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Lancaster-based headshot photographer Ashley Nickole Appel delivers high-impact portraits across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, Ohio. Missile Studios sessions provide expert posing direction, real-time previews, professional retouching, and optional makeup, producing images that turn heads on LinkedIn, casting calls, and brand campaigns since 2012. MISSILE STUDIOS HARD-HITTING HEADSHOTS FOR PEOPLE GOING PLACES . Modern headshots and personal branding imagery for ambitious professionals and creatives. Ashley Nickole Appel Photographer & Makeup Artist You’re going places. I’m here to create images for you that go the distance. Schedule your shoot today, and let’s make an impact! About About→ Photographer / Studio Services→ Headshots / Portraits / Add-Ons Services Portfolio→ Gallery Portfolio Pricing Investment→ Service Pricing The ARTILLERY Here’s what comes standard at Missile Studios, the full loadout. How It Works Schedule Prep Shoot Select Download Launch! Client Feedback Real sessions. Real reactions. Missile Studios shares feedback from real clients only. Square Columbus, Ohio “Ashley was thee best she took her time with me I was a nervous wreck and her customer service is top tier she has gained another loyal client." Monica Davis Rating Square Lancaster, Ohio "I had a great experience with Ashley! She is so nice and makes you feel at ease! She also asks for input or suggestions, which I appreciate. Thank you for a great session!" Beth Craft Rating Google Marietta, Ohio “Ashley is so so good!! She truly listens to what you want and does her very best to capture it! Will be back soon!!” Renee Brown Rating Google Lancaster, Ohio “Ashley is absolutely amazing!! Patient, kind, and takes star quality photos.” Jessie Hall Rating Google Lancaster, Ohio “Ashley is amazing at what she does. Photography/ Makeup. You’ll love all of your photos, and she will make you feel comfortable, and beautiful during your photoshoot. Not only feeling good about yourself during your shoot, but when you see your photos afterwards as well.” Cassie Beiter Rating Website Orange, Ohio “Ashley is the greatest photographer! She is professional, experienced and always delivers the BEST final product. I would highly recommend her professional make-up services. Both services combined, professional photography and professional make-up services, are completely worth it!!!” Deej Hopper Rating Website Ohio “Love Ashley I can’t say enough about her mad skills! She did both my daughters senior pictures and I loved all of them! I want to book my own photo shoot some time also!” Kacy Baker Rating Google Ohio “Ashley was so kind to my son who was reluctant to get his senior pictures taken. We couldn't be more happier with the result . Ashley is an artist with her camera . We have memories to cherish forever. We can't thank Ashley enough!” Jenny Sizemore Rating Share your experience. Spill the tea! Your feedback keeps Missile Studios locked in and aiming high. Clients Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors. Jake Hunter Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors. Ryder Steele Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors. Jane Lawson MISSILE ⚡︎ REWARDS Loyalty pays. Earn Boltz on sessions, redeem toward future totals. Activate Calendar is live & limited TIME TO MAKE IMPACT.

Missile Studios, established in 2012, stands as the leading photography studio offering top-notch headshot and portrait photography services in the Columbus metropolitan area. Led by Ashley Nickole Appel, Missile Studios specialize in high-quality headshots for talent, brands, realtors, corporations, and more. Missile Studios extends its services to encompass personal portrait options, including senior portraits, birthday portraits, maternity portraits, lifestyle portraits, and more. Hey! I’m Ashley Nickole, founder of Missile Studios. For more than a decade I’ve created loud and lethal studio photography for industry risers and milestone makers with one mission: shake ground. Ready to make an impact? Book Now ABOUT Professional Headshots and Portraits Built For The Modern Era. At Missile Studios, we offer an extensive selection of high-quality headshots and portrait photography services. Whether you're in need of headshots for your business, or simply looking for the perfect portrait to commemorate a special moment in your life- Missile Studios is here to capture your vision! Business Photography LEARN MORE → Build Trust Before You Even Speak Corporate & Professional Service Personnel Realtors & Sales Professionals Entrepreneurs & Brands E-Commerce & Retail Teams & Organizations Why choose Missile? ✔ Personalized – One-on-one coaching to help you feel confident in front of the camera. ✔ Interactive Experience – High-tech studio with on-screen previews so you see the magic in real-time. ✔ Packages – Flexible packages to fit your needs – from solo sessions to team shoots. ✔ Trusted Expertise – A trusted name in Central Ohio for over a decade. Your headshot is more than a picture – it’s your digital business card. And at Missile Studios, we make sure it’s unforgettable! BOOK NOW BOOK NOW Talent Headshots LEARN MORE → Where Talent Meets Opportunity Agency Headshots Actors Models Performers Media Personalities/Influencers Pageant Competitors Why choose Missile? ✔ Personalized Guidance – We help you strike the perfect pose and bring out your unique vibe. ✔ Interactive Sessions – See your images live on-screen as we shoot, ensuring perfection. ✔ Chic, Modern Studio – Featuring natural and studio light options for diverse, edgy aesthetics. ✔ Professional Retouching – Every image is polished to elevate your talent while staying true to you. Your headshot is your gateway to opportunity – make it a showstopper with Missile Studios! BOOK NOW BOOK NOW Personal Portraits LEARN MORE → Your Story, Beautifully Captured Senior Portraits Celebratory/Birthday Shoots Maternity & Family Couples & Engagement Bombshell By Missile (Boudoir) Why choose Missile? ✔ Ashley Nickole’s Expertise – With years of experience, she knows how to bring out your best. ✔ Interactive Experience – See your images live and be part of the creative process. ✔ Chic Studio Setting – Natural and studio light options to fit your vibe. ✔ High-Quality Retouching – Your portraits will be stunning and timeless. Your moments deserve the best. Book your session today! BOOK NOW BOOK NOW The Founders Julia Harper & Rachel O’Keeffe This is a space to share more about the business: who's behind it, what it does and what this site has to offer. It’s an opportunity to tell the story behind the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this section to share the company's history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors. Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality. EDITS ADVANCED Pro-RETOUCH LEARN MORE → BEHIND the Lens Behind The Scenes → The Studio → The Photographer → Your Spotlight Awaits Peek into the vibe, the energy, the magic—it’s all happening here. Ready to step up and own your moment? BOOK NOW REWARDS PROGRAM Slay, Earn, Repeat! Introducing the Missile Studios Rewards Program – because loyalty should look as sharp as your photos. Rack up points for bookings, referrals, and more, then cash in for epic discounts and VIP perks. LEARN MORE → JOIN NOW MISSION At Missile Studios, we strive to provide our clients with more than just quality photography. Our mission is to provide imagery that boosts self-confidence and empowers our clients to demand importance and relevance in their lives and their careers. Whether you’re looking to update your professional portfolio, capture a special moment, or just have a fun photo session, Missile Studios has something for everyone.

Makeup Studio Makeup by Ashley Nickole Shoot-day face, fully loaded. Missile’s all-in-one powerhouse, Ashley Nickole Appel not only captures your photos, but can also get your face camera-ready with professional shoot-day makeup. Ashley started out doing makeup for photo shoots long before shifting into photography and building Missile Studios, so 15+ years of knowing what actually performs under studio lighting shows up in the final images. Makeup that translates under studio lights. That’s what makes this different from everyday makeup. Something can look great in person, then photograph flat, too shiny, or just not translate the way you expected. Studio makeup is about results: keeping dimension in the face, enhancing features, and making sure everything reads clean and consistent through a high-res camera. Whether you’re getting business headshots and want to put your best face forward, modeling headshots and need to look natural but still pop, or pageant headshots and want that extra glam, Ashley can tailor the look to match your vibe. The goal is simple: makeup designed for the final images, not just the mirror, so it holds up under studio lighting and photographs beautifully from the first shot to the last. Why the right makeup matters. Quick facts, because cameras are rude: silica-heavy translucent “HD” powders can cause flashback by scattering light and showing up as pale patches under flash, and mineral SPF ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can create a visible white cast in photos. That’s why hiring Ashley is the cheat code, product choices and application are made with the lighting plan in mind, so the makeup performs on camera and the final gallery hits harder. Add Makeup by Ashley ($120) as an add-on during booking. How to Add Makeup by Ashley Want Ashley to handle your makeup? Add Makeup by Ashley at booking. Check the add-on, lock it in, and walk onto set camera-ready.

Family Family Family Family Portraits keep scrolling Home / Personal / Family & Maternity / BOOK Shoot Capturing Memories Forget the days of forcing your family into matching outfits and praying for a decent photo - Missile Studios is here to take your family portrait game up a notch! With their ability to capture the individuality of each family member while actually making the process enjoyable, you'll have a masterpiece that not only looks great on your wall but also embodies the essence of your crazy crew. So get ready to werk it for the camera, flash your pearly whites, and watch as Missile Studios works their photography magic! Our Studio A fun & relaxed enviornment At Missile Studios, we understand the significance of our clients' confidence in themselves during a photo shoot. Therefore, we are committed to creating a comfortable & non-intimidating studio environment where clients can relax and be themselves. Photographer Ashley Nickole aims to make each photoshoot a personalized & enjoyable experience. She offers customized tips and posing guidance to ensure her clients look & feel their best. Missile has artfully created a photo session that attends to the clients self-assurance throughout the shoot. This includes live, on-screen visuals of every image captured during the shoot. This interactive approach ensures our clients are informed and engaged in the decision-making process, helping to alleviate any uncertainty surrounding the final product. Pro- Retouching At Missile Studios, we ensure that your dedicated photographer carries out every edit on your photos. This allows you the opportunity to openly discuss editing options directly with them - both during the photoshoot and before processing begins. Feel free to discuss any alterations or tweaks you might have in mind. Do remember, editing is the final touch that completes your photos. The goal here isn't to misrepresent, but more to enhance the overall vibe of the photo, bringing to life both your vision along with that of the photographer. It's about making the main focus of the image pop, by either removing any potential distractions or boosting what's already there. Looking to turn up the glam factor on your photoshoot? Look no further than "pro glam" with Ashley, your go-to makeup artist and photographer rolled into one! With over a decade of experience under her belt, Ashley knows all the tricks of the trade to get you camera-ready. Trust her to apply picture-perfect makeup that's tailored for the spotlight, ensuring you shine under those professional lights. Just add this service to your package when booking. Also, get ready for even more fabulousness as we're bringing back our hair services soon! Stay tuned! Get camera-ready! Featured Work VIEW ALL

Licensing / Licensing and Usage Rights Clear usage rules for purchased final images, including paid ads and paid placement. Standard Use Included Standard Use is included with every package for purchased final images. This includes personal and business self-promotion in places you control. Standard Use includes: Websites and About pages Organic social posts (not boosted) Email signatures and business cards MLS/profile headshots and team pages Open house flyers, listing packets, and “For Sale” signs Paid Media License For Paid Placement A Paid Media License is required only when images are used in paid advertising placement or paid distribution, meaning money is paid to place or push the image to an audience. If you pay for placement or distribution, a Paid Media License is required. Paying a printer to produce materials is still Standard Use. Paid Media includes: Boosted posts, sponsored ads, Ads Manager campaigns Google Ads or paid lead campaigns Magazine/newspaper ads (ad space purchase) Direct mail campaigns (paid distribution/postage) Billboards, bus benches, transit ads Choose the license that matches your placement: Digital Ads License: paid online ads OOH + Print Ads License: billboards, print ads, direct mail Bundle (Digital + Print/OOH): covers both License Coverage License Term: 12 months from invoice date, unless a different term is listed on the invoice. Renewals: Additional 12-month renewal is available at 50% of the original license fee. Who Can Use the Images: License applies to the photographed client and one associated business, brand, or team using the images to promote that business. Covered Images: The selected Paid Media License covers all final images included in the purchased package for the selected placement type. Additional Images: If additional final images are purchased after the package, licensing can be updated to include them. How to Add Licensing Licensing can be added during booking, at session checkout, or after image selection.

Session Duration / Session Duration How studio time works for Lite, Signature, and Legacy, plus add-ons that affect timing. What “Session Duration” Means Session Duration is the total time reserved for the photo portion of your appointment. It includes a brief consult, shooting time, and set changes like wardrobe or backdrop swaps. If Makeup by Ashley is added, that time is scheduled separately and does not reduce the studio session duration. Session Time Per Package LITE: 60 minutes of session time SIGNATURE: 2 hours of session time LEGCAY: 2.5 hours of session time Set Changes and Pacing Session time covers the full appointment window, not only time in front of the camera. Wardrobe and set changes are part of the clock, so keeping changes efficient protects shooting time. More Time and Overage Time Extra studio time is $99 per additional hour, billed at the start of each additional hour. Any added time is settled at checkout, and it can only be accommodated when the schedule allows. If you think you will need extra time at your shoot, add extra time at booking to reserve it. Same-day extensions only happen if the schedule allows.

Get an exclusive sneak peek into the inner workings of Missile Studios. Behind the scences Step into the chill, no-pressure vibes at Missile Studios. Missile Studios' knows how important it is to feel comfortable during your shoot, which is why our studio is all about keeping things laid-back and stress-free—so you can relax and be your authentic self. PERSONALIZED Photographer Ashley Nickole is here to make your session fun and totally personalized. With custom tips and posing guidance, she’s got you covered to make sure you look and feel amazing. INTERACTIVE We’re all about boosting your confidence every step of the way. Thanks to live, on-screen previews of every shot, you’re in the loop the whole time. It’s an interactive experience that ensures you love the results—no surprises, no stress. EXPERIENCE With over 10 years of photography experience, Ashley Nickole has mastered the art of capturing stunning, head-turning shots. Curious to know more about Ashley? Click the link below. Photographer

Before you arrive Quick prep steps people forget, but they matter if you want your photos to look their best. Sleep + water + Food Sleep, hydrate, and eat! Even if it’s a light meal. Shoots take more energy than you think, and it shows in your photos if you run on fumes. Skin Moisturize. Glowing skin performs better on camera, period. Avoid shimmer on skin, it looks cute in person and turns into white specks on camera. Hair Hair should be clean and fully dry. If hair gets oily fast, wash the morning of. If hair gets frizzy, wash the night before and use a smoothing product. Bring a brush or comb and a couple hair ties or clips. Makeup Makeup is optional. If makeup is added to your session, arrive with a clean face unless told otherwise. If doing makeup at home, go a little more defined than everyday, especially brows and mascara. Avoid heavy SPF that can flash back. Hands and nails Hands show up in photos more than people expect. Clean nails, neutral polish, or no polish are safest. If a bold nail is your signature, own it. Just make it intentional. What to wear Wardrobe stress is the #1 thing that messes with people’s confidence. This section fixes that. Best rule Wear what fits well and feels like you. Tailored always photographs better than trendy. Best rule Wear what fits well and feels like you. Tailored always photographs better than trendy. Colors Solid colors photograph cleanest. Neutrals, black, white, earth tones, jewel tones, and deep colors usually work great. Avoid tiny busy patterns, super thin stripes, and loud logos unless the session is meant to be bold and branded. Fit Anything too tight pulls and bunches. Anything too loose looks bigger than it is. Fit matters more than size tags. Necklines If you're getting headshots, pick a neckline that flatters your face and collar area and feels comfortable. Bring options if you’re unsure. Layers Jackets, blazers, leather, denim, structured tops, and sweaters add shape and look expensive on camera. Shoes Shoes may or may not show depending on the crop. If shoes matter for your session, bring clean ones. BrinG options Bring a minimum of 2–4 outfit changes, even if you only plan to wear 1–2. Sometimes an outfit looks great at home and weird on camera, too bulky, too boxy, not enough shape. Options give quick backups so we can swap fast and keep the shoot moving. BrinG options Bring a minimum of 2–4 outfit changes, even if you only plan to wear 1–2. Sometimes an outfit looks great at home and weird on camera, too bulky, too boxy, not enough shape. Options give quick backups so we can swap fast and keep the shoot moving. EDITORIAL Style Headshots for work Match your industry A realtor and a tattoo artist don’t dress the same, and that’s the point. Bring outfits that match the version of you clients should hire. Keep it classic A clean, well-fitted outfit will outlast trends. Details matter Ironed clothing, lint-free fabric, clean glasses, and minimal pocket clutter. Tell The Story Bring props that actually belong to your life or business, like a laptop, notebook, camera, tools, product, packaging, or signature accessories. Skip random props that mean nothing. EDITORIAL Style PORTRAITS For Personal Use CHOOSE THE MOOD Decide what you want these to feel like: bold, soft, dramatic, clean, romantic, edgy. Bring outfits that match that mood so the photos look cohesive, not random. WEAR THE STATEMENT PIECE Strong pieces photograph best: a fitted dress, blazer, leather jacket, structured top, sleek set, denim that actually fits. If it feels like a costume, skip it. If it makes you stand taller, bring it. DETAILS MAKE THE SHOT Textures show up beautifully on camera, leather, satin, denim, lace, knits, anything with shape. Add a few finishing touches like earrings, a belt, rings, sunglasses, or a bold shoe. Clean nails and a lip product for touch-ups go a long way. FINISHING TOUCHES Accessories, nails, hair, and skin prep matter because the camera sees everything. Bring a lip product, a brush, and one or two signature accessories. TALENT HEADSHOTS (ACTORS, MODELS, PERFORMERS) KEEP IT CASTABLE Casting needs to see you, not your outfit. Go clean, fitted, and simple so your face and expression do the work. CASTING TYPE Pick 2–3 roles you want to get called in for, then dress for that vibe. Commercial headshots usually read warmer and brighter, theatrical reads moodier with deeper tones, so bring options that support both. SOLIDS WIN Choose solid colors and simple lines. Skip loud prints, big logos, and anything that steals attention from your eyes and facial structure. QUICK VARIETY Bring a layer piece or two (jacket, blazer, overshirt) plus a simple accessory option if it fits your brand. Small switches create new looks fast without turning the session into a wardrobe change marathon. CAMERA-READY Match your current look, no surprise haircut, color switch, or brand-new style right before the shoot. If you’re getting a cut, aim for about a week ahead so it settles. Go easy on shimmer and SPF-heavy products that can cause flashback under studio lighting. Add pro makeup by Ashley to your appointment for quality results. AGENT NOTES MATTER If an agent gave direction, stick to it. It’s not bossy, it’s strategy. They’re trying to match your headshots to your casting type so you get called in more. Your photos should look like the roles you want, not a totally different person. Pageant Competitor Headshots MATCH THE SYSTEM’S VIBE Different pageants reward different vibes. Some lean classic and approachable, some lean fashion and high-glam. Many pageant headshot guidelines lean toward a clean, light background, often white, with a little space around head and shoulders for cropping. Crowns and sashes are commonly a no for the official headshot. If your program has a handbook or photo rules, send it to the photographer or bring it to the shoot. PLAN FOR ALL Multi SHOT TYPES Headshot, a three-quarter, close up, and a full-length. Choose a look that wins at every crop. Neckline matters for the headshot, fit and shape matter for the full-length. Shoes and hem suddenly become relevant. HAIR, VOLUME WITH CONTROL Volume photographs great, crunchy does not. Hair should be smooth, touchable, and movable, with flyaways tamed. If you want fuller hair, extensions or a piece can seriously help, as long as it’s blended clean. MAKEUP FOR STUDIO LIGHTS DON’TS DON’TS SPF-heavy products and silica-heavy powders, they can cause flashback and look chalky under studio lighting. Chunky glitter, and go easy on heavy shimmer, especially on the body. It can photograph as white flecks. Too much matte. It can read flat on camera. Add soft dimension with shadow and highlight that hits your natural high points. DO’S Lashes that fit your eye shape and look clean, not costume. Lip liner + gloss tends to photograph better than a dry matte lip. Neutral tones that complement your skin tone and bring out your eye color. PRO OPTION: Add Makeup by Ashley ($120) when booking for the cleanest, most consistent results. FINISHING TOUCHES Groomed brows, moisturized lips, neutral nails, and bring a tiny touch-up kit (lip color, blotting sheets, lash glue if wearing lashes). Show up rested and hydrated because tired eyes read loud on camera.

Personal Portrait services ABOUT From capturing the spirited joy of Senior graduate photoshoots to the heartwarming bonds of family portraits, and even the intimate moments of couples like engagement photos, there's something for everyone in this creative paradise. Dive into the world of maternity sessions, let loose and celebrate with a fun birthday shoot tailored for all ages, or unleash your inner goddess with an empowering Bombshell boudoir photoshoot designed to make women feel confident and enchanting. Missile Studios is not just about capturing images; it's about celebrating life's unique moments with style and flair. Senior Learn More Elevate your senior portrait game with our modern portrait photography! Let's immortalize your senior year in absolute style! Birthday Learn More Bring on the balloons and confetti! Celebrate in style at any age with a photoshoot at Missile Studios. Couples/Eng. Learn More Capture the essence of your love and dedication with a memorable photoshoot. Bombshell Learn More Dare to be bold, fierce, and unapologetically sexy. Own your goddess energy like never before with our sizzling Bombshell photoshoot! Great as a gift or for when you simply want to feel empowered. Maternity/Family Leanr More Family bonding, kids being kids, and celebrating motherhood in style.

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Ashley Nickole Appel delivers bold headshots and editorial-style portraits from a Lancaster studio. Trusted by clients across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. About get to know missile studios Photographer + Makeup Artist I’m Ashley Nickole Appel, photographer and makeup artist at Missile Studios. For over ten years I’ve focused on clean, bold headshots and portraits that make you feel unstoppable. In my studio you’ll feel at ease as I guide you through the session and share on‑the‑spot previews in a zero pressure atmosphere. I hand‑retouch every image you select so each shot feels personal. Ready to light up your portfolio? Let’s shoot! Hundreds booked. Not one left basic. Book Now