We recently connected with Patty Abrams and have shared our conversation below.
Patty, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
I have the honor and privilege to serve various people among different backgrounds and stories within both of my jobs. As a photographer, something that most new clients tell me often is that they hired me over someone else because they could see my appreciation and acceptance of others through who I’ve photographed. As long as I have permission to post sneak peek photos online, all clients will receive a sneak peek photo and I believe people see those and think, “Oh! She will work well with me because she worked well with that person.” As a special education teacher within my local public school district, I work with students who have learning and behavior disorders and disabilities. Patience and flexibility are two skills one must have for this work, and working with clients from various backgrounds and expectations easily require me to exercise these skills as a photographer also.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Patty Abrams. I have been a photographer and teacher for 11 years here in Louisville, KY where I was also born and raised. Photography started from a deep passion for journalism that began as early as 5th grade for me. Although I ended up going to college for education, photography found me again. Despite the complications and challenges that come with owning a business while having a demanding full time job, I have never once questioned stopping my passion of photography. It is only recently that I realized my experience as a teacher has only strengthened my skills as a photographer by influencing my experiences with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and customs. One of my favorite things about my photography portfolios is that it truly represents all sorts of people, and I think that is such a beautiful thing.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Around 2-3 years into owning my own business, I began second shooting with other wedding photographers. It started out with one person around once a month, and then slowly over the next 3-4 years I began working with 4-5 different photographers consistently. As a second shooter, you not only get to experience working with different perspectives and angles, but you are responsible for being a strong backup in case anything goes wrong with the main photographer. There are so many first kisses that were captured at all simply because I was in a different location than the main photographer! I was photographing 30 weddings a year easily between all of the second shooting gigs I had. This was a consistent income for my business, as well as an incredible opportunity to stay sharp and practice my craft within different challenges and environments. My reputation extended throughout the local community to where I would be asked to second shoot for others when needed. The work I was able to use from those opportunities have helped me book my own weddings, because clients can see how my work will look at a certain venue, for example.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal has always been to make others feel accepted, comfortable, and seen around me. Last year was when I started hearing clients tell me my FAVORITE reason they wanted to book me, and that was because they could see people that looked like them being photographed in a way they wanted to be. I have worked very hard to make sure my portfolio showed diversity and inclusion. Now, I feel like clients are coming to me on their own instead of me searching and waiting for people to come my way.
I think acceptance among all is something we just really need right now throughout the world, and it’s something that I’ve always believed in. I’m honored to be a part of that narrative through my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eyewitnesspics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyewitness__photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyewitnesspics
- Other: https://eyewitnessphotography.pixieset.com/
Image Credits
EyeWitness Photography