MEET ABBY
a Santa Cruz based portrait photographer
I was raised by artists and creativity was the core of my childhood. Painting, dyeing, attending musicals, taking dance classes, learning instruments - celebrating the arts was a full embrace.
I have extensive experience in child care and pretty much just adore people in general, so it makes sense that I landed on photography - where art and humanity collide.
at home,
we blast music
have living room dance parties
and walk to the beach
we’re all goofy when we are together
I also love
pretending to eat my daughter, whipping up meals in 15 minutes, a good road trip, laying in the sun, jazz music, reading before bed, chatting for hours with my friends, surfing/ocean dwelling and clearly, pink.
Codie White
“Abby really considers who you are.”
Alexandra Sideman
“You will not regret this investment in her and in yourself!””
MY
PHOTOGRAPHY
EXPERIENCE
“The Moment” with Ivy, 2017
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. My first paid gig was in middle school. HA! I took the engaged couple onto a grassy field, with a suitcase as a prop. I guess not much has changed since then. Still shooting couples, still in fields. Can’t say I want to relive the suitcase moment though.
DOVE IN HEAD FIRST. Some years had passed, and I was a nanny for two wonderful little girls in 2017. I brought my dusty old camera to their house one day and this image, to the left, was my “I need to pursue this” moment.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. In 2019 I had a unique opportunity to work as a full-time photographer for a company. I traveled all over the country photographing professional athletes and talented models. It was a very dynamic experience and I learned A LOT. But most importantly, I found that my true passion lies in working without products and exclusively with real, everyday people.
EVOLUTION OF PASSION. The magic, for me, lies in capturing the authenticity and beauty within families and individuals who might not have experience in front of the camera. This is my inspiration, my muse.
THE MEANING. I’m fired up about delivering photographs to you that will be treasured not just for a moment, not just for one lifetime but for generations to come! I often have pinch-me moments because I can’t believe that my job is documenting the love people share. I truly believe that it will be a life long pursuit.
NOW LET’S GET HONEST
I’m a fellow spouse and mother
When people ask me what it’s like, I always say
“Everything is harder, and everything is better.”
Life can be hard, sometimes very hard. If you’re here, you might know what I mean. And wouldn’t you agree that there is also so much the celebrate? The ups and downs give life so much meaning and texture.
Wherever you are in your life, I want you to feel like you can honor and celebrate what it has taken to get to this moment. Because I’m sure it wasn’t easy.
It sure wasn’t for me!!
So please don’t wait for life to feel perfect to document this precious time in your life. Life is always imperfect, and in fact, that’s what makes my job so enjoyable and creative.
I’m here to not only be your photographer, but your fellow life-doer. Because I get it.