Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Rodriguez.
Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a teenager, I was drawn to the idea of being my own boss — building something that represented me and could grow into something bigger than myself. I never wanted to feel confined to an office or overwork for a place that didn’t respect my time and effort. I wanted to be part of something I could grow with, and I believed it would be incredible to be the one shaping that journey.
Photography runs deep in my family. My great-grandfather passed his skills down to his children, who later shared that knowledge with my grandfather when he met my grandmother. I like to think I come from a long line of photographers, which is why holding a camera has always felt natural to me. During COVID, I wanted to build my confidence and find a way to do more for others, so we organized a milk bath maternity session with a close family friend. That moment became the start of everything.
Since 2021, Abuelo has been my second shooter and my biggest supporter. Together, we’ve photographed weddings, events, and portrait sessions, growing alongside our community while capturing moments and turning them into lasting memories. To this day, I carry both my camera and my great-grandfather’s film camera in his honor, a reminder of the legacy that continues to guide me.
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?
Like any business, we’ve faced our share of ups and downs, especially during the winter months from December through February. Since most of our sessions are outdoors, colder weather and shorter days can slow bookings. To adapt, we’ve been exploring affordable indoor studios and offering mini sessions for events and seasonal photos to keep momentum going.
During slower periods, I focus more on marketing and strengthening our social media presence. Winter can also feel mentally draining with less sunlight and colder days, which sometimes affects motivation, but Abuelo always keeps me encouraged with his humor and support.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the moment, we specialize in hourly sessions that range from family and maternity to birthdays and other milestone moments. Our goal is to continue expanding into weddings, couples, and engagement photography so we can be part of life’s biggest celebrations.
What sets us apart is our focus on creating a comfortable, personalized experience. While some competitors offer higher-priced sessions for a limited number of studio photos, we provide a one-hour session designed to capture meaningful details while helping clients feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
What I’m most proud of is being able to grow this business alongside my Abuelo, combining generations of experience while building genuine connections within our community and preserving moments that families will cherish for years to come.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Honestly, the biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to pace myself. Last year we got booked a lot more, which was amazing and something we were really excited about as we kept growing. But balancing all that work with college, a part-time job, and still trying to have a social life definitely got overwhelming at times. It taught me to be more organized and realistic with my time. Now I make daily to-do lists and plan things out better so I can stay on top of deadlines without burning myself out. That whole experience taught me that growth is exciting, but it only works if you take care of yourself too.
Pricing:
- Regular Hourly Session – $225
- Premium Hourly Session – $325
- 4 Hour Wedding / Event Coverage – $1,000
- 6 Hour Wedding / Event Coverage – $1,400
- 8 Hour Wedding / Event Coverage – $1,800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abigailrodriguezphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigmphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigmphotos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvX___BmxRTcbPmh2mIt6Rg
Image Credits
All photos taken by Abigail Rodriguez Photography
