Our Backstory

I hold a BA degree from Rhodes University. Before establishing Ashleigh Rose Photography, I spent 12 years working in a demanding corporate environment, including experience at Coca-Cola. That professional background taught me the importance of confidentiality, preparation, reliable processes, deadlines and protecting the standards of an established brand.

My earlier work in corporate video production also developed my skills in scripting, editing and visual communication. Those are not separate from my photography; they shape how I plan a story, read a room, anticipate a moment and turn a large collection of images into a coherent final body of work.

I have worked professionally as a photographer since 2012, helping families, schools, couples and businesses across Johannesburg. This is my full-time career and livelihood. On weekdays I am planning shoots, editing images, designing albums, handling client administration and managing the full online customer experience; evenings and weekends often place me behind the camera.

Technical ability matters, but so do judgement, empathy and experience. I know how to direct people without making them feel awkward, work calmly under pressure and deliver photographs that meet both the emotional and practical requirements of a commission.

Margot holds a B.Ed Senior and FET Phase degree and works professionally as a full-time English teacher at Crawford. Her education and classroom experience make her exceptionally capable with children, teenagers, families and large groups.

She is organised, confident and excellent at keeping people calm while still moving a busy schedule forward. As the extrovert of the pair, she draws reluctant subjects out of their shells and puts people at ease quickly.

When available, Margot joins selected commissions as an experienced second photographer. She has a particular instinct for candid moments and the reflexes to capture interactions that cannot be repeated. Her role is professional and purposeful, adding another capable perspective to larger or more complex assignments.