everything I’ve grown has started with a risk. (A risk worth taking, might I add)

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is a photography business. I niche in creative, boudoir and branding. What sets me apart is my own creativity and staying myself in my brand. Let’s be honest, everything has BEEN done one point or another, it’s all about your own perspective on it. For awhile I had the challenge to follow all the latest trends and styles…I realized I thrived more when I used my own brain and did my own style of concept. It’s scary to walk to your own beat, for fear of rejection. But people in 2025 are drawn to real. They are drawn to authenticity. I always want my work to feel like “me.” Sometimes financially it’s hard to not fall in a hole of following what everyone else is doing to make ends meet. But you survive more in the long run to sticking to YOUR unique ideas. That’s what continues to make people notice your business in a sea of others. It’s also OKAY to do trends, as long as you genuinely like it! That’s the only thing that matters – is staying authentic to yourself.

I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. Some metaphorical. Some literal. Such as: Always read the contracts before signing anything. 😉 Anchor your business in self-reliance. Partnerships are valuable, but they shouldn’t dictate your success or failure. If you fall, try again. Failure is GOING to happen in business. Don’t give up because something doesn’t stick.
As cliche as it is, I’ve overcome every challenge I’ve faced in business from pure passion. The burn out, the economy, the personal hardships. They all still take a back seat when you’re determined and truly love what you’re doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being in ATL several years now I have several go to’s I would take a friend. I would 100% make sure they book self care at Veil Beauty Collective. The best facials, hair and brows I’ve ever received. (And right next door to me, duh)

I’d hit up lots of great local food. I tend to float around Decatur so we may hit Glide Pizza, Santos for Mexican or Iberian pig if we are feeling fancy.

I always have to take people to the Belt Line to experience it. There’s so many cool spots to see.

A grand spa day at Jeju, a tarot reading with Samantha Rose Tarot or a movie at Movie Tavern. The possibilities are endless and thats what I love about Atlanta. There is always something to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dad and step-mom deserve this dedication. As two people who would love if I lived closer, they did nothing but support my moving away to pursue my creative dreams. To this day they are still raving and recommending me to anyone they meet. My dad started his own successful business and that has always been an inspiration for me. Since I was young I knew I wanted something creative and my own. Nothing is more fulfilling than working for myself. When I told them I was quitting my 9-5 and moving away with no plan but to go get it – they didn’t bat an eye. They encouraged it, even. I’d been creative since I was young and they always loved my projects and a big part of a reason it even grew into a full business. Watching my dad go for his own business and having them both tell me they knew I could thrive, meant the world to me. I can never thank them enough for the love and support they gave me.

Website: http://www.AshleyRockstarPhotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AshleyRockstarPhotography

Facebook: https://www.fb.com/ashleyrockstarphotography

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyrockstar34