Ashlee Spencer is a photographer and videographer with Cedar Rapids-based ap FILM & PHOTO, focusing on weddings and families. “I love capturing anything timeless, warm, joyful and candid. I am so thankful to be born and raised in Cedar Rapids where I can grow this flourishing business, word of mouth, and serve amazing people.” Learn about Ashlee Spencer…
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
First job: Scooping ice cream at the Kernels Stadium.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Going out to eat at local restaurants and chatting over a glass of Mango Cart.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Starting my own business, of course! I’ve always been extroverted but not really a leader or risk taker. Starting a business mid-COVID and leaving my very comfortable job of five years was out of character, but I couldn’t be happier with the success and fulfillment I’ve gotten from doing so.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Putting my health before money. Burnout is so very real and you don’t know you’re hitting it until it’s too far gone. This year, I’m trying really hard to set boundaries to keep this feeling at bay, even at the expense of more money.
Someone who inspires you and why: Other photographers. There’s so many incredible creatives out there and immersing myself in their work is constantly inspiring. Additionally, without the outpouring of support and education this industry is centered around, I’d be nowhere.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Dive into learning, practice often, stay true to yourself.
Favorite quote: “It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.” Honorable mention: “Visualize your highest self, then show up as her.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I never go to bed before midnight.
What makes someone fabulous: Being unapolagetically themself!