Meet Abigail Strickland | Photographer & Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abigail Strickland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigail, what are you inspired by?
Often, I have found myself inspired by the moments that have happened in my life, which I have not seen visibly represented in the media or honestly portrayed on TV. I am inspired by the experiences I have had, which I have heard no one talk about with raw emotion. After the death of my older brother, I remember sitting at the funeral home and picking out his casket with my parents and sister. There were moments within that visit that made me think, “Wow. No one talks about this experience, nor prepares you. Will anyone be able to empathize with me regarding this?” I thought about how every movie I see where a family member passes, and how they always skip from the death almost straight to the funeral. The in-between moments never make it to the big screen, yet those moments I had never seen displayed were the most painful for me. The in-between moments contribute significantly to the pain that grieving families experience, so instead of trying to drown that experience within my mind, I took the most raw moment of that funeral home visit and used it as inspiration for a short film. I strongly believe in capturing the in-between moments that no one talks about or sees, and turning them into art, because I think it helps deepen empathy. After my experience at the funeral home, I have great compassion for others walking through death, and I wanted to share that with others. I think there is beauty and great power in not shying away from these things. I take the same approach within photography as I do within cinema. Where are the moments that no one usually sees? I seek them out even when photographing families and events. I want to find and share them more than anything. It is important to me that I speak honesty and beauty through my work, regardless of whether it is through writing, directing, cinematography, or photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Film & Video Production at the University of West Georgia in December of 2024. I have always been passionate about acting, photography, and the art of filmmaking. I dreamed of being involved in the film industry, but I always thought I had to go to LA to pursue that dream. When the film industry began to boom in Atlanta, I was thrilled and ready to commit to this pursuit fully. When I started my filmmaking studies in college, it became clear to me that film embodied everything I love: photography, cinematography, acting, directing, art direction, and writing. It is the combination of all the art forms I enjoy. It was not long before I realized that I found the most joy and fulfillment behind a camera, and Maddie Cobb, my greatest collaborator and close friend, allowed me to serve as the Director of Photography for her narrative short films. I have enjoyed creating as the Cinematographer for many films since then, as well as writing and directing my narrative short, “Her Brother’s Burden,” and winning awards such as “Best Cinematography” at the UWG Film Races twice in a row. 
The genre of film I enjoy creating the most is realism, exploring how our past experiences and the most painful and beautiful moments of our lives shape us. I enjoy isolating certain moments and experiences that have yet to get much screen time, focusing on the in-between moments in life that are often neglected in conversation and media. The most fulfilling films for me to work on are character studies and stories that evoke empathy. I enjoy creating films that make you care about an experience you’ve never had and develop compassion and love for a type of person you’ve never gotten to know. I enjoy seeking stories that humanize the people society often seems to see as less than or villainize. I feel most rewarded when I can use the camera and lighting to convey powerful stories, such as these. I believe that the intention behind the camera, particularly in character-driven stories, can either hinder or enhance such intimate and personal narratives.
Since graduating and throughout college, I have also enjoyed taking on lifestyle photography and studio work. I have begun doing photography professionally and am building a business that is flexible and provides me with its own set of opportunities when between film sets. As a Director of Photography, it is essential to keep the director’s vision at the forefront of your mind and use your expertise, knowledge, and ideas to bring it to life, enriching it without detracting from it. I enjoy bringing this idea into photography and videography, whether it’s lifestyle or commercial. I want to know what my clients envision so that I can make decisions that cater to their dream photos, their personality, and their brand, not just mine.
A more generalized important lesson I have learned is to seek after progression, not perfection. I have learned to prioritize the heart behind the project I am creating and do it to the absolute best of my ability. It is important for me to remain detail-oriented, but not to the point where perfectionism causes me to lose my grip on the vision. The truth is, my next project might be more “perfect” than the one I am completing now, but each project is a part of the journey to the greatness of the next. I can not let the areas where I see “imperfections” or room for growth stop me from continuing to progress and create.
This journey has not always been easy, and one of my biggest trials came right before the start of my senior year, when my older brother passed away. I felt crushed and broken, as if all the light had left me. Still, I did not let my heart lead, as I knew deep down that continuing into the next semester and pursuing my art would be the best thing for me. I went on to start my senior capstone film 2 months after my brother passed, and I channeled my grief into writing and directing a short film inspired by family and the bond I shared with my brother. It was difficult and at times gut-wrenching, but crafting that film was healing and is what I believe to be one of my most powerful and thought-provoking works of art yet. It was during those few months of writing, planning, and filming my narrative short, “Her Brother’s Burden,” that I discovered the depth of my love for filmmaking. If I can create in my most profound sorrow with great passion and momentum, I am confident that I can pursue this passion for the rest of my life.
Above all, I want people to know that my passion for storytelling through filmmaking runs deep. I aim to refine my craft so that I can assist other filmmakers in crafting meaningful, thought-provoking stories. I strive to maintain a genuine heart behind everything I do. If I am on your set, or if you are a client of mine, your vision is as important to me as my own. This field is truly a beautiful, collaborative one, and each of our personal stories contributes to the art we create together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m an avid coffee drinker, so I’m always on the lookout for great coffee shops. I’m new to the Atlanta area, so a fun itinerary to me (and my close friends) sounds like trying out a variety of different coffee shops! So far, I have enjoyed Bloom Coffee Co. My husband and I are big fans of breakfast and brunch. I would highly recommend Rosie’s Cafe and Atlanta Breakfast Club. Some fun activities for us would include visiting the Atlanta History Museum, the High Museum of Art, and exploring Ponce City Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my late brother, Jacob, who fueled my passion for film from an early age. I would also like to dedicate this to Maddie Cobb, my greatest collaborator and close friend. She always believes in my visions and I believe in hers. She has helped me improve as a filmmaker and supported me through dark days and celebrated with me on some of the brightest. I do not know where I would be on this journey without her support and encouragement. I would also like to thank my new husband for always believing in me and my art. I am glad we are on this journey together.

Website: https://stricklandmedia.net

Instagram: abbyljstrickland

Image Credits
Maddie Cobb

Chrysander Mandragora @mandragora_media

Morgan Rishel