We had the good fortune of connecting with Abbie Beck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abbie, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important thing I’ve learned throughout my career is that your career path isn’t set in stone – don’t be afraid to make a change! My whole life, my dream career was to work at SeaWorld with dolphins. When I was 28, I accomplished my goal after 20 years of working toward it! At first, it was an absolute dream, and then I had my daughter. Suddenly, 5:00 am start times and 10:30 pm end times were less appealing, and no amount of sea lion kisses could make up for not getting to have any days off with my husband for 2 years in a row. My husband and I talked and prayed about it, and I made the brave decision to say “No” to my lifelong dreams, and start a new career as a photographer! 2.5 years of hard work later, and I’m happier than I ever was at SeaWorld! I make my own schedule, I work with the people I want when I want, I can take a vacation with my family without having to request if off 3 months in advance, and I only have to answer to myself! It turns out that my perfect job wasn’t the one I’d worked toward for 20 years, but the one that I found almost by accident. If I’d dug my heels in and insisted that I had to stay (unhappily) at my job just because I thought I was supposed to be there, I’d be miserable. Because I had the courage to stand up to myself and completely change paths, I’m stronger, independent-er, my own boss, and one happy camper!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a bright and airy, natural light, wedding and family photographer! I’m set apart from others in my area because I have an editing style that’s completely my own, and I bring my animal training background with me to every session! It sounds crazy, but people are a lot like animals, and they respond to the same encouragement and love that animals do! I got to where I am today by diving into starting my own business, working late nights and early mornings around my day job’s schedule, not giving up, and having faith that I was doing what I was meant to! It was a lot of hard work, a lot of no’s, some wonderful and fun yeses, and it was all worth it! I put my heart into this business; it’s a whole lot of me. As a wedding photographer, the most important part of my brand is that I want to strengthen and encourage marriages, not just take pictures of a pretty day. I make it my goal to love on every couple, be a friend and shoulder during times of stress, and keep them laughing with my amazing dad jokes (that are included free with every wedding package)!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, well, as a mom of 3 small kids, my best time ever is getting a free 3 hours anytime and anywhere, not some place special! That being said, my favorite places to eat are Hard 8 BBQ, Hutchin’s BBQ, & Two Guys From Italy! I love getting to walk around the Shops of Legacy and get some fresh air. The Dallas World Aquarium is absolutely beautiful, the Dallas and Ft. Worth Zoos are fabulous, and Whirlyball is a great time no matter what kind of mood you’re in!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hannah Droll of Hannah Charis Photography (in San Antonio, TX). When I was first looking at photography as a career option, she graciously took the time to sit down with me, talk to me about her business and how she got started, and pointed me toward some amazing resources and mentors! The most amazing part to me was that she encouraged me to go for it, even though it meant I would potentially eat into her client base, and she still encourages me to this day! She truly portrays #communityovercompetition !

Website: www.abbieroadphotography.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/abbieroadphotographytx
Facebook: www.facebook.com/abbieroadphotographytx

Image Credits
All photographs taken by Abbie Beck of Abbie Road Photography

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