Vendor Spotlight on Abbie Mae Photography in San Antonio, Texas

Tell us about your business!

Hey yall! My name is Abbie Clinton, Mae is my middle name so hence the business name of Abbie Mae Photography. I established AMP in winter of 2014, starting with any session I could get my hands on.

Now, I stick to the lovey dovey stuff with weddings and engagements, still with little stuff in between. I’m currently based out of San Antonio, Texas, but my favorite thing to do is travel.

What led you to wedding photography?

It’s kind of a strange story actually. In the summer of 2014, I worked for a well-known photographer in Los Angeles as his personal assistant. I was in charge of doing and everything for him, but never thought I’d be doing things that had to do with photography.

Soon enough, I was editing photo shoots and designing wedding albums. He told me I had an eye for this photography thing, so one day I went home and picked up our family camera. The next couple of months I played with it and realized I could actually do something with this skill, so I started pursuing it. Now almost two years later, I love it more than ever.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?

I think the atmosphere and emotions keep me passionate. I’ve always been the kind of person who has been obsessed with love. I love the smiles it brings to my face when you start to capture a beautiful couple that radiate love.

I admire their affection towards one another and it gives me chills. First looks always will have a special place in my heart; they are my favorite part of a wedding day.

How long have you been in the wedding business?

I have only been in the business for about a year and a half.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere in everyday life. A location that makes me smile when I see pretty greens and a gorgeous sun. A couple that can stop time and everything around them to take in what is occurring at that very moment. The style and details of every photo shoot that I do. I really look for natural and organic because that’s what I want my images to resonate with.

What should couples know before looking for a photographer?

As a wedding photographer, but an event planner for my full time job, I always think that wedding coordinators are a very good resource to have on your wedding day. I also think that having an idea of budget before talking with your vendors is a very good idea.

Make a list of the vendors you need and make a list (1,2,3) on who’s most important to have on your special day. You will then get an idea of where most of your budget should go. Always be able to befriend your photographer. They are with you for most of the pre planning, your wedding day, and the after. You want to have someone you can put trust in and be able to talk with and give them an idea of what you want.

What questions should couples be asking that they don’t know to ask?

Anything and everything. I always say there are no stupid questions in wedding planning. This is your big day and you want everything to be as perfect as can be.

What sets you apart in your industry?

I think my personality plays a big part in my wedding photography business. I treat my clients like they are my best friends. I’m always there for them and answering any questions they may have. I’m their biggest supporter and have the joy of hanging with them for 90% of their wedding day. My clients are the sole reason I do what I do; I love meeting new people all the time.

Outside of wedding photography, tell us about yourself!

This may take some of you as a shock, even though I mentioned it above! I’m actually an event planner on the side of wedding photography. I work for Marriott and it was my first real adult job after graduating college at The University of Alabama. I’m 22 years old and originally from California, but have lived in Alabama and now Texas.

I’m a tad obsessed with dogs, ok, like really obsessed, and I am a certified scuba diver. Every morning I have one cup of vanilla Donut Shop coffee from my Keurig and I get an afternoon cup from Starbucks around 2pm. I’m a planner, so everything is always written down (my desktop calendar, my iphone, and my portable calendar that literally goes everywhere with me). I love making new friends and traveling to new places.

What is your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?

Talk about it with one another. Don’t let one person (the bride, usually) take the reigns of everything. This is a day that is special to the both of you so make sure you are both in on it. Work out the quirks. Planning can be a stressful process, but remember why you’re doing it; You’re getting married!

What was the most memorable wedding you ever worked, and why?

I always have this thing where the last wedding I shot was my favorite, because I’m constantly learning and getting better at things I could’ve missed at the last wedding. I think the most memorable wedding was Caitlin & Ryan’s this summer, because they have been lifetime family friends and it was special seeing them tie the knot. It was also my first destination wedding.

Where can we find you?

I just love social media and would love to connect with you. You call follow me on Instagram at @abbiemaephotography and find me on facebook at facebook.com/abbiemaephotography. abbiemaephoto.com Come on over and join the fun!