Daily Inspiration: Meet Abby Bertram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Bertram.

Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always appreciated safekeeping memories in picture form, and much of this derived from an appreciation of my dad’s efforts to capture my childhood through film and digital photography. The joy a person feels when you see an old picture of yourself and suddenly all of the memories of that day start flooding back. Or, when you spot an old film of your grandparents and are suddenly filled with wonder about their lives back then. This is what grew my appreciation for photography. However, becoming a photographer wasn’t my life goal – becoming a United States Marine was. All my life, I dreamt of becoming the ultimate patriot through military service. In my sin, I sought after my pride. From a young age, I knew this wasn’t the path God had for me, but I was stubborn and pushed my way to achieve what I wanted.

When I was 19 years old, I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Yep! I went to Parris Island, South Carolina, to pursue my greatest aspirations. I signed with a Combat Photographer MOS. My whole body shook with excitement, but my heart was pulling back. God called me back home. To this day, I’m still trying to figure out why. I felt devastated, and I still do. But I have decided to trust that the Lord’s plans are greater than mine. God called me away from the Marine Corps, but I never felt that He called me away from photography. That is how Abby Ree Photography was born. Since then, it took me a while to get back on my feet. I felt that my whole identity had suddenly dissipated, and I had to re-learn what my mind knew, but my heart didn’t believe it: My identity is rooted in Christ, not my achievements. When I finally let go of the anger, depression, discontentment, and shame from what had happened, I dived fully into the life that God had given me: a fantastic husband, stability, a puppy, and a loving church family. This is when God truly opened the door to my photography business, and since then, all I have seen has been blessing upon blessing.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I never imagined running my own business, so I am blessed. However, the rockiest part of my journey was fighting the emotional battle after I had “lost” my life dream of becoming a Marine. I felt stuck in an emotional pit of depression, envy, and discontentment. No other occupation satisfied my pride, which prevented me from giving 100% to photography. Once I recovered from that long and rocky season, I decided that if I were going to do photography, I’d better be all in. That’s how I’m here today!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a destination wedding and elopement photographer specializing in weddings and families. My style could be described as earthy, warm, and nostalgic. Many people know me as the photographer who uses the panty-hose, haha! This is just a technique that creates a filmy effect on my photos. In my business, I strive to make Christ known through my service. This means integrity, work ethic, love, and understanding that come with the art. I value my clients and strive to have a meaningful relationship with every one of them if they allow it. This is what sets me apart the most.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Most people would describe me as a brat growing up, haha! In all seriousness, I was pretty spunky and independent, very determined, and not afraid to share my opinion. I rubbed some people wrong, but I always appreciated the friends who could take some of my aggressive love. I took pride in being a country girl and loved shooting traps, sports, long drives, and coffee. I always wanted my independence, which led me to grow up fast in some ways – I got a job before I could drive and moved out of my parent’s house at 18. However, roughing it up improves character, so I appreciate every aspect of my upbringing!

Pricing:

• $200 general sessions
• $2000 weddings
• $750 elopements
• $1,500 travel fee

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abbyreephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyreephotography/?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyReePhotography

Image Credits
All images taken by me: Abby Ree Photography