Meet Abigail Giffin of AbbsPhotoCo! | Tips on How to Snap Your Own Self Portraits!
When was the last time that you looked at someone you didn’t know and felt something? I mean, really felt something? Perhaps it was a jolt of awareness which lead you to focus on your chosen subject, or the inkling of a sentiment which left you with the sense that this person is special. Regardless of the exact instance you know that there is something singular about them that stands out from the crowd, from the thousands of whirring people and places that we pass every day. There is a proverbial sign in the road that says, “Stop!” When you do stop, you just know that whoever this person is, and whatever this person does is exuding from within them, calling to the surface. They’re sure of their destiny and you somehow know them without having previously met. You know what what they have to say is worthwhile and that even if for a fleeting moment, they will inspire you tenfold.
“The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them.” - Charles Bukowski
It doesn’t happen every day but when it does happen it feels kismet and like the world is a friendlier place. This is how I felt when I met Abigail (Abbs) Giffin of Abbs Photo Co for the first time. Her courage, romanticism of life, professionalism, and keen artistic acumen was evident from every word that she said and every discovery that we made about each other. She is truly beautiful; one of those free souls that uplifts those around her. She has big dreams and I have the distinct impression that she will conquer them all.
MEET ABIGAIL!
Tell us about yourself and your latest endeavours!
@AbbsPhotoCo: “I’m a photographer and aspiring graphic designer. I’m currently going to Orange Coast College (OCC) majoring in photography and minoring in graphic arts! However, since campus is opening up slowly I’ve been looking at other opportunities to learn such as internships. Lately, I’ve also reached out to several brands hoping to collab so I hope that that’s in my near future.”
What are you grateful for right now, at this moment?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “I’m grateful for my parents. They have been insanely supportive all through covid and are always pushing me to be my best.”
When did you decide to be a photographer? How did you get your start?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “I decided to be a photographer in my sophomore year of high school. I started by taking graduation portraits of the older kids at my school.”
How would you describe your photography style?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “ I would describe my photography style as dreamy and romantic.”
How would you describe your design style? What would you like to be most known for?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “I would like to be known for my editing but also my personality. There’s nothing I want more for my clients than to make them comfortable and beautiful.”
What are you most looking forward to in your career?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “ I think I’m just looking forward to meeting new people and just committing to the industry.”
If you could work on any assignment, of any subject, anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you be doing? Why?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “I want to eventually do event photography. Last year I was supposed to work in England at a Christian music festival called CreationFest to take pictures of the bands, activities, and games there so I still really want to do that. The ambiance at the festival is just so beautiful and positive the idea of capturing people’s joy there is a huge goal of mine.”
What motivates you to continue taking photos?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “My main motivation is nature, to be honest. Anytime I feel not positive about my work or if I am not coming up with good ideas I go and look at creation.”
Your self-portraits are emotional and vivid, do you have any advice on self-portraiture?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “My advice for self-portraits is just to be you and create the concepts that describe YOU. As creators, we tend to try to go with the trends and what other people are doing, but not all the trends are going to cater to our personalities. I found when I do a concept that is maybe a little darker or moodier, I don’t like them because that’s not who I am!! There’s no point in wasting your time on a trend that you know won’t fit your personality or aesthetic.”
When you’re not taking photos, what are you doing?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “I’m usually reading (basic, I know). Right now I’m reading “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen and it’s so good! It’s about capturing your toxic thoughts before spinning out of control.”
You have an eclectic and exceptional taste in music, who are you listening to for summer 2021?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “My summer playlist is all over the place but it mainly has Ariana Grande, Troye Sivan, and Kacey Musgraves, and a pinch of Stevie Wonder!”
Anything else you’d like to add?
@AbbsPhotoCo: “My main advice for anyone is to find editing that YOU LIKE!! I tried so hard for many years to fit into the moodier side of editing and I was hating everything I created. Looking back the shots themselves aren’t bad the editing is just not who I am as an artist.”
How did you like Abbs’ interview?
I feel very fortunate to have met Abigail at such a developmental stage of her life and am excited to see where she goes next. It is a genuine thrill and honor to have collaborated with Abigail, and if you’re in Southern California please hire her for all of your photography and graphic design needs!
Works Cited
Giffin, Abigail. Personal Interview. July 23, 2021.