Daily Inspiration: Meet Abby Shepard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Shepard.

Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path into photography really began in college, even though I did not recognize it at the time. I studied graphic design and environmental science, and while I was drawn to visual storytelling and the natural world, I did not actually pick up a camera until after graduation. Looking back, those two interests would eventually merge and shape my career in photography.

After college, I accepted an internship at a state park in Delaware working as a naturalist. Just before starting, I bought my first DSLR simply because I thought it would be enjoyable to photograph the park and its landscapes. Very quickly, I fell in love with both the park and photography. I began documenting the programs and events I was leading and became increasingly interested in how photography could be used to tell the park’s story.

During that internship, I asked my supervisor about starting an Instagram account for the park. While that was not approved, I was invited to contribute to the Facebook page instead. Within a few weeks, I was fully managing the page and regularly sharing the photographs I created. When my internship concluded, I was offered a position in the central marketing office for the entire Delaware State Park system. In that role, I managed social media across all parks and produced a wide variety of imagery, including landscapes, events, staff, visitors, and marketing campaigns.

Part of my responsibilities involved promoting wedding venues within the parks, which led me to plan and photograph staged wedding shoots throughout the state. Around this time, people began asking me to photograph them outside of my job, and that momentum eventually led me to launch my own photography business. I photographed my first wedding in 2017 and naturally gravitated toward outdoor celebrations, reflecting my deep connection to nature. I spent five and a half years with the park system, beginning as an intern and ultimately leaving as Chief of Marketing and Creative.

In November 2021, I moved to Boulder, Colorado, and made the decision to pursue photography full-time. I am now in my fifth year as a full-time photographer, and I genuinely love what I do. I have had the honor of photographing weddings and elopements throughout Colorado, across the country, and internationally.

Photography has completely transformed my life. It has opened doors to remarkable experiences, pushed me creatively and professionally, deepened my appreciation for the natural world, and introduced me to so many wonderful people along the way.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Both yes and no. In the beginning, running my photography business felt relatively simple. I had a full-time job that I genuinely enjoyed, and photography existed as something I pursued on the side. That dynamic shifted when I relocated to Colorado. My original plan was not to become a full-time photographer right away. I had accepted a full-time position with a marketing agency and expected to continue growing my photography work gradually.

Once I started, it became clear that the role was not the right fit for me. After about three months, I made the difficult decision to step away and commit to photography full-time. Looking back, it was absolutely the right choice, but at the time, it felt incredibly uncertain. I was new to the state, still building connections, and only had a handful of weddings booked in Colorado.

A challenging breakup not long after the move added another layer of difficulty, making that first year feel especially intense. Despite the uncertainty and personal challenges, the experience ultimately reinforced that I had made the right decision. Now, 4 years later, I am still photographing weddings full-time, fully settled, and truly enjoying my life and work in Colorado.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I primarily photograph weddings and elopements, though I also take on commercial projects and still do some landscape and wildlife photography. Within weddings, I believe my style stands out for its emphasis on bright, true-to-life colors and authentic emotional moments. One of the most common pieces of feedback I receive from couples is that the people in my images look genuinely joyful and present, and that the colors feel vivid yet natural.
I also place a strong focus on composition, creating photographs that feel balanced between the couple and their surroundings rather than treating the landscape as just a backdrop. Working with natural light is a central part of my approach, and I enjoy using it in ways that add dimension, energy, and atmosphere to the final images.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the most important quality behind my success is genuinely caring about people. In my opinion, to be a great wedding photographer, you have to truly love weddings and love serving others. If you don’t, burnout is almost inevitable. Physically taking photos is actually only a small fraction of the job. Much of my role revolves around supporting my couples, guiding them, encouraging them, helping them feel at ease, advocating for their needs, and doing everything I can to create an incredible experience for them. That human connection is at the heart of everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abbyshepardphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby.shepard.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyShepardPhoto/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/5675cc052eb7d702f524316abc11c5/

Image Credits
All photos by me