Rising Stars: Meet Abigail White of Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail White.

Hi Abigail, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started photography in High School. I just took photos for the school and yearbook – never imagining it would turn into a career. After High School, it took me a while to land on a college that I liked, as well as a college with a major I could feel comfortable in. I studied Advertising at Pitt State, and when it came time to pick a minor for that degree, I thought – “why not give photography a shot again?”

I landed in a place with excellent professors that always went the extra mile. I learned so much in the Digital Media sector at Pitt State. After taking many of those photography classes, I realized that portraiture and working to tell the stories of others was my true passion. As an extrovert with a keen eye for detail, portrait photography became more of a dream job than just a hobby.

After college, I landed an internship with The Photo Bus KC – helping book and work photobooths for events of all kinds. It felt so fun to combine both my love for photos and my love of working with people to create great events. I’ve always been a sucker for a good party or social gathering. I continued doing my photography part-time and building a portfolio until I decided to start my own business and take it full-time!

It’s been a journey getting to this point – full of trying new things and figuring it out as I go, but I’m so happy to call myself a full-time portrait photographer. I get to be part of the most important memories in my clients’ lives, which is so special to me!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m a big fan of the phrase or idea that “growth is not linear.” The growth that has occurred for me up to this point hasn’t always been a smooth road. In 2020, I decided to take an au pair position abroad in Germany. I’d decided in January, but then obviously, COVID made its appearance and the next 6 months were full of decisions on whether I would go or not. COVID made the whole experience very isolating and full of hardships. I decided to come home with no plan set in place and no job lined up. I decided to start taking photography seriously and take my chance as a business owner. That plan paid off – but I remember feeling very lost in 2020, as many people felt!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s hard to say whether or not I specialize in Weddings or Graduates. I love both equally! Both photos shoots focus on freezing a moment in time before starting the next exciting chapter. It’s extraordinary to have a front-row seat for those moments. I’d say what I’m known for, what I’m most proud of, and what sets me apart from others are the same thing – helping people feel comfortable in the moment and themselves! Hearing from past clients about how carefree and fun their shoot felt is the greatest compliment I can receive. My main goal is always to show others how important their story is and help them feel comfortable when documenting it.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
That’s a tough one! The trends are constantly changing in the world of photography. I think the next 5 – 10 years will present even more opportunities for photographers. While I am biased, I think documenting every stage of life is important. There is rarely an event or time in life that people don’t want to be documented.

That’s the thing about being a creative or artist – trends are constantly changing but so are our preferences, likes, dislikes, etc. The concepts that should always stay the same are:
1.The commitment to detail.
2.Commitment to the client.
3.The commitment to creating honest and vulnerable art.

Pricing:

• Weddings – starting at $2000
• Graduate, Family, Studio Shoots, etc. – starting at $400/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abigailynnecreative.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailynnecreative/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailynnecreative/

Image Credits
The feature photo taken of me – Jess Photo Co.