Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Rudolph.
Hi Abbie, 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?
After being an elementary teacher for 7 years. I started my photography business back in 2009. Photography had always been a fun hobby for me. I’d been photographing on film since the age of 6! I eventually ended doing it more often and even did it as a 2nd job while I was teaching, but only for minimal income. I never thought it would become my full-time career! After 7 years in a classroom, I felt I needed a change. On May 5th, 2009, I made a decision and never turned back!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a full-time business owner is not for the faint of heart! Of course there have been struggles along the way. Providing enough income to cover your monthly expenses as a single-income household isn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve had to learn a lot about myself, how to stick to my values, and find the confidence to show up authentically online. When I first started marketing my business, there was no social media. So as it grew to be the tool it is today, it was very intimidating to have to show my photographs to everyone online over and over! It was scary to open my art up to public feedback, for sure.
15 years later, I love using my social accounts to share what I create. I’m so proud of what I do!
As you know, we’re big fans of Abbie Takes Pictures. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a professional photographer. For over 10+ years, I specialized in weddings full-time. I shot 6 covers and editorials for St. Louis Bride Magazine, with the most recent issue hitting stands just last week. I now specialize in Branding Photography and have been going that for over 5 years, I help business owners show up authentically online! I help them create imagery & content that is on brand for their business and their own personal brand. I provide branding strategies and social media plans to help use the imagery we create to it’s fullest potential while becoming their content partner.
More than anything, I’m proud of how I help people understand that being in front of a camera isn’t scary or something to avoid. Every single person is photogenic and beautiful. Every human being is photogenic. Everything else you’ve been taught is a lie. You just have to find the right photographer that believes in your beauty. I believe my super power is making anyone and everyone feel comfortable in front of my camera *and* having them react with shock and joy when they see the photos I’ve taken of them. It’s seriously the best feeling in the world.
For my brand, I’m really excited about what’s coming up. I’m launching a new company called Believe In Branding! After serving over 55+ companies and helping the majority of them fine-tune and define their brand, I am excited to offer a framework I’ve created to business owners! With 1-1 work and guidance, we really hone in on what sets them apart from their competitors and how to lean into their own personal story and values. We pinpoint and define a lot about their business and then use that information to tell us how to help their business show up stronger and more visibly, online and off. This process helps draw in their dream clientele with incredible results!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is providing a safe, non-judgmental space to everyone I encounter. I feel like the world is so full of judgement & finger-pointing these days and it’s a lot to process. I want to be known for the love and safety I offered to those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AbbieTakesPictures.com
- Instagram: @ abbietakespictures
- Facebook: @ abbietakespictures
- Other: www.BelieveInBrandingSTL.com
