Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Saalfrank.
Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was in high school, I bought a camera. I really don’t even remember why I bought it, as it sat on a shelf for two years before I even ever used it. At that point, I had graduated high school and was a freshman in college. I was nannying two little boys and thought it might be fun to snap a few pictures of them, nothing crazy. I posted them to my Facebook really thinking nothing of it. A few family friends asked if I would be willing to do family photos for them, and I said sure. I thought taking photos was fun, and it was something to do in my free time, nothing really more than a hobby. However, people started offering to pay me, and within a few weeks, I had shot and shared over a dozen sessions. I really didn’t plan on making much of it, maybe just a little side money here and there, then I got asked to shoot a wedding. It is really all just a blur from there.
Here we are 8 years later, nearly 200 weddings later, and a whole lot of sessions. After my fourth year of business, I was able to go full-time once I graduated college and never really looked back. Now I shoot 20-25 weddings a year and usually over 100 other sessions.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Honestly, for the most part, it has been a smooth road. I really think the biggest challenge though has been navigating being self-employed and dealing with what people think being a photographer really means. Most people think photography is just all wonderful, you take pictures, it’s so easy, you barely work, when in reality there are times of the year I am pulling 100-hour work weeks, and it is still not enough. That has been hard to adjust to especially when your friends or spouse work a 40-hour week and want to spend time with you!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Abigail Saalfrank Photography?
My name is Abigail, Obviously, but feel free to call me Abbey. I am a Midwest-based wedding photographer and have been a part of the wedding industry for nearly a decade. I have photographed nearly 200 amazing couples across multiple states.
I only take 20-25 weddings a year, so I can give each couple the time and focus you deserve. You are not just 1 or 50 couples to me, which is why I pride myself on truly taking the time to get to know you, so I can create that unique experience for each couple who hires me.
This causes every wedding experience to look a little different, but some things are standard with every experience. This includes two photographers with every package. I know you want every little detail photographed, and you should not have to pay extra for that. This also includes that my gallery delivery time is 2-3 weeks, which is half the industry standard because I don’t want you to be waiting on your gorgeous photos. The final thing that will always be standard is the Abigail Saalfrank bridal guide. A 100-page planning resource that I deliver to all of my couples after booking because let’s be honest, I know the ins and outs of the industry, so any help I can offer you, I want to!
Just know, you are not only getting a photographer, but you are also getting a dress fluffer, boutonniere pinner, a personal cheerleader and so much more.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Set your work-life boundaries early on! I was so focused on getting my business to what it is today that I often neglected myself and my life outside of work!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abigailsaalfrank.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/abigailsaalfrankphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/abigailsaalfrankphotography
