We were lucky to catch up with Abbey Friedman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Abbey, thanks for joining us today. How do you think about cost-management? Growing a business is always exciting, but often businesses run into issues when costs grow faster than revenue – have you experienced such an episode? Any advice for other operators around how to keep costs in line?

I look at it as “invest in yourself.” If you’re wanting to grow a creative business, start small. There’s always time to upgrade later. My entire set up is bought second hand because there are reliable sources out there that sell quality refurbished camera equipment. However, because my photography business is still growing, I define my wants and needs. If I won’t use it in the next three shoots, or consistently enough if the price is higher, it’s a “want” and I won’t worry about it as a priority. I look to friends and family and close resources that don’t cost me too much. I’ve done some of my best shoots with Dollar Tree props. If you put your mind to it, you can produce great work.

Abbey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My dad put a camera in my hand when I was 5 years old. Throughout my childhood I took photos of just about anything. I truly started growing my portfolio in 2013. It was NYE and some friends came over. My dad and I pulled out my Canon T3i and we took flash photos in my backyard.

In high school, I photographed my school’s sports teams and any friends who would give up a couple hours on the weekend to help me grow my portfolio. My parents were great supports and drove us anywhere and everywhere – nowhere was too out of reach.

I went to film school and graduated in 2021. Being a covid graduate affected me negatively, unfortunately. Burn out got the best of me and I ended up falling away from my craft. In October of 2022, I suffered a motorcycle crash where I spent 8 days in the hospital and 2.5 weeks with my parents for recovery. This gave me a second chance at life – literally. I was able to refocus on my love for photography post-recovery.

I offer a multitude of services: photography, retouching, graphic design, web design, and I am beginning to add video editing to my arsenal. I believe it is my charisma, time management, and relatability that sets me apart from fellow photographers. I am very understanding and want to work for the benefit of both parties.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I honestly wish I went to YouTube earlier than I did. There are so many videos and resources there that have helped me grow as a creative individual.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My mom always says, “Keep a good and consistent main income until your side hustle makes double it.” I’ve been working since I was 16 and I knew I always wanted to make photography my main source of income. I’ve been blessed with my support system, and they’ve always chipped in when and where they could. I’ve always stashed away a percentage of my paychecks or side money to grow my business savings to later use for growing my equipment. Friends and family are your inner most choice for support. They will want to see you chase your dreams and support however they can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abbeytookthisphoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/abbeytookthis
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbeytookthisphoto/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbeytookthisphoto