Ashley Hawkes has always been drawn to photography, but for the past year she’s made it her living.

The 27-year-old Austin resident runs Hawkeye Photography from her home, something Hawkes didn’t always plan for as a profession.

“I’ve always loved (photography),” she said, but “I never thought to go into it.”

Instead, Hawkes went to Weber State University in Utah for interior design — a degree she said has actually helped with her home business.

“I use my major all the time,” Hawkes said, noting that things such as color, lines and framing are essential to both disciplines.

Hawkes did her first shoot last summer and has steadily done more and more. She said she does a lot of family pictures, as well as bridal and engagement shoots. Her first wedding was last August, and she said she wants to do more.

Hawkes said she has enjoyed taking pictures of happy couples.

“When you photograph someone head over heels in love, they are just natural in front of the camera,” she said.

Hawkes doesn’t really go for inside shots — her passion is taking the subject outdoors and “capturing the moment.”

In fact, Hawkes is willing to do just about anything for a good shot.

“I’m very hands on,” she said. “I’ll get in a pond if I have to.”

When she’s done with a shoot, Hawkes takes a unique approach to giving her clients the photos. Instead of having them developed — which she can do if a customer so chooses — Hawkes gives customers a high-definition disk with the photos on it. Not only do many people seem to prefer this in today’s digital world, Hawkes said, but it allows her to keep prices low. Hawkeye Photography is still growing, with most business coming through word of mouth advertising, but Hawkes said she’d like to see her business grow gradually as she can afford it. For more information on Hawkeye Photography, including a gallery of work and pricing information, go to hawkeyephoto.blog spot.com.