Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Murphy Stewart.
Hi Abby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for photography, and especially for running a business, has been a constant in my life. Before I picked up a camera, I started businesses as an 8 or 9-year-old. I did everything from painting my friends’ nails to selling crafts at my neighborhood 4th of July parade, to setting up a fundraiser for endangered Giant Pandas! Throughout all of these hobbies I had as a kid, photography stuck. I loved taking photos of my friends and documenting family trips. Looking back, I’m not surprised that I combined my love of photography and running businesses!
In high school, I was lucky enough to have a photography teacher that taught me how to shoot and develop film the old-school way. Through this class, I learned the basics of photography and had so much fun experimenting and learning new techniques. This same teacher encouraged me to apply to art schools, and I eventually landed at Rhode Island School of Design as a photography major.
At RISD, I learned studio lighting techniques, how to critique and talk about photography, how to create a cohesive body of work, and what it takes to become a fine artist or photographer as a career. Before graduating, I knew that I wanted to be a photographer and start my own business photographing lifestyle and editorial work.
I landed internships at Charleston Magazine and with luxury wedding photographer Gayle Brooker after college. At these jobs, I photographed all sorts of stories around the Lowcountry and made connections with established local photographers. Eventually, I felt brave enough to start taking on my own clients, and Abby Murphy Photo was born! For about 2 years, I assisted fellow photographers while taking on my own clients when I could.
At the same time, I started attending women entrepreneur meet-ups and networking events in Charleston. Besides making like-minded friends, I realized there was a need these women had for custom photography to promote their businesses. I am so thankful for these connections and early clients because they are the foundation of my work and why I do what I do!
In 2018, I took the plunge and went full-time in my business. That same year, I launched a film photography print shop of personal work on my website. Since then, I’ve continued to build my business by working with incredibly creative, entrepreneurial business owners on their brand photography. The main service I now provide is brand photography complete with shoot planning and coordination support from me along the way. Many of my clients and I work together for years, so it’s really fun building these relationships over a period of time. It just gets better every year!
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?
There are two periods of time that stand out to me as the hardest (so far at least!). The first period was about a year before I decided to go full-time in my business. I was assisting photographers, working a retail job, and trying to work on my business all at the same time. I was most passionate about my own business, so it was hard to be away from it.
The second period was right after I went full-time (ironic considering that’s all I wanted for a couple of years prior!). There is a lot of fear that comes with devoting yourself to something that isn’t guaranteed. I felt confident that I was busy enough to support myself, but the lack of a regular paycheck is nerve-wracking! I just kept working, learning, and pressing forward. The struggles have always been worth it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a brand photographer, which means I create images for my clients’ businesses for marketing purposes. I primarily work with fellow women entrepreneurs and creative business owners. My favorite clients to work with are artists, designers, and anyone that works with their hands. I’m known for my modern, bright photography style and cheerleader attitude!
I am also a very organized and detail-oriented person, so I put these skills to use in my process with clients. I work with every client to plan their shoot from top to bottom, including things like a shot list, schedule, wardrobe, hair and makeup, props, and locations. I believe that when you’re marketing your business through photography, every detail matters! My clients really appreciate this extra support, because many of them have never planned a brand shoot for their businesses and need guidance.
The thing I’m most proud of in my work is that I help fellow minority business owners grow their businesses and passions. There has been a huge explosion of women-owned businesses in the past 10 years, but we still need each other to make up for lost time and opportunities. I take pride in the fact that I can play a small role in supporting others like me, and that we can grow together.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people that helped me get where I am today! First and foremost, my family. They always supported me in attending art school and following my dream to start a business. Next up has to be my now-husband, who started dating me the year I started my business. He’s seen me go through the ups and downs and supported me every step of the way.
I also have to shout out two of my teachers, my high school photography teacher Chris Greenway and my college professor Thad Russel. Mr. Greenway taught me everything about photography and encouraged me to go to Rhode Island School of Design. Thad got me so excited about photography as a medium and taught me how to start an art business.
Gayle Brooker, the wedding photographer I worked with after graduating college, was also a huge support for me as I got settled in Charleston. She taught me so much about how to work hard and create lasting client relationships (she also photographed my wedding!).
I also have to thank all of the incredible women entrepreneurs I’ve met along the way and my clients. There are too many to name, but I love them all!
Pricing:
- My Signature Brand Shoot packages begin at $1,800
Contact Info:
- Email: abby@abbymurphyphoto.com
- Website: www.abbymurphyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymurphyphoto/
- Other: www.abbymurphyphoto.com/shop
Image Credits
Abby Murphy
