Abigail Brooke Photography was never something I thought would become a reality for me. I discovered my passion for photography on accident. As a senior in high school, I cashiered at Hill Creek Farms, an apple orchard in Mullica Hill, NJ. My boss asked me to run our social media, which meant photographing what was happening around the orchard – families picking apples, hayrides, music events, fall fun days, etc. Reluctant at first because I had no substantial experience with photography, the medium quickly grew on me. I enjoyed taking photos around the orchard. It was a breath of fresh air to step away from the cash register.
At the time, I was determined to go to a university with an excellent Interior Design program. I never thought my freshly discovered interest in photography would eventually replace my dream of being an interior designer.
In 2015, I declared a Visual Arts Major with a concentration in Photography along with minors in Business Studies and Art History at Stockton University, Galloway, New Jersey. By word of mouth, I started getting business inquiries - birthday parties, family portraits, and wedding events, and maternity photos - slowly growing a name for myself, despite my lack of experience. To see that people had faith in me and encouraged my creativity made me feel this was more than just "odd jobs" people asked me to do. That's when I realized it was time to get serious and created Abigail Brooke Photography.
Almost five years later, I’ve developed and grown as a photographer in many ways. I don’t think my photography can be categorized into one specific genre of work, which makes me versatile. I’ve built a dynamic portfolio that is made up of personal and business photography that don’t necessarily correlate to each other, but are all equally significant to me. My personal work is comprised of digital and 35 mm film stills of how light and shadow shape our perceptions – that I use as gallery work. Most recent, The Remnants, 2018, is being displayed at The Noyes Garage in Atlantic City.
Photographed in historic Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Currently showcased at the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Displayed at the Noyes Museum Kramer Hall in Hammonton, New Jersey. Exhibited from January to May 2017
Received Honorable Mention at the Noyes Museum Kramer Hall in Hammonton, New Jersey. Exhibited from January to May 2017I owe it to my boss, Brenda, for asking me to take on a task five years ago that opened extraordinary opportunities for me and I deeply thank her for it. Without her, I wouldn't have discovered my love for photography when I did, created a business and outreach at a young age, and developed my own creative capacities that have been exhibited in public galleries. Without her, Abigail Brooke Photography would still be a dream.
To see more of my photography, check out my website: http://abigailbrookephoto.weebly.com/