“The best advice I ever received was, ‘put your camera in manual mode and go out and get frustrated,’ and so that’s what I did,” Abby Watkins, head photographer at Abby Watkins Photography, LLC reflects on her first steps as a photographer.
It was her dream to be a photographer, but advice from her dad led her down the path toward becoming an elementary school teacher with a minor in Spanish. It wasn’t until Abby was established as a teacher, married and growing a young family that she revisited her original passion.
Abby’s husband, Jim, bought her a camera for Christmas in 2010 and that began a brand new era for her. She shares, “I just started playing around with it. If I didn’t know what something did, I would Google it and then I would take my camera out.”
Completely self-taught, looking back, she realizes that all the elements of photography and learning how to use a camera were the easiest part. The true treasure of her business is found in the stories and the people she finds herself honored to be around.
If you’ve ever met Abby, you know she carries a light and vibrance that makes you feel seen and cared about in the most beautiful of ways. I’ve had the opportunity to join photo shoots, and watch her bring out the spark and passion in her clients. Only someone with an eye for people and a heart for their story can do that.
Abby loves working with kids and families. She shares, “The teacher in me… I love kids. Give me a cranky toddler. They’re my favorite in the history of ever! I love a challenge!”
When Abby is out on a photoshoot, she creates space for the story being told and she isn’t afraid of a vulnerable moment. “I love my clients,” she says. “We hug. Sometimes there’s tears. They go through life struggles. It’s really vulnerable when you get your picture taken.”
“You’re creating a story,” Abby recognizes the beauty in her work. “It’s a moment in time that is captured and you’ll never get that moment back.” That’s why when you walk into a photoshoot with Abby, she brings the fun!
Her perspective once everyone arrives is, “You’ve already done the hard work, let’s just have fun!” She smiles saying, “Once you get there with me, your outfits are what they are, your kids are either happy or cranky, the weather is going to do whatever it’s gonna do. That’s all stuff we can’t control anymore. What we can control is being there together, creating this story and having fun!”
Abby has been our staff photographer and head of creative photography for Parker City Lifestyle for over a year and the adventure with her gets more exciting each month. She brings the most beautiful moments to life.
Being around Abby makes you feel like anything is possible. When pursuing your dreams she encourages, “Never say no to an opportunity, always say yes and then figure it out. Everything is an adventure. Gotta keep you on your toes!”
She specializes in portraiture: newborn, milestones, families, high school seniors, headshots, boudoir and branding. You can view her work at www.AbbyWatkinsPhotography.com