Family is the heart of every cherished memory. I specialize in capturing the authentic, joyful moments that define your family—whether it's through play, laughter, dancing, or simply being together. My approach is all about creating images that showcase the deep connections and the fun, spontaneous moments that make your family unique.
Manhattan, KS Family Photographer
A joyful experience
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Featured Family Galleries
Creative & fun sessions that result in artwork on your walls
The Artley family was a pleasure to have in front of my camera. Their beautiful homestead made a great background to do their family session at. You can tell the love this family has with each other through the photos.
Artley Family
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The Lamphear Family loves being outdoors, and so I suggested a fun sprinkler/popsicle session and the family had a blast!
Lamphear Family
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The Stueve Family was such a pleasure to have in front of my camera. Even with a shy 4 year old and 1 year old, we were able to get some great natural smiles.
STueve
Family
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I believe that family is the heart of every beautiful memory. Specializing in capturing the playful spirit of your family, and children's portraits, I focus on creating images that reflect the genuine connections and joyful moments shared between loved ones.
Imagine a session where your family can just be themselves—playing games, dancing to music, and interacting with warmth and love. With a client closet full of unique dresses available for you to borrow, you’ll look and feel fabulous while we create timeless images together.
The Family Photography Process
1. Say Hello
Let’s Start the Conversation!
I’d love to hear all about your vision for your family portraits. Are you adventurous and want to capture moments while doing a fun activity (think kayaking, hiking, horseback riding)? Or do you want to have a play-date in an open field (allowing the kids to run free)? Or do you prefer a simple location?
Once you are on my calendar, now comes the fun part, planning your session! First we will start off with talking about location. I do have a location guide that will be sent out along with other guides (style guide, family session guide, etc) to help you along the way.
Once a location is picked, I can help style everyone in the family (starting with mom first, because let's be honest, as long as mom looks/feels good, we are going to have a great time).
2. Planning Your session
3. ask me Anything
If you ever have any questions before our session (or even after) feel free to email me and I will respond within 24 hours. I am here to help you along the way the entire time.
4. Your Portrait Session
Hurray! Your session day has finally arrived. This will be a fun session, including your favorite tunes, and snacks to relax with while we capture your true family essence.
5. your photographs
Time for the piece you've been waiting on. Your photographs will be lightly edited and delivered to you within a week for you to look through and select the ones you want edited. Then a week after your selection, you will receive your final edits.
Britney
Family session
Great experience! She’s so sweet and patient. She did a wonderful job and we loved how our fall family photos turned out ❤️❤️
Family session
Alexis
We had the pleasure of working with Ashley for multiple photo shoots, including individual sessions for our child and family portraits, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. I always knew exactly what I wanted and she was able to capture my request with ease regardless of if it was more candid or posed. Communication before and during the shoot was always smooth, and the turnaround time for photos was quicker than we expected. She has helped us create memories that we will cherish forever.
Family session
Dixie
I was very anxious about having a session. My son passed away a little over 3 years ago and I didn't want to do this without him. Ashley made me feel like a friend and showed that she cared! She helped me give my daughter these memories. Her work is amazing and we'll definitely be using her again!
Family session
Missy
We had a session with Ashley today and it was absolutely AMAZING! We had so much fun with her! She made us all so comfortable and had us laughing to capture our most authentic selves! I'm excited to see how our family session turns out!
Family session
Kat
Great experience! My husband and I can be awkward in front of the camera, and our toddler's behavior is totally unpredictable these days, so it was important to us to choose a photographer that was laid back and who made this process easy and fun. Ashley was great to work with and the pictures are beautiful!
Family session
Gina
Ashley Watkins was so wonderful to work with. The booking process was easy and she truly took the time to understand the vision I had in mind. She was so personable and I loved that she learned each one of my family members names. During the session everything felt relaxed and fun. I didn't feel like she was trying to rush through our booking which I really appreciate. I can’t recommend her enough and we will definitely be returning customers.
FAQs as a manhattan, KS Family Photographer
Q: Where will our session take place at?
A: As part of my services, I take the questionnaire you fill out to scout out potential locations. I do have a select few favorites, and also have a location guide that is sent to you as part of the experience with me.
Do you charge a travel fee?
A: Travel fees begin when I have to travel over 50 miles from my home zip code (66441). The rate per mile is based off of the IRS Mileage rate of $0.76. This is added into your invoice when booking a session.
Q: Am I able to print my own photographs from the session?
A: Each collection comes with its own set number of digital images. You can certainly print from your choice of printers, but colors aren't guaranteed unless you print from my shop. Don't know how to do that or don't know what you want? Let's pop on a call and talk about it, and I can assist you in placing your order.
Q: Can I include my pets?
A: Depending on the location we choose, I don't mind photographing pets too (I used to be a dog trainer in the past). Dogs must remain on a leash (I can fix that in post-processing), and must be friendly. Aggressive dogs are not going to be tolerated at any point.
Beautiful
Memories
Let's Create
Share as many details as possible below to get our conversation started. I will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours, M-F 9-4p.