I’m not here to be a fly on the wall. I’m here to be your hype person, your calm in the chaos, your “hell yes, let’s do it” voice when you say you want to climb a mountain in your wedding clothes or take portraits barefoot in the rain.

Hi! I’m Ashlie—the human behind Strange Birds.

I’m a Southeast-based photographer (mostly North & South Carolina, but always down to travel) capturing elopements and portraits for the wild, the weird, and the wonderfully real.

I started Strange Birds because I didn’t see enough space for the people that didn’t fit the mold—so I built it. The people I work with laugh loud, love hard, and throw out the rulebook in favor of something that feels more authentic.

A little about me personally, I am neurospicy. I crave structured chaos and can be a walking contradiction. I make weird (and sometimes dirty) jokes and comments. I cuss like a sailor. Love a good deep, philosophical conversation and really enjoy an open-minded discussion about politics, the environment and religion.

I care deeply, I forgive easily, I raise others up. I support everyone’s right to believe in what they choose and have many people in my life that believe differently. I support a humans right to choose what they feel is best for their body and their life, as long as it is not hurting others. I believe in love, acceptance and respect. If you do not share those views, we will not work well together. My body, my choice. Your body, your choice.

I’ve been doing photography for over 15 years and have dabbled in about all genres from family to births to self-portraiture. I have photographed a handful of ceremonies but learned that I love the chaotic, the intimate and the off the wall. I enjoy spending time with my clients and developing a connection beyond just photographer and client.

If I sound like someone you’d enjoy spending time with, let’s set up a consultation and get to know each other a little better.

Let’s create something authentic to you together!

Start your adventure!