Daily Inspiration: Meet Abby Watkins

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

Hi Abby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started very simple – just a girl and her camera. I spent a few years treating it as a hobby.. just taking photos of my kids and family, and really enjoying it. Until one day my husband mentioned that I should take it a step further if it’s something I desired, and voila! My business was started (well.. it wasn’t THAT easy, but for sake of not giving you a novel, we’ll just say it was). Like any photographer, you start out building your portfolio, getting to know what part of photography excites you, then it just grows from there. I have been so very fortunate to have developed my business very organically – between word of mouth, and incredible opportunities that I have been able to experience, it has been such a fun ride.

Today I have been in business for just about 15 years. I am a published, licensed, award winning, insured, and certified professional photographer (wow! That’s a lot of verbs).

I am the head of creative photography for Parker City Lifestyle magazine, as well as Castle Rock City Lifestyle, and have been featured in Centennial City, as well as Highlands Ranch. I have been published with Boston Children’s hospital, featured on Discovery +, and have been interviewed on local news channels. Awards include Maternity and Newborn expertise 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, Best of Castle Pines 2024. Best of Portland Newborn Photographer 2019, 2021.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No business is a smooth road, right?! Any adversity, or difficulty I’ve had has been a learning point in my career. I always say that if I’m not learning, I’m not doing it right.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a portrait photographer who focuses on creating images that feel honest, intimate, and emotionally grounded. I like the softness in life, and yet live for the drama in a dynamic photo. While I am a perfectionist in regard to a hair being out of place, or a necklace that’s backwards, or a cell phone in a pocket, my style isn’t. I love capturing people as they truly are, a laugh, a momentary embrace, or even the seriousness that comes with a professional head shots.

I’m most proud of my ability to make my clients feel comfortable and seen during their photoshoot. I love making it easy, and care free. Once my clients show up to their photoshoot, I always tell them that whatever happened until that moment is in the past, and now we get to have fun! It’s my job to take a moment in your life and capture it. I pay close attention to energy, body language, and emotions. I don’t force moments, I make space for them and snag that shot. You never know what’s going on in someone’s life, and it’s so important to be there for them regardless of anything else. Photoshoots can be emotional at times, and some of my clients have been with me for 10-15 years, and we go through a lot of changes together. I don’t take it for granted that I’m a safe place for them.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I work better when I trust myself. Sometimes you can chase trends or what you admire in another photographer, but it’s an art and it’s you that you put out there, and sets you aside from the others. Once I started trusting myself and gaining that confidence, my ability to do what I do best grew tremendously.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abbywatkinsphotography.com
• Instagram: @abbywatkinsphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyWatkinsPhotography/

Image Credits
Abby Watkins Photography, LLC