Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Stevens.
Hi Abby, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had a natural love for art and creating. During my senior year of high school, I joined the yearbook team, and my mom gifted me my very first DSLR camera for a mission trip. From that moment on, I discovered how deeply I connected with people through portrait photography.
I photographed my first wedding in 2018 and have since had the honor of serving over 70 couples. Over the years, I’ve refined my client experience, intentionally incorporating tangible heirloom keepsakes so my couples don’t just receive digital images—they walk away with printed memories they can hold, display, and treasure for years!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Haha, nope, but I wouldn’t trade the journey.
Building a photography business while balancing a full-time job has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. You’re not just the artist; you’re also the creative director, marketer, social media content creator, accountant, and customer service rep. Learning how to balance the art I love with the administrative side of running a business has been one of the biggest challenges.
After 2020, the industry shifted quickly. There was a wave of new photographers entering the space, and it pushed me to really define what makes my work and client experience different. There were (and sometimes still are!) seasons of comparison, self-doubt, and wondering if I was “doing enough.”
But those struggles refined me. They helped me get clear on who I love serving: clients who value sentimentality, who want to celebrate their milestones intentionally, and who see photography as more than just a transaction. Getting in front of the right people has become less about competing and more about alignment.
It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful! 💛
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Abby Joy Studio is a Greenville, SC photographer specializing in sentimental, milestone-driven photography for couples and brands who value preserving life’s most meaningful moments! From proposals and engagements to weddings and personal branding, we document each season with a blend of candid storytelling and refined, guided posing to capture authentic joy.
What sets our brand apart is the intentional, full-service experience we create beyond the camera. We believe memories deserve more than a digital folder, which is why we guide clients through a personalized reveal session and serve them through heirloom albums and custom-framed artwork designed to live in their homes for generations.
We’re known for creating a calm, organized experience while keeping sessions joyful and personal. Whether coordinating a surprise proposal or thoughtfully planning a branding session, we’re deeply involved so our clients feel supported every step of the way.
At its heart, Abby Joy Studio is about connection, legacy, and helping people celebrate and cherish the seasons that shape their story.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Greenville is how alive and entrepreneurial it feels. There’s such a strong community of small business owners and creatives here, and I genuinely enjoy supporting local shops, restaurants, and fellow entrepreneurs. That energy is inspiring to be around; it pushes me to grow and serve my clients well.
I’m constantly exploring the city with my couples, whether we’re visiting my go-to photo spots or discovering somewhere new together. I love that I can recommend a favorite date-night restaurant or suggest a local event to turn their session into an experience!
I also appreciate how centrally located we are. Within a short drive, we have access to the mountains for scenic sessions or the coast for something completely different. It gives my clients beautiful variety without having to travel far.
If I had to name a least favorite thing, it would be how quickly the city is growing. With growth comes more traffic and busier locations, but it’s also a sign that Greenville is thriving, which I’m thankful to be a part of.
Pricing:
- Session fee for portrait sessions: $299
- Full-service session investment: starts at $1k
- Weddings: start at upper $5k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abbyjoystudio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/abbyjoystudio
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/abbyjoystudio
