When starting up my business 5 years ago today, I never thought it would go any further than just being a part time thing. No more than just something to do on the weekends and in my spare time. I always wanted it to be my full time job, but I just never thought it would ever happen. I have learnt so much and gained so many new skills. My equipment has grown and I now have a studio filled with beautiful props that I never thought I’d have.
Before doing Photography full time I worked in a cafe whilst I was at school. Once I left school, I didn’t have a clue what to do. I loved photography, but never thought I could make it work as a full time thing. I started working my cafe job full time. I would work loads and save up to buy new things for photoshoots. I’d buy blankets, baby baskets and eventually cameras and lenses. I needed that cafe job to be able to be in the position I’m in now. I only left that job in January this year after working there for 8 years. I was told I’d have to work every weekend which I knew would affect my business. So the only option I was given was to leave, which I did! Long story short (and many stressful cries lol) I decided it was time to see how far I could really push myself and thank god I did! 🥰
I have so many thank you’s to hand out and my number one has thank you has to be to my Boyfriend, Luke. He has been my number one fan throughout this whole journey, forever pushing me to come out of my comfort zone and to really push myself. He encouraged me to start AWP and I honestly have him to thank for everything. He’s not only my number one fan, but he is also the designer behind all of my branding for AWP (the perks of having a Graphic Designer for a Boyfriend 😅). So thank you Luke, thank you thank thank you. Another huge thank you to my Family for the endless amount of support and obviously all of my lovely clients that I have met over these past 5 years. The ones when I first started out, to my current clients. I have met some amazing families and have made some incredible friends from doing this. It’s been so lovely to connect with so many other businesses and others who are in the same position as me. It can be tough being self employed, trying to figure out everything on your own so being able to talk to others via Instagram/Facebook is just the best.
I can honestly say I have the best job ever! Being able to photograph your newborn at only a few days old, to photograph your babies 1st birthday cake smash, capture your family in the Bluebells, whatever it is that I can photograph for you, means the world to me and I absolutely love it! There are so many special moments in life and taking photographs are so important. Especially in years to come when you dig out the photo box and it’s filled with endless memories that’ll put a smile on your face.
I can’t wait for what’s to come in the next 5 years and I can’t wait to meet so many more amazing people and make so many more friends. Thank you to all the likes, shares and word of mouth recommendations. It really does mean the world to me.
THANK YOU
Abbie xx