Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Smith
Abby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the youngest of three brothers, and growing up in a house full of boys meant attending countless sporting events. When I was about 14, my dad bought a camera, and I quickly became fascinated with it. To keep myself busy during long tournaments, I would take his camera and photograph my brothers.
One Saturday, my brother was playing in a rugby game, and I captured a shot of him mid-air. I remember looking at the image and thinking, Wow, this is actually a good picture, Abby! You can tell exactly what he’s thinking and feeling in this moment. That was the moment I fell in love with photography—the ability to capture raw emotion and freeze it in time.
A few years later, I was invited to join the yearbook team as an editor, but editing didn’t interest me. They wanted to keep me on the team, so we improvised—I created my own role as Head Yearbook Photographer. That experience sparked my love for storytelling through images.
After high school, I more or less “adopted” my dad’s camera, brought it to college, and started taking pictures of friends. I even remember charging $15 for my first headshots! While serving an LDS mission, I photographed two weddings and realized how much I loved capturing couples and telling their unique stories.
When I returned home, I committed to refining my skills and slowly building my business. I sought out mentors and minored in Visual Communication, where I took Digital Imaging courses to sharpen my technique and deepen my understanding of photography. Over time, I developed a passion for making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Through continuous sessions, I gradually built my brand and refined my style, which now features scenic outdoor locations with a timeless, film-inspired touch.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. In the beginning, I struggled to find my style and determine what I truly wanted to communicate through my work. Trends come and go, and one of the biggest challenges is resisting the urge to constantly adapt your style to fit what’s trending or what a client wants. Doing so can lead to inconsistency and make it difficult to establish a recognizable artistic voice.
Another challenge many photographers face—including myself—is the pressure to ensure that every client loves their images. As artists, we pour our creativity into our work, and it becomes deeply personal. However, the reality is that not everyone will resonate with your art, and that’s okay. Learning to accept that and pick yourself up after a tough encounter can be difficult, but with time, you build resilience and confidence in your unique creative vision.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a photographer specializing in couples and storytelling, I focus on capturing genuine, emotional moments that reflect each couple’s unique connection. My approach is centered on creating a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, ensuring every session feels natural rather than staged. I’m known for helping people feel at ease in front of the camera, allowing their personalities and love stories to shine through in every frame.
What sets me apart is my ability to document moments in a way that feels effortless and deeply personal. I embrace a film-inspired style—soft, timeless, and rich with emotion—so that each gallery tells a meaningful story rather than simply showcasing posed images.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I build with my clients. Seeing their excitement when they receive their photos and knowing they feel truly seen and represented in their images is what makes this work so fulfilling.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I feel the most important quality behind my success as a photographer is my ability to make people feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated. I take pride in my communication and ability to uplift others, ensuring that every client feels confident and beautiful in front of the camera. Photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating an environment where people can relax and be themselves, allowing their authentic emotions and connections to come through.
One of the most rewarding moments is seeing a client’s face light up when they view their photos—witnessing their confidence grow feels so meaningful to me. I love connecting with others, combined with a love for storytelling, allows me to capture moments that feel real, effortless, and deeply personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbMYX4I6o/x0itiGGGZeFeT0Ld1j2T6g/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby.smithphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-smith-2b148b230
- Other: abbysmithsphotography@gmail.com
