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

Janelle, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been a full time photographer since 2021. And I will say I have been blessed, super blessed. I am still currently a full time student trying to make a passion into my dream career. Actually, I am walking in it currently in an answered prayer and further than one can be. I have always known to myself that I would have a career in the arts. Everything I do stem from creativity that is around and within me. I would always be told that it is not something achievable, and to get a real job. In school, I got a job to accommodate regular living, but it never sustained, because it wasn’t me. I began taking pictures of my friends, and getting serious in my craft. Lots and lots of free shoots, and friends encouraging me that I need to start charging. I doubted myself a lot and withheld until people referred me and reached out inquiring my services. It had happened just like that. People saw greatness in what I do, lifted me up, and mentioned my name in spaces. I have always been studying and practicing photography from a young age of just fun, so it had set me up for success. I think something that could have sped up the process would be to not be in school still, haha. But I have one more year! But if I could focus on it with 100% focus outside of papers for school, I think I would be further.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I got into the photography business because my youth pastor growing up saw my passion and helped me with my craft. I am someone who will third wheel your life and show you from my lens what your love life is like. I am a passionate candid photographer, who is intentional with the little moments as much as the big ones. This hobby became a career thanks to those who believed in me. I provide the kind of memories you look back on and smile and remember how you felt.

I am most proud of glorifying God into my business. Everything I do is because of Him. I do not hide my faith and I love to show people that Christ gave us this very freedom to do what I do, and to pray after a session and introduce someone who may not know about God, the joy of who He is. I get to meet people, hear about their stories and document it. Being in ministry, I have always loved serving and learning about people. Putting the two together is just something I am grateful and honored to do.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I am a college student. This should answer mainly of what my money looked like, haha. I saved a lot of my money from working at the regular job I had and bought my first camera, and quit. I used only 1 camera for some months, until the revenue of my shoots was able to allow me to buy another, and it went up from there.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes!

I have 2 goals. i aspire to only shoot 15 weddings a year, and that be all that I do. I know the goal is to be consistent and work my way to not working so hard and taking in weddings that match my style and is dreamy. I also aspire to be contracted with brands and photography models, commercials. I love documenting lifestyle and weddings. I can’t just stick to one which is what I think separates me in my work. It is from a different POV, that’s more connecting.

Contact Info:

• Website: janelleabigail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/janelleabigailphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janelleabigailphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-abigail-33161a217
• Twitter: twitter.com/janelleabigail

Image Credits
Janelle Abigail Photography