Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Peyton.
Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was 16 when I received my first Kodak point-and-shoot camera. I’ve always been drawn to visual arts, painting, drawing, fashion, etc., basically anything I can do with my hands. I also really love learning new technology, so using a digital camera just came naturally for me. (Back in my early days of shooting, I enjoyed getting stills of nature and people, documenting stories in a beautiful and creative way, and continue to find a passion for those things today.)
I did my first “photo session” when I was 17 for a family who needed Christmas photos. I used my Canon Power shot to capture the images, and I was super nervous. I had never worked with people I didn’t know, having to interact with small children, and direct them on posing, and figuring out which backdrops worked the best. I figured you have to start somewhere, so I did the session, nerves and all. It’s one of those sessions I look back on and smile at how far I’ve come.
Over the next decade after my first session, I worked with other local photographers, interning at weddings as a second shooter, and began teaching myself the ropes in Lightroom and photoshop. I upgraded my equipment, buying a DSLR camera and decent cheap lenses. YouTube was my best aid when it came to self-education, learning editing tricks and every aspect of working with people, as well as learning how to draw authentic interactions in order to get genuine expressions and tell a story through my images. I also studied at Chattahoochee Technical College and earned a degree in Marketing in 2011, which has definitely come in handy in promoting and growing my own business.
In 2019, I decided it was time to really hustle and push to get my work out there. So once again, I upgraded my equipment to a full-frame camera, invested in some more professional lenses, created a website, and made a professional Instagram. I started taking on small weddings in 2020, and people were kind enough to spread the word about my work. I have found my niche working with people to tell stories and create beautiful imagery that hopefully can be enjoyed for a lifetime and appreciated by the next generations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been an easy path because I honestly struggle so much with a lack of confidence. I often doubt my own abilities and I’m my own worst critic. I constantly compare my work to others, and I get defeated easily. There is a wealth of talent in the Atlanta area when it comes to portrait photography, so having to keep up with the competition is daunting. But I learned to trust my abilities and use my energy to grow instead of doubt. Competition has propelled me to further educate myself, and experience in the field has given me so much more confidence in my work and abilities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional portrait photographer, working mostly with families, seniors, and couples getting married. I particularly enjoy shooting intimate weddings and elopements.
Over the past several years, I have grown my business to where it is now, all while staying at home with three young children and performing music on the side with my husband, Jonathan Peyton. I am self-taught and have worked very hard to get to where I am today. I’ve had to work extra hard to keep up with a younger generation of people who are extremely talented and have grown up with technology and social media that has given them a head start in this industry. I’m thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve been allowed and people who have trusted me to document important events in their lives and look forward to continued growth!
I believe I have a beauty and authenticity in my images that tells a distinct story that leaves viewers of my work intrigued. I strive to keep my work as genuine and original as possible, giving each client something new that only they will have to remember. I have always despised being in front of a camera because of how uncomfortable I get being center of attention. So I hope to make each client’s experience feel comfortable, natural, and fun! I learned from another local photographer friend, Chris Henderson, who has documented my family since I was engaged to my husband, how important it is to make your clients feel comfortable in front of the camera by making it seem like you are a fly on the wall. Be discrete while shooting, but get to know your clients. Let them tell their story, and most of all, just have a good time!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the Covid crisis, I learned to get creative with acquiring jobs that didn’t require me to be in direct contact with other people. I adapted and took a job in early 2020 that was strictly product work. I was able to spend a chunk of time on it, working with a handful of products and a lightbox in my sister’s spare room at her house, and still kept my business running without having direct contact with other people. I’ve learned to be extra respectful of people’s personal space. Make sure you understand your client’s comfort level and adhere to it.
Contact Info:
- Email: Apeytonphotography@gmail.com
- Website: www.apeytonphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/apeytonphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Apeytonphotography/
Image Credits:
Photo taken by Abigail Peyton photography
