Catch up With Ashley!
Hello, I am Ashley Collinsworth, owner of Memories Made Simple out of Iowa in the Des Moines area. I am a certified professional photo organizer and am passionate about helping others preserve their memories through digitizing, organizing, and safely backing them up. I also create family photo books or albums to help put those precious memories to paper and easily flip through and enjoy.
I am coming up on 2 years in business and have had some wonderful projects helping several people and families. To highlight a few; I scanned several pre digital photos as well as converted VHS tapes (lots and lots of dance recitals, school activities, and weddings) and helped roll those files into their digital photo libraries. One project that was a tough one, yet I was happy I could help was for a family compiling printed photos for a lost loved one. I scanned them into files to create a slide show for a celebration of life event. I was able to create copies and share the photos and slideshow to all the family members as well for keeping. And one special album I got to work on was a baby’s first year where we incorporated the mom’s journaling throughout the book. It truly brings me joy to help bring a little bit of one’s past to light and enjoyment!
Outside of photo work, one thing our family likes to do is try out trips where we can explore the outdoors, especially try to visit some National Parks. My husband Chris, and my two kiddos Wells (4) and Adelyn (7) are preparing on a trip to Arizona where not only will we visit family and friends, we will get to embark on some hiking fun! Pictured is from last year’s trip to Arizona as well where we hiked Cave Creek Regional Park and Lone Mountain near where we stayed.
This year, we plan to explore Saguaro National Park. Just after doing a short walk with our fur baby Barkley earlier in the week, my 7-year-old started wining about it being too far. This had me thinking this will be an absolute adventure! ☺ One thing is for sure, they will enjoy the new scenery as there is much to explore so we may be surprised how they don’t get so tired of walking the trails this time. Of course we will be enjoying warmer weather too! I am hoping one of these days though I become an expert organized packer traveling as a family as it seems just as you have it down and they grow and go through different phases, then you have to change it up.
