St. Louis Family Photographer: Capturing Moments • Ashley Stanze Photography

Classic - Heartfelt - Authentic

St. Louis Family Portrait and Lifestyle Photographer

Capturing the moments that matter most through an experience rooted in connection, trust, and intention. I focus on creating a calm, genuine atmosphere where you can be fully present, allowing moments to unfold naturally. The result is timeless, hand edited images that feel as real and heartfelt as the memories themselves.

Meet Ashley!

I am a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in St. Louis, Missouri specializing in families, newborns, maternity and children’s milestones. I am a former elementary school teacher that turned her photography hobby into a career after having children. I love that photography still gives me the chance to work with children. I am a wife and mom to our three busy boys, lover of running, music and traveling!

My photography style is light, timeless and focused on connection. I document families just as they are- the laughter, the in-between moments, the quiet snuggles, and the everyday chaos that comes with this season of life.

Thank you for stopping by and I would love to plan a session that is authentic to your family!

Sessions

Ashley Stanze Photography specializes in authentic portrait and lifestyle sessions that capture real connection and genuine emotion. From family and milestone sessions to maternity and newborn sessions, each experience is thoughtfully designed to feel relaxed, effortless, and true to you.

Client Love!

"As someone who is totally obsessed with photos, I went into our family session with high hopes—and Ashley completely blew me away! Not only did she capture the most beautiful, natural moments, but she was absolutely amazing with our kids. So patient, fun, and engaging—it felt more like playtime than a photo shoot, and the smiles she got were 100% real. I can’t recommend Ashley enough!"
Meghan E.
"Ashley is the best!!! She truly cares about her clients and has such an artistic eye. Ashley is aways on the hunt for new locations, which make her shots truly unique. She is constantly working to get your photos edited and back to you as quickly as possible. She is just the best!"
Emma H.
"Ashley is so sweet and does an incredible job capturing the vibe of our family-an especially challenging task with an energetic kid in the mix! We’ve worked with Ashley for family photos multiple times and are in love with what she produces! She’s great with communication, quick turnaround on the photos, and is so easy to work with. ♥️"
Kristen P.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Ashley Stanze Photography proudly serves families throughout St. Louis, Missouri, and the surrounding areas including Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood/Webster, Chesterfield, South County, St. Charles, Wentzville, and West County. Whether you prefer a cozy in-home lifestyle session, studio session, or a beautiful outdoor photo shoot in one of St. Louis’s scenic parks, I will meet you where your story unfolds.

What types of photography do you offer?

I specialize in family, newborn, maternity, and milestone photography that focuses on authentic, emotional connections. My goal is to create timeless images that reflect your real-life love and personality.

How far in advance should I book my session?

Because sessions fill quickly—especially during the spring and fall—it’s best to book 4–8 weeks in advance. Newborn sessions are ideally scheduled during your second trimester to ensure availability around your due date.

What should we wear for our photo session?

I am happy to provide tips to help you coordinate with flattering colors, textures, and tones that photograph well. Neutrals, soft patterns, and complementary colors work best for cohesive, timeless images.

What’s included in your photography packages?

A pre-session consultation, access to styling assistance and location recommendations and a private online gallery with professionally edited digital images are all included.

How long does it take to receive my photos?

Your edited gallery will typically be ready within 2–3 weeks. I put meticulous care into editing each image to ensure you get photos that feel both natural and refined.

What happens if it rains or someone gets sick?

Life happens! Sessions can be rescheduled at no extra cost due to illness or inclement weather. Flexibility and communication are top priorities.

Do you photograph extended families or larger groups?

Yes! Extended family sessions are a wonderful way to capture multi-generational stories. Please contact me for custom pricing and details.