Bowling Green photographer offers free sessions to law enforcement families
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — A local photographer is offering free family photo sessions to law enforcement families after the death of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips prompted her to think about how much photographs can mean after a loss.
Ashton Freeman, photographer with Ashton Dawn Photography, said the offer is her way of giving back to families whose loved ones work in law enforcement.
‘It’s been so heavy on my heart’
Freeman said being a wife and mother played a major role in her decision.
“I’m a mom and I’m a wife as well and I really can’t just imagine what these people go through,” Freeman said. “And I couldn’t imagine just being fearful of my spouse leaving for work and, you know, anything like that. So that’s why it’s been so heavy on my heart.”
She said photography is one way she can offer something meaningful to the law enforcement community.
“Sometimes that’s all I really have to give,” Freeman said. “Like right now, all I can give is just the opportunity to have family photos taken.”
A reminder not to wait
Freeman said families often put off taking pictures because the timing does not feel right. Parents may be busy, children may be difficult to photograph or someone may not feel comfortable being in front of the camera.
Her advice is not to wait for everything to be perfect.
“You don’t need to be perfect to be in your family photos,” Freeman said. “Your family just needs you in those photos.”
She said photographs can take on even greater meaning after someone dies.
“I think that once you lose someone you can really kinda know that those are memories that you can hold on to and sometimes it’s all your family has left,” Freeman said.
Sessions offered at no cost
Freeman said the sessions will be offered with no session fee and no additional charges afterward. Each session is expected to last about 20 to 30 minutes, with families receiving their images through an online gallery.
The response has already been strong. Freeman said her inbox is full of messages from people interested in taking part.
Because she operates the business herself, Freeman said she will have to limit how many families she can photograph at one time. She hopes to continue offering the sessions seasonally so more families can participate.
“There’s no catch to it,” Freeman said. “I would just say bring your family and have some fun and get some memories from it.”
Law enforcement families interested in a session can contact Ashton Dawn Photography through Facebook or the contact form on the business’s website.
