Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abby Giles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Abby, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have had the biggest impact on my career in photography. They’ve done it all— from helping me get through art school (financially and emotionally), to cheering me on from the sidelines, to always answering a phone call at any time of day. They are always resharing my photos on social media and recommending me to anyone that needs photography services. From a young age they’ve always told me to be happy in whatever it is I do. They taught me to take the risk if it’s worth taking, and figure the rest out later. If I hadn’t taken the risk in opening my own business, or if I had let the fear of failure stand in my way, I would have never been in this career that I love so much. My life would be completely different. I have my parents to thank for that, for instilling such an important life lesson in me from a young age.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the owner and photographer of Abby Giles Photography LLC. I primarily focus on weddings and couples, but have done other things from branding sessions to graduate sessions. I fell in love with photographing weddings while I was still in college at Savannah College of Art and Design. Nearly halfway through SCAD, I decided to change my major from graphic design to photography. I didn’t know what I would do in the photography world yet, but knew the risk was worth taking because it was something I truly loved. I began to assist and second shoot weddings with photographers in the area and absolutely fell in love. There’s something so special about being the one to capture people’s once-in-a-lifetime memories. I love being able to creatively and authentically photograph the day. Some moments I am a fly on the wall, noticing and capturing the in between moments. Whether it be the shared glance between the bride and her father walking down the aisle, or the hug between the groom and his grandpa between family photos— there are always beautiful moments worth documenting. I love being able to swap between a more documentary approach to a more stylized approach during couples portraits. I always want the photos to feel real and to showcase the couple for their personalities, so I do love getting the shared laughs and fun moments. But I also love getting a chance to creatively pose them while still remaining true to their personalities. This is why I always try to get to know my couples beforehand. I don’t want it to feel like a stranger is photographing such a special day for them.

A more recent addition I’ve made in my career is a styled shoot and retreat company with my friend and fellow photographer, Simona Gatto. Our new addition to both of our businesses is Bella Vita Retreats (@bellavitaretreats). We both valued the community and love that this industry holds, and we really wanted to build an extension of our own businesses based around this communal support. Styled shoots and retreats are very common in the photography world. They are essentially workshops and shoots that are built around expanding your portfolio in beautiful destinations, learning to grow your business, creating connections with other industry professionals, and really growing as not only a business, but as a person. We have both attended many styled shoots and retreats ourselves, but we decided to start hosting them. More recently, we hosted a retreat in Milan and Lake Como, Italy where we hosted many different photographers from all over the world— from the UK, Romania, Canada, and right here from the US. With so many different photography backgrounds, the lessons and work you gain from these retreats are invaluable.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I was still in college, I was working on building my business to be something that could sustain me full time. I was still working at my first job I had when moving to Savannah. I was a bartender and escape room host at a local bar & escape room establishment. I was also assisting and second shooting for a few other local wedding photographers any chance I could get, whether paid or unpaid, to really get the experience and exposure into this industry. There were so many days where I would have class all day, go to a bar shift where I would close at 3am, drive twenty minutes home, then get ready for a wedding with an early call time the following day. It was always nonstop. I truly don’t know how I made it through that point in my life with such little sleep. It felt like I had four jobs, between school, the bar, second shooting, and my own business. Although I loved every aspect that got me to where I am today, the end goal was always my own business. So it was challenging at times learning what to put on the back burner. Ultimately, I got to a point where I could sustain myself with my business. It was a risk, and I probably should’ve waited a little longer, but I took the jump to go full time and haven’t looked back since. I put in my two weeks notice at a job I had for four years with some of the best people I know to this day. I slowly stopped second shooting and associate shooting to focus on my own business. And I graduated college with my BFA in Photography. It went from so many things at once to just Abby Giles Photography.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For my job specifically, the most rewarding aspect of wedding photography is getting to witness and document so many special moments. I get a glimpse into such intimate and sweet moments between family and friends. I always get teary eyed at father daughter dances and first looks with the bride and groom. It’s an honor being trusted to document such extraordinary moments, and it’s an honor I never take lightly. Hearing feedback after clients get their photos is always so special to me. I love hearing that I’ve made an already beautiful moment feel that much more beautiful. It truly makes all the hard work and long hours that much more worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abbygilesphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbygilesphotography?igsh=OWlyYjBpbnBvOWMz&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Abby Giles Photography