Mr. and Mrs. Puckett

The best thing about Carmen and Gage was they wanted a stress free day and they achieved it better than any couple I’ve ever photographed. They turned traditional upside down and here’s how. They opted out of a bridal party and instead got ready with close friends and family around, but with less chiffon and boutonnieres. Carmen said nah to a traditional bouquet and instead carried a clutch, so smart right?! They originally wanted to have their ceremony on the stairs at Palladium in Carmel IN, but turns out there was a graduation that moved us just to the side in the garden area which was just as pretty! They didn’t fuss over ceremony music or programs but instead gathered up their family and friends and did the dang thing! The reception followed at Sun King Brewery, cocktail style and the pizza they served hit the freaking spot! Peep their day below! They killed it!

Warren Dunes and Babes

My neighbor asked me, “who were those exotic looking people you took photos of recently?” I immediately knew it was Amanda and Austin. We met for the first time at the dunes and they freaking made dreams come true. Amanda is the most self confident, spontaneous and down for whatever person I’ve ever met and her Jesus looking boyfriend Austin was also there along for the ride. Basically they were a match made in heaven and a photographers dream. We ran out of breath hiking up the dunes, frolicked through the cold beach water, took shots of whiskey and got sand in some not so pleasant places. Magic basically, that’s what we did. Peep these steamy babes below!

Frolicking into mentor sessions like…

I always love meeting people that jump full force into their dreams. They have that no fear attitude and are ready to go full force into something they really feel pulled to do. Meet Natasha. She owns Natasha Renae Photography. She’s an artist and such an incredible human being. She reached out a month or so ago about one of the mentor sessions I offer. She traveled to me from the Indianapolis/Avon area and freaking killed her mentor session. We got the opportunity to work with two sets of couples and it was serious magic.

My favorite thing after these sessions are seeing the photos from the night that each mentee has done. I woke up this morning tagged in her previews and you guys. Holy whoa! I’ve tagged her social media handles below so you can go check them out and show her all the love!

I’m an open book during these sessions and love connecting with each and every person I get to experience these sessions with. I love being a part of their journey as they continue being bad asses. I love that we become a small community, friends and collaborators. I love seeing people freaking go for it. Peak my previews below and make sure to visit Natasha on her social pages!

“I have a history of not asking for help and feel like I should “figure it out” on my own – why? Beats me. Abbey 100% took me under her wing and shared all the knowledge and truth bombs (like I should NOT do this alone 😂) and I am forever changed.”

-Natasha  

Models: Adrienne + Wade and Jess + Adam, Venue: Progreen Garden Center, Welcher home, Social Media: Abbey Elaine Photography @abbeyelainephotography and Natasha Renae Photography @natasha.renae.photography

BoomShakaLaka Workshop!

You guys, it went down Sunday!! Cait, Cait Morgan Photography, and I teamed up to mentor some crazy amazing gals in our first every BoomShakaLaka Workshop! It was truly the best girl gang we could have ever asked for. We loved educating them and giving them the confidence to use their cameras. Even more so we loved empowering them to just go for it, to kick off the dust on their cameras and take epic photos. We can’t wait to see the magic they create with these baby models!!

Are you interested in a workshop? Let us know by commenting!

Sammi // 2019 //NMHS Senior

You guys, seniors this year have been killing it! They make me want a redo senior year as far as style goes that’s for sure. Sammi was freaking fire as we wondered the urban streets our small town has to offer. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to shoot and she even brought her son, Koda, along whom also had epic style. Peep her session below!

Mentor Sessions had me like…

“We live in such a selfish society. People believing that the world revolves around them or owes them something. That there’s not enough room at the table for everyone; therefore, her success diminishes my own. Yes, this experience was centered around photography, but it ended up being so much more than that. As we weaved the ins and outs of camera settings, location selection, posing, editing, and my technological inefficiencies I became very aware that I held a spot at Abbey’s table. And for that confidence boost, I am so incredibly grateful!”

-Ashley Leader, Mentee/Boss Babe

I recently rolled out the big news that I was going to start offering mentor sessions. I honestly sat on this idea for awhile, wondering why would anyone would want to learn from me? Second guessing my craft and deciding whether or not my knowledge was valuable for others. Then I thought, heck! At the very least I could pass along some confidence to others to really go for it, to start investing in them. Learn how to connect with their clients and pull out that emotional side of people that allows them to be vulnerable with you.  I learned so much when I interned, when I did hands on photography and wanted to give that opportunity to others who are wanting to better their craft and straight have a dang good time learning!

Ashley messaged me pretty much right away after I posted about these on social media and I couldn’t have had the most rad time with her. She was everything I hoped a mentee would be that would take on these sessions. We started off the day talking business, editing scenarios and then hopped on over to a live session. My personal favorite part! You guys, we had the best weather and two of my fave models to work with. The cool thing is, you don’t become a stranger after the day is over. Ashley and I have texted back and forth screen shots of our photos we took day of and she even popped in a few days later, during an editing day for me, just to see what I thought of some work she was working on. Not only will you walk away with some further confidence to do some magical work, but you’ll gain a community! Here’s some photos of mine taken during our session. I’m super stoked for future mentor sessions and to see Ashley’s images beautifully showcased in her portfolio!

Here’s to rad people and to sharing the love! 

Deadman’s Cove with the Baumgardners

Funny story, I rolled up right beside a car I thought held Kiyana and Dregan (yes, they have the coolest names) and yelled, not whispered, YELLED “Yall here to get some pics taken?!” Long story short it wasn’t them, that wasn’t their car and that was really awkward, but also really funny so here we are! I eventually located them and we hiked all over Deadman’s Cove. Going against the better judgement of the park ranger. We then headed up to the Cape Disappointment lighthouse where I about died from lack of oxygen, but we had the best views. Peep their engagement session below. In a later post I’ll tell their wedding story!

Monnett – Maternity

Morgan and I have known each other for awhile now, but she has semi recently joined AEP as my assistant and holy wowza I don’t know what I’d do without her. It all started when we had a brief conversation during one of her family sessions. She mentioned that she could totally be my assistant if I felt like I needed one. I didn’t know what I was missing in my life until she came in and showed me. You guys, I was a hot mess. I still am, but I’m a better hot mess version because of her ha!

I love her family so much. Lyla comes into the studio when Morgan works and she’s kind of become my little buddy. I’ve noticed her opening up to  me and I’ve gotten to know her sassy quirkiness throughout the few months they’ve been helping me out! She’s so dang smart y’all. Like I can’t deal with how smart she is. It’s going to be amazing to see her interact with her little brother.

Also, can I just shout out Brandon real quick? I know he gets to hear all of my ups and downs in this crazy owning my own business world when I’m corresponding with Morgan and he is such a trooper! He even talks things out and provides ideas when we are in a bind. I promise, okay I’ll try, not to text during dinner time and have Morgan break her own rules Brandon!

Peep their magical maternity/ family session below!

Styled, Part I

I think the biggest thing I’ve cherished this last year is meeting some super rad genuine people within my small town. I moved away when I went to college near Chicago, did a small stint in Maryland for a few months and ultimately came home to grow my adult roots. My small town will always be my home base, even when I’m coming and going. I’ve loved watching creatives in this humble town of ours come together and create.

Speaking of rad locals. This styled shoot was a dream come true and I couldn’t have made it happen on my own. Lavender and Hops Style Lounge, Vanessa Nicole Planning and Events  and I dreamed up the initial more simplistic idea of a husband and wife styled shoot. Turns out we are extra and wanted to involve three gal models instead and my crazy idea of incorporating livestock (more of that in part II).

Sometimes things just kind of fall together. Jessica’s On Main recently opened their bridal dress boutique and to say we were excited about incorporating their dresses into the shoot would be and understatement. Pam and her team were incredible to work with and the dresses OH MY LORD!

Peep the magic below.

Contact my gals for your wedding or if you just want to treat yo’ self!

Hair and Makeup: Lavender and Hops Style Lounge

Coordinating and Planning: Vanessa Nicole Planning and Events

Flowers provided by: Just Because Flowers, Gifts and More

Wedding Gowns: Jessica’s On Main

Models: Jade Hogan, Hannah Bartley, Samantha Pesich

The Sun Came Out Today

The sun came out today. We finish up treatment tomorrow!