Today we’d like to introduce you to Ainsley Padrick.
Hi Ainsley , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a film and digital photographer, graphic designer, and illustrator based in Jacksonville, Florida. My journey with photography started at 15, when I picked up a digital point-and-shoot camera for a family cruise and quickly became obsessed. I continued my photography journey and bought a DSLR in high school, which led me to take a photography class where I learned both film and digital photography and worked in the darkroom, developing my own photos.
Since 2018, I’ve been working as both a photographer and a professional graphic designer, capturing weddings, couples, families, and branding sessions, while also creating design work for brands. I spent the last few years balancing photography, shooting weddings, earning my bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and working a job at the same time, which often meant a lot of late nights and very little sleep.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When my dad passed away from congestive heart failure in the fall of 2023, I still had weddings on the books that I had to show up for and give my best to. At the same time, I was graduating with my bachelor’s degree at UNF in a challenging BFA program to get my bachelor’s degree in graphic design that same semester.
My dad always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even while he was in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. As an entrepreneur himself, he fully supported my photography career and pushed me to keep going, finishing my degree, working at my graphic design internship, and showing up for my clients as my best self, even while he was in critical condition and each day felt uncertain.
This experience was incredibly heartbreaking and a very difficult time in my life, but it’s also what makes me feel so grateful to do what I do. Being able to capture such special moments for my couples and their families that they will be able to have forever is something I don’t take for granted.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think what really sets me apart is that I’m always trying and working in so many different forms of art. Because I’m a graphic designer and illustrator as well as a photographer, I see things differently. My understanding of light and composition isn’t just from picking up a camera; it’s built on years of training, from my early days in the high school darkroom to taking film classes in college and eventually earning my BFA in Graphic Design and digital media.
What I’m really known for is how I combine digital and film. I love blending them so they work together perfectly, giving my galleries a look that’s both classic and deeply nostalgic. I’m able to match my digital work to that authentic film aesthetic, so the whole gallery feels curated rather than just a collection of photos.
I am most proud of the fact that I built my business from the ground up, and I get to work with the most wonderful creative clients who have beautiful visions they trust me to capture.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the people in my life who have lifted me up to help me get to where I am.
My husband is really behind everything I do. I wouldn’t be able to achieve half of what I have without him. He’s the one behind the scenes packing my gear bags and keeping our home a calm, orderly space so I can actually focus and create. During seasons of heavy grief when I felt like I couldn’t move forward, he was there to pick me up. From making me ‘priority lists’ when I felt overwhelmed to simply making sure I remembered to eat and take care of myself, he’s the reason I’m able to show up fully for my clients every single day.
My sister, who was my first photography model, let me practice with photoshoots of her constantly and never lets me forget that I am talented and good at what I do.
My friends who were my first clients and my loudest supporters. Whether they were personally booking me for a session, referring me for a design job, or just sharing my work with others, they’ve always trusted me to capture their special moments and been there to cheer me on. I’m so lucky to have such good friends who are always in my corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ainsleynicolephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainsleynicolephoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ainsley-padrick?trk=public_profile_browsemap
- Other: https://ainsleynicoledesign.com
