Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Gagne.
Abby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It became my primary business in 2010 focusing only on weddings, and over the years has been expanding into maternity, newborns, and families. I am 100% self-taught, but was also fortunate enough to have found some amazing mentors that turned friends over time who have helped mold my style and helped me to grow. I now enjoy taking workshops and expanding my knowledge and skill level from anyone who inspires me or has an edge that I want to obtain.
When I first got started, I was about to walk down the aisle myself, so it was a very natural path that I gravitated towards weddings as my main focus. And as time went by and my own family grew (and my own babies grew tired of a camera lens in their faces) I expanded into the other areas. Each little niche holds a special place in my heart, and I think I have an inside track to what people go through not only being on the other side of my lens, but also what they hope to get from the session and the overall experience.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh my god… smooth? That is the very very last word I would use! There were days (okay years) where I would second guess everything. If it weren’t for my husband cheering me on and at times flat out refusing to let me quit, I wouldn’t still be here.
It’s hard. All of it, the learning curve, the changing trends, the marketing aspects, the social media game… not to mention the classic artist spirit of flip flopping between self-admiration and self-loathing.
But the one thing that never changed was my absolute passion for photography. Anytime I wanted to quit, my hubby just kept asking, “do you still love it?” to which I would say “yeah…but.” and every single time without fail, he would say “then you can’t quit. You’ll figure out a way to keep going, to get better, to handle more, to grow more….”
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Abigail Gagne Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Although I do shoot newborns, and maternity, and families, I am known for weddings. However, at the same time, I have to say that I “specialize” in people.
Having your photograph taken with me is not just about standing in front of my lens and feeling awkward on the other side hoping that somehow I will make magic happen all while telling you to say “cheese”
Whether it is your wedding day and I create a scene for you to authentically live out real life moments and allow the “real you” take over, or its your first family photo shoot and I help you take a breath and not worry that your toddler won’t stand still and has already gotten their outfit dirty before I’ve even snapped a photo- Beautiful photos are created when you forget that I’m there and you act like yourselves.
There are little things that make your relationships and interactions with the people in your lives special. My ultimate goal in every single photo session I have is to help my clients to relax and enjoy the experience. Because at the end of the day, I want them to enjoy having their picture taken, and I want them to look back on their photos and be able to feel those memories.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m new to San Diego. I’m originally from Wisconsin, but lived in LA for the last 14 years. San Diego was always the place my husband and I would come to whenever we had a chance to get away. It was our “happy place”. When we had kids, we decided that there was nowhere else we wanted them to grow up, so last year while I was 7 months pregnant and holding a toddler on my hip, we decided it was time. We have loved every minute of it and are so very happy to be here.
Pricing:
- Weddings range from $1400-$2600
- Newborns, maternity, family sessions start at $299
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AbigailGagnePhotography.com
- Phone: 818-310-8310
- Email: Abby@AbigailGagnePhotography.com
- Instagram: @AbigailGagnePhoto
- Facebook: AbigailGagnePhoto
Image Credit:
Abigail Gagne Photography
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