Northern Virginia Photographer
Capturing timeless, colorful portraits
Welcome! Matthew Ashby Photography focuses on portrait services for families, couples, and individuals. Documenting joy, authenticity, and all the things that make you you.
Hi! I'm Matt.
The guy behind the camera.
Welcome to the monkey house. I'm a Woodbridge-based photographer, serving the greater Northern Virginia area. I take photos of people and their pets--families, couples, individuals, dogs, cats, or whatever furry, scaly or feathered companion you might have.
I provide a low-stress, relaxed environment where I'll document you at your best. My work features a natural style with vibrant editing so that you will love your photos for years to come. Knowing how precious time can be, I provide straightforward services with simple, upfront pricing. Let's make some memories!
Big fun
Yes, taking photos should be fun. Run around in your favorite spot--the woods, your yard, the streets (carefully!) of Old Town--and let me capture the energy of the people you love most.
Portrait Services
Here's my goal: deliver a relaxed and enjoyable photography experience for everyone who steps in front of my lens. Being comfortable leads to those genuine smiles that we all want to see, so you'll be able to look back at your photos for years and remember the joy of those moments. As a family photographer in Northern Virginia, I serve clients in Prince William, Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun and Washington, DC.
Family
My favorite thing to do for families is to photograph you having the best time together. We'll document the life you're building, showing the authentic bonds between each member of your family. We'll work together to determine the best location to get the look you want. From toddlers to teens, I'll keep everyone having a good time so that we can truly capture the story of where you are right now.
Couple
You know that really special person in your life that you just can't be without? No, not your dog (although I can help you there as well); I'm talking about that person. Whether you're looking for engagement photography, are celebrating an anniversary, or just want some kick ass photos with your partner, I offer creative and engaging sessions, resulting in images that you'll love.
Individual
Reasons for getting individual photos done: You got an amazing new dress and it needs to be documented. Your kid looks adorable in her tutu. You need senior photos. You started a business and need personal branding photography. You just got out of a long-term relationship and, man, all your good photos are like 10 years old, so you desperately need some new pics for all those dating apps.
Moments that matter
Right now is important. We're all distracted, busy, and, frankly, overwhelmed (it's not just me, right?), so let's pause and take the time to cherish what we have. As your DC family photographer, I'll document your current moment in beautiful photos that you'll return to over and over as a reminder of the fleeting now.
The Process
01
Inquire
Fill out the inquiry form and let me know what kind of session you're looking for. I'll reply within 24 hours, and we'll work on dates and details. I can answer all your questions via email, phone, or video call.
02
BOOK
If we’re a good fit, you’ll sign a contract and put down a 50% retainer to secure your appointment. I'm always happy to jump on a phone or video call to meet and talk about what matters most in your session.
03
Have fun
Once we're booked, I’ll send follow-up information to ensure a smooth session together. On the day of our session, we'll meet at our agreed upon location and have a great time together.
04
Enjoy your Photos
Approximately two weeks after your session, I'll send a final gallery with your final photos. You'll be able to download the full resolution images to your computer or phone. Your gallery will also have a print store if you'd like to order any physical prints.
5 Reasons To Work With Me
1. Experience. My entire professional career has been spent working with people. I’m good at it. While I love photography, it’s not my full-time job; I’ve been a high school English teacher for 21 years. If I can get freshman to pay attention to lessons about apostrophes, I can certainly direct a fun photography session that will get the best out of you and/or your children. Speaking of working with kids, I coached various summer swim teams for over a decade, working with swimmers aged 2-18 with varying interest levels in what I was trying to get them to do. What I’ve relied on most in my professional life (and just life in general) is patience. I won’t rush us through a set number of poses because I provide…
2. Relaxed sessions. All my sessions rely on creating a positive atmosphere for my clients. I’m a naturally laid-back kind of guy, and I bring that vibe to every shoot. Remember that patience I already mentioned? Whether you’re camera shy, nervous, whatever, I’ll bring out the best in you.
3. No pressure. I’m not going to try to sell you a bunch of add-ons before or after your session. You pay the session price and you get your photos. Easy. If you want physical prints, then you can buy them through your online gallery. Also easy. Every session comes with a print release, meaning you can also print your images anywhere else. I’m a terrible salesman, and advertising makes me feel icky, so I won’t be doing either.
4. I photograph everything you love. I believe in my silly slogan! If you love it, I'll photograph it. If I can get great photos of 11-week-old puppies, I can work with your four-year-old human who loves to do everything except sit still. It’s all the same: treats and silly noises, which works surprisingly well for adults as well! Also, you should incorporate your dog (or other beloved pet) into your session. I’ll make them and the humans look great.
5. I’m old school. Or maybe just old. I’ve had a camera in my hand since 1999. I’ve photographed all kinds of people, events, experiences, and places. I bring 25+ years of photographic knowledge to every session I shoot. Not every photographer still shoots on film, but I do, so if you want to go old-school and incorporate film, I’m down. You’ll most likely want me to use my fancy digital camera, and I’m just as happy to use that glorious technological marvel. But I bring that careful approach that I learned—and still use —with film to my digital work, too.
Book a session today
Ready to transform your everyday into timeless memories?
Kinds words from clients
Even my mom is impressed (which is super hard to do!).
-Colleen
Kinds words from clients
Matt was a master behind camera and a true professional. He maintained a friendly and approachable demeanor, and made the whole family feel at ease throughout the session. He was able to capture special moments of our boys.
-Niki
Kinds words from clients
Very friendly and great with my children. Told us when we could expect our pictures and delivered them as promised. He was able to capture lots of great shots even with my wild children. I highly recommend him!
-Crystal
