Recently PCS’d to Hawaii and need family pictures? Taking a trip to Hawaii and want to capture special moments?
Ashleigh of Following Seas Photography is professional, incredibly easy to work with, and excellent with children. My family was lucky enough to have her capture our family celebration. She was patient with my small kiddos and wonderful at finding ways to keep interactions natural with true smiles. I truly recommend Following Seas Photography!
Ashleigh shared a bit about her submarine spouse journey while photographing my family. After receiving back exceptional pictures, I approached her about an interview as The Submerged Life loves to support small submarine spouse businesses. You can see her passion for capturing special moments in all aspects of her business.
Photographs by Following Seas Photography posted with permission.
Name: Ashleigh Lauber
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Current Duty Station: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Q: Tell us about your business.
Hi! I’m Ashleigh, the person behind the camera at Following Seas Photography. Most of my work involves families and kids of all ages. My goal is to create timeless, authentic and joyful pictures. I’ve had the honor of photographing families in Washington, South Carolina and Hawaii.
Q: What made you choose this type of business?
I became a photographer by accident. My husband bought me a camera to take pictures of our first big move from prototype in New York to our first boat in Washington. Once we got settled in, a friend asked me to take family pictures for them since I had a “nice camera”. Photography became my side-gig as I kept my job in HR. I started getting more and more requests to do pictures and eventually became a photographer full time. I really love the creative outlet photography provides. It’s a perfect blend of business and creativity.
Q: What motivated you to start your business?
When I became pregnant with my oldest son, documenting my pregnancy was very important to me since we were so far from family. Before I knew it, he was turning one. It was his first year that inspired me to live my dream and become a full time photographer. I cherish those pictures of him as a baby and I wanted to provide that to other families. This business also allows me to control my schedule which is invaluable as a mom and sub spouse.
Q: How do you manage the work/life balance as a submarine spouse?
It’s hard! Every duty station/ new job changes our family dynamic and thus, requires me to figure out the new balance for my business. Shore tour is usually my time to pick up my workload and sea duty is the time that I have to pull back. I try to toe the line of enough work to keep me fulfilled, but not stressed out. It’s a constant ebb and flow.
Q: Any advice for fellow submarine spouses who want to start their own business?
I’ve had to move and restart my business three times now. It seems like every move I have to give myself the same pep talk. Go for it! Don’t overthink it and just try. Learn as you go. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there and try something. I always get nervous, but at every turn, I’ve been met with a group of submarine spouses who are my biggest cheerleaders.
Q: Favorite thing(s) to do in your current duty station?
We feel so lucky to live in Hawaii and are trying our hardest to maximize our time here. I’m a big runner, so I love going on runs around Ford Island or through Lanikai. My boys could live at the beach, so we are often at different beaches around the island surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling and playing. We also love to hike and have celebratory shave ice at the completion. Island Snow is our favorite.
Q: Where can we support and learn more about your business?
I’d love to work with your family if you find yourself in Hawaii!
Website: www.followingseasphography.com
Facebook: @FollowingSeasPhotography
Instagram: @FollowingSeasPhotography
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