With some people you can feel their personality radiating off the pages of their written words. With some photographers you get a real sense of who they are just by looking at their images. I’ve admired Pixie Abbott’s photography and thought I’d gotten a good sense of who this London-born artist and professional photographer of 3.5 years might be, but I have to say that interviewing her was eye opening..she is full of surprises! Recently, Pixie moved from London to Dallas, Texas, with her husband Jake, a professional Rugby player, and their beloved dog, Billie. Pixie is blasting through creative boundaries by challenging herself, living her truth and loving life along the way. All images by Pixie Abbott accompanied by some of her favorite sayings and quotes.

What genre of photography do you photograph? I mainly photograph weddings, families and children. But I give every genre a go…if there’s something to be captured I will photograph it. Most importantly, I love capturing emotions…photography without it bores me.

Are you a self-taught or formally trained photographer, or a bit of both? I am mainly self-taught. I studied graphic design at college and university where I did some photography projects.

Portrait of photographer, Pixie Abbot, by Marshal Gray Photography

In one paragraph, share who Pixie is. An enthusiastic, energetic, vibrant, talkative, active, wild young photographer who loves to express herself through photography and fashion.

What has been your career path? I was a graphic designer for about 3 years where I sat in an office and was bored out of my brain. So, I bought myself a camera and started working in a cafe and nightclubs just to pay the bills, but loved it! Then, I started putting out calls on my facebook page for models; whomever I could get by doing free photoshoots. Then, after accompanying a few local photographers on shoots, I thought to myself “I can do this!” So, I did. I slowly put my price up and worked my socks off. I took a risk and have never looked back. I love every bit of my photography business, including the ups the downs. My job rocks…I get to travel and meet amazing people.

I see from your website that you do destination photoshoots. Where have you traveled so far? Spain, Ireland, Barbados and America including Florida, Texas and parts of California including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Do you have a camera at hand at all times or would you say you set specific time for photography and personal/family time? I always have my camera or my polaroid on me. You never know what you might capture.

What other photographers have influenced you and how have they affected your thinking about photography? Marshal Gray Photography, Claudia Rose Carter Photography, and A Fist Full of Bolts totally inspire me. Their work gives me chills and completely wows me! They help me see the “unseen” by noticing things that I might not have seen. Also, they’ve helped me be more free with my posing.

“I will not be another flower, picked for my beautify and left to die. I will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget.” Erin Van Vuren

Have you attended any photography workshops that really upped your game? The DARE Wedding Photography Workshop with Marshal Gray Photography is totally amazing. I learned not be scared of taking photographs that are unique and different and beautiful…to go with my heart. DARE also inspired me to get up and go for it!

You recently rebranded your business. Why? I have wanted to rebrand for a long time. I felt my old brand didn’t represent where I’m at now.

Tell me a little bit about the process of rebranding. Rebranding was totally inspired by DARE (where I also learned to do everything with excellence) and also by moving to America, which gave me time to think and take things slowly. I’m the most impatient person…I want everything NOW, and, because of that, I rush things. I worry if I take too much time I will be missing out on something. So, my New Year’s resolution for 2016 was to take a year to decide who I want to be as a photographer and really focus on my rebranding. I started designing my product packaging recently and it totally rocks. I want my packaging to be really creative and have a ‘wow factor’ and to express who I am. I did all the drawings myself…I’ve always loved feathers so I included them in my logo.

How do you process your images? I use Photoshop for retouching, but primarily I use Lightroom…it’s amazeballs!!!

What is one of the most exciting photoshoots you’ve ever photographed? Photographing a wedding in Las Vegas. When the couple contacted me off the internet I jumped at the chance. The day was just amazing. The light, the scenery, and the graffiti on the walls (which I love by the way) just rocked. It was totally amazing and I learnt so much. I actually cried on the way home because I felt so lucky to have had the experience.

What is your dream photography experience? Photographing a wedding on a mountain cliff with the wind blowing and views for miles…where the couple is covered in tattoos and the groom has a big bushy beard. There would be lots of feathers and teepees, big bonfires, and wild flowers. I could go on and on…

Why do you think your clients hire you to take their photos? Because they like my work and I go above and beyond on their wedding day to make it perfect. I’m also pretty easy to get along with and I’m quite fun!

What turns you on creatively? What turns you off? Creatively I’m turned on by views from outside my windows, people, the soft light at the end of the day and natural light of the golden hour, movement, emotion…so much! What turns me off are staged photoshoots with a white backdrop, loads of flashes, and false emotion.

What do you try to convey in your photographs? Emotion and being real, and having fun and laughing ‘til your belly hurts.

Beside photography what are some of your other interests? I’m mad about keeping fit. I train 6 times a week and sometimes twice a day! Because my husband is a professional rugby player I want to keep up. But I love it because I have a lot of energy. I also love fashion…feathers and anything boho. I love wearing bright colors, flares, and Doc Marten boots. Oh, and also tutus!

Do you have an insecurity when it comes to photography and if so, does it help or hurt you creatively? I always want to be better. Nothing is ever good enough but this makes me keep going.

“So come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned…” Peter Pan

If you could take a portrait of one person in the entire world, who would it be? I’d have to say Elvis. That would be epic! His music and his style would be so fun. And I’m a massive fan of leather jackets!

If you could have your portrait taken by only one photographer, who would it be? Sean Flanigan from A Fist Full of Bolts photography because his stuff blows me away.

Do you think there are any untruths about photography? The saying “The better the camera the better the photo.” Hell, no! It’s about who’s behind the camera.

Once she let go of the past she found herself flying into a future that greeted her with open arms as if it has always been expecting her.

What are you currently listening to on your iPod? Does music influence your artistic creation? Leon Bridges album Coming Home. It totally relaxes me and takes me to another place. It brings back everything there is to love about the early days of soul and R&B music. Go have a listen!

Do you have any projects you are working on that you are really excited about? A few actually. I have been going around and hunting for super interesting couples and people, and asking if I can photograph them. It’s so fun and I’m meeting some really amazing peeps. The other day I photographed a young lad who was so cool. He reminded me of my little brother who I don’t see much as he lives in the UK. I also photographed a couple in the sea which totally rocked, even though I broke my camera! But hey, you have to take risks.

To what do you attribute your success? Passion, drive, emotion and great fashion sense.

Mermaid kisses and starfish wishes…

Do you have a favorite saying or quote? “Here’s to late nights, early mornings and brand new pages. Here’s to twirling in crowed city streets, screaming yes to adventure and to friends that would stop the world to celebrate your presence. Here’s to you. Here’s to me. Here’s to our vibrant aliveness. I dare you to believe in yourself. You are worthy of all things magic.” author unknown

If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, what would it be? Don’t worry about what other people think. Just go with what you think!

Under the same sky, dreaming the same dream.

Website: http://pixieabbottphotography.com
facebook: Pixie Abbott Photography