I'm a film and digital wedding and portrait photographer living in the town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. My husband, James and son Shepherd are my greatest blessings. They are constant reminders to me why being a photographer is such a blessing.
I'm so honored you're here. Let me introduce myself.
about Abby Bates photography
Do what you love, and lot's of it.
I married my best friend on November 18, 2017. It was the most perfect day. James is my rock. He's my biggest encourager and truly my greatest friend. We have a sweet baby named Shepherd. He's our best little bud.
James actually bought me my first camera for my 21st birthday. I started shooting UA graduation sessions and quickly fell in love with photography and decided to create a business. I shot my first wedding in 2017 and loved every second of it. Since then, I have shot over 125 weddings and have been full time for nearly 7 years.
We currently live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with our golden doodle, Coast. We love traveling and on weekends when I'm not shooting we love going camping!
Hello, I'm Abby
Thank you for allowing me to document your story
I want to walk alongside you through your engagement season. Be there for you and cheer you on as you enter into this beautiful thing called marriage.
A photographer's role on your wedding day is an important one. It could be argued that your wedding day photographer will be the most important vendor you hire. Your marriage and your images are all you will have left after that day comes and goes. Which is why I know this investment is a significant one. I also know that the connection between you and I is equally as important.
On your beautiful wedding day, I will arrive as you and your girls get hair and makeup done. I'll be with you throughout the entire rest of the day. Usually I am the last one you see as I stick my head in the exit car for one final shot. This is why I believe you and I should be more than just a simple transaction.
As a Mother of the bride, you want your daughter to feel special and beautiful on her wedding day. Abby did just that.
From a mother of the bride
Our goldendoodle, Coast.
004. NUMber four
Traveling the world and experiencing new places with my little fam.
003. NUMber three
My greatest gift, my son, Shepherd Kemp Bates.
002. number Two
My best friend, encourager and partner for life, James.
001. NUMber one
favorite things
Abby's
get to know Abby better
Chianti
005. drink of choice
Trash TV
004. guilty pleasure
Sleep, lol
003. can't live without
Be kind, always
002. Best advice
Venice, Italy
001. favorite city
It was my 21st birthday and James surprised me with a new camera! I think it was a Canon Rebel T7. I had been telling him how I really wanted a hobby, a craft. Photography was the first thing that came to mind. James was already pretty familiar with photography, so he showed me the ropes. He taught me how to use it and encouraged me to challenge myself and learn more about it. I was attending the University of Alabama at the time, so I offered to take graduation photos for seniors that spring. I shot over 30 sessions from March to May! It was the most fun I had in a long time and I realized that this could be more than just a hobby.
March, 2016
June, 2016
I shot my very first wedding. Between March and June I invested in quality gear and education on how to be a better photographer. I booked my first wedding through word of mouth and showed up so excited and anxious. I remember leaving that wedding day being so exhausted and equally happy. I found something I loved and something I was good at. I loved getting to be there for those big and small moments. I loved getting to be a fly on the wall during such a special day. I knew I need to continue with this dream.
May, 2017
Owning a photography business can take time. It doesn't happen overnight. I got my first "big girl", 9-5 job out of college. I had just graduated from the University of Alabama. I was still shooting grads often and a few weddings here and there. I started working at a company I didn't love, but paid the bills. I knew my goal and dream was to do photography full time. My husband (fiancé at the time) and I were planning our own wedding for November 18, 2017. I was loving being a bride-to-be while also photographing other sweet brides.
January, 2018
Abby Bates Photography went FULL TIME! I announced my business rebrand and was let go from my steady, 9-5 job the next day.. It was one of the scariest things I went through, but so rewarding in the end. At the time, I had 5 weddings booked for that year and a handful of grad sessions. James was so encouraging and was my biggest cheerleader. He encouraged me to just go for it. So I did! I poured everything into turning a side gig into a full time business. I ended my first full time year with 17 weddings and over 100 portrait sessions!
January, 2024
Six years later, over 125 weddings, 500+ portrait sessions, gallons of coffee and countless late night editing sessions, Abby Bates Photography is still thriving. I am so honored to be a full time wedding and portrait photographer. It truly is an honor to walk alongside couples as they plan for their special day. I love getting to watch wedding days unfold. Being able to freeze little moments in time is such a special gift I get to give my clients. I'll never take for granted the privilege of being a wedding photographer.
Wondering how I got to where I am today? Here's a look at the past eight years. It's been a long and wonderful journey.