Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Bertram.
Hi Abby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My business was sprouted out of a broken dream. I went to Marine Corps bootcamp in 2021 to accomplish my childhood dream of becoming a Marine. There was a series of events that led me to ultimately come home early from bootcamp, Heartbroken and humiliated, I decided to use my bootcamp money to buy my first camera. I started shooting all of my friends and family for fun, completely free and just for the experience. Eventually, I created my business. The first couple of years, I mainly shot weddings, couples, and families. After a while, I realized that my heart wasn’t in shooting weddings. Too many weddings were a huge production for the guests, and not so much focused on the couple themselves. This led to a switch in direction for my business. Today, I am booking elopements all around the country in dream destinations. I am passionate about preserving the sanctity of your marriage – because marriage is not a production, it’s a promise.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always! I think every business has its rough patches. There will always be times of doubt. But something that has always kept me positive is hope in Christ. Turning away from the military and choosing a more “simple” life being married to my husband, Luke, and choosing to start my own business has grown me to trust God with my life and aspirations because His plan for my life is greater and more fulfilling than my own. Because I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be, I am not afraid of the future to come surrounding my business, and I have hope in the valleys.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer specializing in nature elopements. I also photograph the occasional couple and family sessions, because I just can’t let go of those sweet moments! My photography style is artsy, “messy”, cinematic, and full of feeling. My photography is inspired by embracing life, and all of its messy moments, at its fullest. I am the most proud of finding my style in photography, and also who I’ve become through running my own business and the confidence, skills, and knowledge that instills in me. But most of all, all of my accomplishments bring glory back to God. I proudly proclaim Christ through my business, and all of my couples are served with integrity, creativity, love, and excellence. Not for my own glory, but for God’s!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I play it cool, but the most stressful part of my job is the social aspect. I have 100% confidence in what I can do with my work and creativity, but I have a weird social anxiety, haha. I get a little stressed before each session or elopement because I’m pretty introverted and I hate small talk. I love love love getting deep with people, but sometimes that’s hard to do while I’m directing my couples or families with prompts or poses, if you know what I mean!
Pricing:
- Elopements starting at $4,400
- Couples sessions starting at $300
- Family sessions starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abbyreephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyreephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyReePhotography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/abbyreephotography/
