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

Hi Abby, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is something I am immensely passionate about, not because I am a career driven person, but because my family is the most important thing to me 100% of the time. The interesting thing about that is that my passion for my family actually makes my career even more important. I went to school for accounting, so I’ve (very briefly) lived the life of an employee who works 11 hour days six days a week. That was before I got married and had kids, but I immediately knew I couldn’t have the family that I desperately wanted with that kind of career. Thankfully, being a photographer and my own boss now allows me to set my own schedule. I can be with my family for all of the important events while also having a career that I absolutely love! I can sit at the table for breakfast and dinner with my husband and kids every single day, and between those meals, I get to dive into the career that puts that food on the table!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I remember the first time I got excited about photography was when I was in probably 5th grade. My family and I were on a long car ride home from visiting family, and I was sitting in the back seat snapping photos through the car window on my parents’ point-and-shoot digital camera. We were going through the rural Midwest, so I got what I thought were really great shots of fields, railroad tracks, and Amish buggies. Years later, a family friend hired me to take their family photos and I thought it was so fun! I photographed families, seniors, and weddings here and there, but it wasn’t until after I started having kids that I realized it could actually be my primary source of income. Of course, trying to build a business while also raising a family was a lot harder than it would have been if I had jumped into it years ago, but changing your mindset to believe in yourself when you’ve always thought you needed a traditional job is a huge obstacle that I think causes a lot of creatives to put off their dreams. It’s never too late, but it’s also never too early!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Believe it or not, I’m actually a huge introvert who doesn’t go out much. I talk a lot with my clients, so when I’m not working, I stay home a lot. I do have some favorite spots though!

Favorite place to eat: El Charro Mexican Grill in Cartersville. During 2020 when they were delivering, my husband and I ordered dinner from there so often that they knew our order and address as soon as they saw my phone number!

Favorite places for coffee: Noble and Main or Southern Muggs (both in Cartersville). I love taking my laptop to work and sip some coffee.

Favorite places to go (with kids): We love Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium! It’s a hit every time for the entire family!

Day trip: Love a weekend in the north Georgia mountains! Dahlonega is a favorite with the best hiking and strolling through the square. We usually end up at Picnic Cafe for dessert or Jethro’s for coffee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am without my family! My mom is so gracious with her time. She watches my kids while I work and showers them with love and care! I wouldn’t get anything done without her help. My dad encouraged me to buy my first camera and he was even my (unpaid) second shooter at my very first wedding 8 years ago! And of course my husband, who has always been so supportive of me in every way. I wouldn’t have had the courage to build my business into what it is today without him.

Website: https://www.abbyqphotography.com

Instagram: @abbyqphotography

Facebook: Abby Q Photography

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