Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Abante.
Hi Rochelle, 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?
For the past 13 years, I have always tried to incorporate photography in my career. When I graduated college during a recession, it was hard to find a well-paying job let alone be a self-employed photographer so I worked retail sales full time to make ends meet.
Somehow, for so many years photography just became a part-time thing and there were so many reasons that held me back. Fear, financial hardship, complacent with working for a company and other business owners, etc. Until one day, I just decided to do something for myself and my career. I made the decision to make my career in photography a priority.
I didn’t just jump into becoming a business owner overnight but I gradually eased myself by working for company’s as a photographer at a photography studio and then at a women’s clothing boutique shooting marketing material, products, and lookbooks while photographing weddings with a few wedding photographers in Austin on the side.
When I got to a point where I was working a lot of weddings, that’s when I left the company I was working for and finally transitioned into having my own business. It definitely was scary but honestly the best decision I’ve made. I didn’t always know that I would be a wedding photographer but I realized throughout my journey that I was good at it. I wanted to continue being better. It’s been hard at times but I love the work that I do, the opportunities I receive, and especially the people I get to meet. Now, I strive to improve my work and continue to connect with others everyday.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not smooth. Only smooth part would of been leaving my full-time job to having my own business. It’s still a struggle to build a solid business with stability. My main struggle continues to be reaching potential clients. Advertising took a toll on me financially. It’s expensive but I thought that would be my main way to be known. When I tried that, I wasn’t getting any opportunities from it and mostly spam. I would get lots of inquiries but no solid leads. Getting my artwork to reach potential clients continues to be a struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional photographer specializing in weddings and portraits. My main priority is to connect with my clients. From months and weeks before the event, i will contact my clients, get to know them and their expectations for their big day, and provide any tips and tricks that can help make their wedding day run smoothly. Rest assure that I will be there, supporting the bride and groom with all their photography needs!
As far as my photography style, it has a vibrant palette that creates a richness to my images. I pay attention to detail and always open to ideas when my clients propose any.
My favorite part when photographing a wedding is capturing the love of the couple and family after the ceremony. Everyone is ready to celebrate and it’s so beautiful to see so much happiness. I love to make taking photos fun by encouraging my clients to interact in ways to get them to naturally laugh and I assist with posing as well especially if couples aren’t sure what to do.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Photography is always evolving. Trying to keep up with technology and upgrades to my equipment will always be a factor in growing my career. Also, now a days anyone can consider themselves as a photographer especially if you have a camera phone. It’s a bit scary but camera phones are taking a lot of photographers’ opportunities away. Businesses feel that they can save cost by doing it themselves instead of hiring a professional.
Overall, my goal is to manage a successful business where customer service is priority and more people are familiar with my work. I hope in 5-10 years that my work continues to improve, I will be traveling, and expanding my services to other cities and countries. I would like to collaborate with other professional photographers from all over the world and one day be published.
Contact Info:
- Email: rochelle@abantephotography.com
- Website: www.abantephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abantephotography/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/abantephotography/
Image Credits
All images created by Rochelle Abante
