Welcome to my Little Royal Penguin Blog!

Hello! My name’s Ashlee, and I’m the heart, soul, behind A Royal Penguin Photography. Let’s dive into a little story about how this penguin-loving, purple-crafting girl found her passion in capturing life’s special moments.

Back in high school, I was at a standstill, I mean I DIDN’T know what I wanted to do with my life. Torn between the culinary arts and anything where I could make art with my hands, I had no idea I’d end up behind a camera lens. I mean, who would've guessed, right? But thanks to my incredible support system—my parents, aunt, and uncle—I was nudged in the right direction.

My Aunt and Uncle each represented a path I could have ventured down.My Aunt was the Culinary specialist, I mean she has worked with and at some pretty big names that just make me excited to say my aunt knows those people and she had let me take a look in the restaurant kitchen she managed and i was allowed to speak to the workers....well after speaking to them and listing to what makes them keep going and have so much fun i realized, my picky palate and reluctance to experiment with flavors ment that the chef life wasn’t for me. Plus, there’s only so much sweet stuff a girl can eat, I mean come on you can’t eat every sweet treat you make!

Enter my uncle, the artistic side of the family coin, who just so happened to own a photography business in San Jose, California. It was during a family visit that I found myself holding a camera for the first time. My uncle handed it to me to capture a moment with himself, my dad and my grandpa against a simple white wall and these fancy lights set up, I took that picture but i didn't feel anything, until i saw my uncle put that photo, i took, into his program, clean up the back, feather the image just right, that i saw the magic and love i actually captured in that moment. You didn't just see my uncle or dad or even my grandpa suffering ALS you saw 2 sons and their Dad smiling brightly and full of love in that moment. THAT right there was when the desire and the Passion to capture everyone that same way began. Unfortunately, a few weeks later my Grandpa passed away and that picture, the one i took, was one of the last ones my dad and my uncle were going to have with their dad. There it was: love, joy, and a lifetime of memories wrapped into a single snapshot.

Growing up, photographs were my anchors, especially with my dad Serving 25 years in the Navy and i can't even tell you how many deployments (way to many), at one point when we were stationed in California for 4 years my dad was only home for just months sporadically. He would leave and we wouldn't know WHEN he was coming home or IF he was going to make it home, for lots of us this is a reality not just hearing it happen to someone else.

Photographs are the tickets to the past, and I really mean that. They serve as portals that transport us back to moments we may have otherwise forgotten, allowing us to experience the emotions and sensations of those times once more. Take a moment to go and grab, pull up, or look at your favorite photograph and tell me what you see. Do you see just that image, or do you remember that day and that moment in great detail? Perhaps you recall the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of laughter echoing in the air, or the smell of the flowers blooming nearby. Each photograph holds a unique story, it's not just a visual representation but a tapestry of experiences and feelings woven together in time. I believe that photographs are little tickets to the past. They capture emotions, bring memories flooding back, and let you relive those moments again and again. Whether it’s a candid shot of friends gathered around a table, a serene landscape that evokes a sense of peace, or a family portrait that marks a significant milestone, each image serves as a reminder of the lives we’ve lived and the people we’ve loved. They freeze time, allowing us to revisit our cherished memories and reflect on how they have shaped us. So don’t wait for a perfect moment; make the moment perfect by capturing it. The act of taking a photograph transforms an ordinary experience into something extraordinary. It encourages us to be present, to appreciate the beauty around us, and to recognize the significance of the fleeting moments that fill our lives. Photographs not only document our journey but also inspire us to create new memories, reminding us that every moment holds the potential to become a cherished memory in the future. Embrace the power of photography, and let your life’s story unfold through the images you capture.

“*Photography is the Train, the Photograph is the Ticket and, The Moment is the Destination.*”

*Ashlee Guyer

Stay connected with us as we begin this new journey discussing a variety of different sessions that you may encounter in your professional or personal endeavors. We will speak about the specifics of how to effectively prepare for these sessions to ensure that you maximize your experience and outcomes. Preparation is key, and we will cover our essential strategies, including what materials to gather, how to organize your thoughts, and the best practices for setting objectives before each session begins. Additionally, we will speak about connecting with your client or photographer, particularly if you are seeking tips and tools to enhance that relationship. Establishing a rapport and understanding the expectations of both parties is crucial in achieving a successful partnership. We will share insights on effective communication techniques, ways to build trust, and methods to ensure that both you and your client or photographer are on the same page regarding goals and creative visions. Furthermore, if at any point during our discussions you feel inspired to read more on specific topics or wish to engage in a deeper conversation about any aspect of our sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable, and we are here to create a loving and accepting learning environment where questions and discussions are always welcome. Let’s make the most of this opportunity together!

Thank you,

Ashlee Guyer