06/04/2026
I don’t often talk about what happens behind the camera, but I think, now more than ever, it’s important to share.
When people see a photo, they see a finished image. What they don’t see are the years spent learning the craft, the thousands of dollars invested in equipment, software, education, and upgrades, or the countless hours spent editing long after everyone else has gone home.
They don’t see me sitting or standing alone on the sidelines because they’re focused on capturing everyone else’s memories. They don’t see the conversations missed, the friendships not built in the stands, or the moments experienced through a viewfinder instead of with the crowd.
Photography is a labor of love, but it is also a sacrifice.
Every image represents time. Time spent preparing, shooting, sorting, editing, exporting, uploading, and delivering. Time away from family. Time away from other responsibilities. Time that can never be replaced... and everyone's time is valuable. I have realized that more and more lately, as I have had to prioritize my time more.
I have gladly given many of those hours because I genuinely love preserving moments that matter. There is something special about freezing a memory that might otherwise be forgotten. I love seeing the kids light up when I show up with my camera.
But somewhere along the way, we’ve become accustomed to seeing the final image without considering everything it took to create it.
The value of a photograph is not found in the fraction of a second it takes to press the shutter. The value is found in the years of experience behind that moment, the dedication required to capture it, the education to learn the equipment and settings, and the personal sacrifices made so those memories can live on forever.
If you’ve ever supported a photographer, hired one, shared their work, purchased a photo, or said “thank you,” know that it means more than you realize.
Because behind every image is someone who chose to give their time, talent, and presence so others could have something beautiful to remember.
While everyone else is making memories, I’m often sacrificing my own moments to preserve theirs. And although I do it because I love it, I hope people understand that every photograph represents a piece of time I’ll never get back.
I suppose after missing all of last baseball season, it just hit different to make it to this summer game. I have had to prioritize my time more than ever, with being back in school finishing my nurse practitioner program. I have been a nurse for 22 years and have my Master's in Nursing Education. I also have a retail business downtown.
My hands are beyond full, and my heart aches from missing so many moments. I just wanted everyone to think about what really goes into this. I sometimes just want to sit in the stands and cheer, but my love for photography and the kids is real. My mom and photographer guilt are real. And I often take pictures of kids I don't even know, because I am a lot of times by myself in their territory. They get excited seeing me with a camera, too. So I guess opposing team guilt is also real. I want all of these kids to feel special.
I appreciate all of you who have supported me, purchased my images, or even just thanked me. It means more than you know. When you post the images, please tag my photography page Ashley Greer Photography. A little credit goes a long way to keep me motivated. Also, please do not use my images to create products to sell. I often make nothing while spending countless hours of my time. Thank you for understanding.
Goodnight.
https://gallery.ashleygreerphoto.com/vinitavssekansas/
Three Rivers League Southeast High School Booster Club Vinita High School
