Why Film Matters: A Conversation with

How did FILM MUMS come to be? Was there a single moment maybe with your boys or behind the camera, when you realised this was more than a love for photographers that your gifted eye was something you wanted to give to others?

Ashley: When I started Film Mums, it wasn’t just about my love for capturing my family, though that was a big part of it. It was really born out of the friendships that became my anchor when we moved.

I fell in love with capturing moments with these beautiful women, while our kids ran wild around us, filling the days with chaos and laughter.

These amazing friends were the ones who encouraged me, who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.

That’s why the name Film Mums means so much to me, it’s a tribute to them, to us and to the beauty of motherhood. Too often we as mums are the ones behind the lens. This is about making sure their stories and presence are remembered too.

You’ve spoken about documenting your three boys as a way to pause time for them. What do you hope they’ll feel when they look back on these photographs as adults?

Ashley: I hope they feel what I do when I look back on my own childhood photos. That beautiful sense of being transported right back to those moments, the kind that instantly brings a smile and a rush of warmth to the heart. I want them to remember the home they grew up in, the little details of our everyday life and the people who filled their world with so much happiness. 

More than anything, I hope these photographs remind them of how deeply they were loved and of the joy they brought into our lives every single day.

Film has such a nostalgic magic, something we cherish at MEMS as it’s just a pause in time without the filters.

What do you feel film holds that digital can’t quite capture?

Ashley: Film has a soul that digital can’t quite replicate. It captures the truth of a moment, the colours, the feeling, the imperfections that make it real. Film slows you down, reminding you to be present and intentional. And when those photos are printed, they become something you can hold, something that last. Digital is convenient, but film becomes a legacy, a piece of time you can pass on and feel all over again.

These are things that might seem small, but they are the magic.

Photographing them gives them the weight and space they deserve.

When you’re photographing a family, how do you create that space where comfort, laughter, and natural emotion shine through instead of poses?

Ashley: For me photographing a family isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a space where they can simply be themselves. I pay attention to how the kids are feeling, giving them the time and space they need to settle in. Getting to know them and feel like new friends hanging out. When they feel safe and happy, the whole family relaxes. I gently guide when needed, but mostly I encourage them to connect with each other. 

That’s when the true magic happens, the laughter, the hugs and the little unscripted moments that tell their real story.

How has photographing others… families, couples, mothers changed the way you see yourself?

Ashley: Photographing mothers, families and couples has helped me see myself in a kinder, more present way. Watching others share love, joy and connection has made me more aware of my own relationships and the way I show love in my life. It’s made me appreciate who I am as a parent, a partner, and a person. 

To remind me to slow down and treasure the moments that truly matter.

In your own photo albums, how do you decide which images gets printed and put into your MEMS keepsakes? Are you drawn more to milestones or fleeting everyday moments?

Ashley: It’s the everyday fleeting moments that matter most to me, the joy, the chaos, the love that fills our home. Not just the birthdays or holidays, but the little memories I know our boys will never want to forget. From the toys they love, that favourite jumper they never wanted to take off, the simple moments that make childhood so special.

Our big memories album now holds so many of last year’s moments. One year lovingly preserved, with countless more albums still to come. Creating the mini memories album felt even more special, filled with the little pieces of life that mean the most to me. The kids and their beautiful connection with my family is something I’ll forever be grateful for. And among these pages are photos of me with the people who are my heart and of the family home I grew up in, a place the boys now call their second home. 

What would you say to someone who has thousands of digital photos but hasn’t yet printed a single one? Where’s the best place to begin?

Ashley: Start small, have fun with it and don’t overthink it! Pick a few favourite moments from each year and watch how those memories come alive when they’re printed. Once you begin, you’ll discover how exciting it is to give your photos a home and turn fleeting moments into lasting keepsakes.

It will take time so be patient and keep reminding yourself these albums don’t just hold photographs, they hold love, connection and the stories you never want to forget.