Woodlands Family Photographer | Disability Friendly

Ashley Newman Photography

Hey there! My name is Ashley and we have this amazing team of photographers standing by ready to tell your story. Lately, I feel like I have had a lot on my heart, and I wanted to share that…cause it’s just what I do. My heart has been heavy with everything I see on social media and in the news. 2020 has been a tough one emotionally. But this is what I want to share today:

Every family should feel comfortable having their picture made. <—– YOU! Just as you are! Right now in all your glorious, oh-so-wonderful, beautiful mess.

When you look at a photographer’s portfolio or website, you should see yourself reflected back.

When I was pregnant with my oldest, I felt isolated by a lack of diversity and inclusion. I would sometimes find myself standing in a Target isle crying, hold my belly and a box of diapers with a “perfect” baby on it. “Why wasn’t my baby on a box diapers?” It feels silly to write it out, but at the same time, this simple thought consumed me. Is there a place in this world for my son? How will others see us….? him…?

I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like once he was born and it was hard to see how it all was supposed to fit together.

Thankfully, my new Down syndrome family embraced us, took us in and showed us the world we were creating.

8 years later, I see more inclusion. More ads with diversity. More children just like my own in magazines and stores. More waymakers forging ahead with passion. It gives me hope.

So many people step in front of my camera with the same passion- they want to document their family.

Unfortunately, many families feel like they cannot. They feel misrepresented or have even been refused services.

Think about that for a second….could you imagine being refused services because someone doesn’t agree with you or is afraid of your family?

I can’t speak for others but I know for my own family, it can be difficult to plan pictures and find someone who understands my son and our unique family. Someone who isn’t afraid and who gets that my child isn’t going to sit for a session or participate in what he has decided is tomfoolery (guys, he legit hates pictures).

Did you know that working with someone no matter their age, sex, race, creed, abilities, gender, status on and on and on….only takes grace and love? it just takes being a human. Just love others no matter what. That’s it.

I hope I’m able to offer that experience to every family that trusts me with their memories.

I believe love is love. All humans are beautiful. And your family— no matter how it was built or who is a part of it, deserves to be documented. Your story is so very amazing and I can’t wait to get back to documenting families and spending time in the sun with you.

Annnnnnnd I will get off my soap box now. I leave you with simply this- this beautiful family and the gift that is photography of her boys. I hope you have treasured images of the ones you love as well.