Today we’d like to introduce you to Abi Poe.
Hi Abi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, in a family filled to the brim with musicians and artists. I was in dance class, musical rehearsals, or music lessons every day after school and on weekends, and I always jumped at any opportunity to create art in any form. I went on to finish high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying flute performance. It was this that then brought me to Texas in 2009, with the opportunity to earn my bachelor’s in music performance at Southern Methodist University.
I have always loved photos. I remember pouring over our family photo albums as a kid, fascinated by the permanence of the photos compared to the impermanence of each pictured moment. As soon as the mid-2000s hit and I was handed a digital camera, like every other millennial, thousands of photos of silly moments with friends resulted. In college, my dad passed down his old Pentax camera and asked if I was interested in learning how to use it. I started taking photos of my sister’s family and my adorable nephew, and before I realized what was happening, people were asking if they could hire me to take their headshots, family photos, engagement photos, and even photograph their weddings.
My husband and I met in 8th grade and were friends through the earliest years of my photography business. We got married in 2015, and with his encouragement to expand, in 2016, I branded as Abi Poe Photography and have continued to grow ever since. It’s now been 10 years since my first “real” family session and almost 8 years of Abi Poe Photography!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, for the most part it has been a very smooth journey in building Abi POe Photography. But honestly, the biggest struggle has always been imposter syndrome. I know I’m not the only person who has felt self-doubt in their career, especially in the creative industry. For a long time I didn’t think I was “good enough” for people to hire me. But over the years I have come to recognize that I consistently deliver beautiful photos of fleeting moments that are important and meaningful to people. And now, after almost 10 years with clients who I have seen come back year after year, I am getting better at quieting any negative inner voice. I am so grateful for the support of friends, clients, and family that have continued to encourage me!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Abi Poe Photography?
Abi Poe Photography is based in Dallas, TX, and specializes in family and portrait photography. I also take a limited number of weddings each year.
My photography that is true-to-color with natural contrast that creates warmth and softness. I focus on showcasing the subjects as they are, capturing the natural charm of their relationships and interactions. I work to find beautiful locations and pick the ideal time of day to create the best natural light for your photos.
I pride myself on the care and time that I take in creating a comfortable environment during the photography experience and for delivering beautiful, natural images that showcase people at their best. I want my clients to see the beauty and the light that the world sees in them. Session lengths are leisurely. I have two little kids, and I understand that the attention span of toddlers is not dependable. I also understand that sometimes it can take a moment to get used to having a camera in your face. We play during sessions. We talk and catch up. You feed your baby or get everybody a snack (I’m a mom of two toddler boys – I know how important snacks are!). I tell embarrassing stories about myself or act like a nut so that you are laughing at a grown woman looking a little foolish instead of worrying about your appearance. And all along, I capture the sweet in-betweens that create heirloom photography for you and your loved ones to cherish for many years after those moments have passed.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Never be afraid to ask for help! Find people in your industry that you admire and ASK! It’s been my experience that most people want to help others. Our wedding photographer, Allison Harp, is still one of my all-time favorites in the industry. When I was officially launching my business, I invested in a Mentor Session with her and then attended her Hey Sista! Workshop with other photographers from around the country. Both of those things played a pivotal role in my business. Since then, I’ve also leaned on other friends in the industry, asking questions whenever I’m stuck. Just ask!
Pricing:
- Family Sessions starting at $500
- Wedding Packages starting at $4000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abipoe.com
- Instagram: @abipoephoto
Image Credits
Jillian Zamora
