June 13, 2024 • 43 mins
Abby Lewis is the creator, head photographer, and (sometimes loud) voice behind the camera at Captured Photography.
Her ultimate dream is for people to feel comfortable in front of the camera and to capture the essence of who people are.
She loves Fuego Takis, has 10+ tattoos and an unhealthy obsession with Justin Timberlake.
Join us as we dive into a captivating conversation about creativity, faith, and the rich diversity of people within the wedding communities.
This inspiring discussion is sure to fill you with new perspectives and a renewed appreciation for the God-given creativity in all of us.
Visit Captured Photography's Website: www.WeAreCapturedPhoto.com
Follow Captured Photography on instagram: @wearecapturedphoto
Visit Tori's personal blog: www.ToriBlackmon.com
Follow the Contagious Victories: @ContagiousVictories
Follow Tori's Personal instagram: @OnceUponA_Tori
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Victoria B. Glass (00:00):
Welcome to the contagious victories
podcast. Each week, we talkinspiration, explore
possibilities, and shareinsights from creative
perspectives. I'm Tori Blackmon,and I'm here to remind you that
your purpose in life is tocelebrate the victories because
victories are contagious. Heythere, lovely listeners, and
(00:24):
welcome back to another episodeof Contagious Victories. This is
a space that is filled withconversations about faith,
creativity, business, andsometimes the fascinating world
that we live in.
Today, I have a very special episode prepared
for you. I am talking with AbbyLewis. First and foremost, Abby
(00:45):
is a good timing, sweaterwearing, dog obsessed
photographer who is superexcited about the seasons of
life she gets to photograph. Herand her husband have a wedding
photography business in Athens,Ohio. Beyond the business, she
loves spending time with herrescued doggo, Brutus.
She's a big believer in miraclesand is a fan of exploring local
(01:10):
taco trucks. Her heartbeat isand always will be the people
and their stories. And today,she takes us behind the camera,
and we get to learn all abouther. She tells us all about her
victory story from being anintern to owning her own
photography business. So whetheryou're an aspiring photographer
(01:33):
or someone just fascinated bythe human spirit, this episode
is sure to inspire you.
I hope it leaves you with a newperspective and a renewed
appreciation for the God givencreativity in all of us. So sit
back, grab a glass of sweet icedtea, and let's welcome our
guest, Abby Lewis.
(02:05):
Welcome back to the Contagious Victories
podcast. I am talking today withAbby Lewis. Abby, welcome to the
show. You're a listener who'snow a guest, and I love that.
Abby Lewis (02:15):
It's the best. Oh, my gosh. What a dream come true.
How exciting. It's good to behere.
Victoria B. Glass (02:20):
It is very nice to have you. I know that
you have touched other peoplewho have already been on the
show's lives. That's how we'vegot connected, and I'm so
curious and excited to hear yourstory. You have multiple victory
stories that you can talk abouttoday and I'm just very curious
to hear about how God hasblessed you up until this point.
So go ahead and tell us aboutyour business first and then
(02:43):
just also who you are as awoman, a creator. Go ahead and
and tell us about yourself.
Abby Lewis (02:49):
Wow. Wonderful. Yeah. So I have been doing,
wedding photography for a whilenow, probably almost 10 years,
which is crazy.
Victoria B. Glass (02:58):
Okay.
Abby Lewis (02:58):
But, yeah, I, studied, visual communication
technology, in Bowling Green,which is in Northern Ohio. And
so that's where I started. And Igot an internship when I was
just a sophomore in college, butit was with, a really well known
wedding photographer. And, theylike, it was like 3 guys and
(03:20):
they just kind of became my bigbrothers and mentored me. And, I
got to do a bunch of weddingsthat year. So that just made me
fall in love with weddings. SoI've been doing that ever since.
And, I really liked themarketing side. And so, for the
first few years after Igraduated, I was in the
marketing sector and did,photography on the side and then
(03:41):
just recently decided to justmake the plunge and do weddings
full time. So, yeah, it's beengreat.
Victoria B. Glass (03:48):
And now it's your business and so there's a
little bit more ownership ofthat. That's wonderful. That's
really great. So congratulationsfor that. And so let's go back
to the beginning. Well, what gotyou ultimately interested in
picking up that camera?
Abby Lewis (04:04):
Yeah. Yeah. So, it was pretty similar to a lot of
people. I think I, was a lotyounger and my sister who, was
just like she was my big sister.I wanted to be just like her in
so many ways. She took aphotography class in high
school, and I just rememberthinking like, wow, this is so
cool. Look at the things she cancreate and, the ways that she
(04:26):
was doing it. So I startedtaking pictures and it's just
always of, you know, flowers andbutterflies at first, and then
it became, wanting to, like,pose people and take pictures of
my friends and take it onadventures and traveling. So,
that was, I think, the the firstthing. And then it shifted to
just portraits when I kind ofrealized, like, capturing a
(04:47):
season of somebody's life is,like, some of the most important
photos that you can have. And,like, you know, taking you back
to that moment in time that allof those feelings that were
associated with it. And, yeah.So I really like that. I think
that was my big push to actuallystudy it in college and, learn
more about the trade. So that'skind of how I got started with
(05:08):
it. And then weddings just arethe best day of everybody's
life. So that's how I was kindalike, I think I wanna do
weddings because it's, it's thedream. And the only thing that
lasts past the wedding day is,like, your photos and videos. So
I always tell people, like, ifyou're gonna invest in anything,
that's what you should investin.
Victoria B. Glass (05:24):
Oh, yeah. For sure. And that's basically what
my photographer told me.Capturing those days are the
things that do live on forever.And I can also say that as a
wife, I watch my wedding videoand look at my wedding photos at
least once a month.
Abby Lewis (05:41):
Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (05:41):
It is a ritual like that I do it just,
you know, like so yes. If you'regetting married, you definitely
wanna hire the best possiblewedding photographer and wedding
videographer or, you know,combination of the 2 that you
possibly can because thosemoments, the way that they're
captured ... "captured," aregonna be the way that you
(06:01):
remember those those memories.So is that what makes captured
photography so special? Like,tell us a little bit about just
what you bring to your nowbusiness that is your own
flavor, if you wanna say that,if you will.
Abby Lewis (06:14):
Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. So I think, like,
something that's kinda toughwith wedding photography is it's
like a pretty oversaturatedmarket. And so I feel like there
are so many photographers.There's so many people that are
starting out. There are peoplethat have been doing it for 10
years, 20 years, 30 years. Sopretty early on it was like
clear that we needed to havesomething a little bit
(06:35):
different. And a big part ofthat is just our personalities.
We're like, you know, I'm a hypegirl. I'm high energy. I, you
know, love connecting withpeople. Love making people feel
comfortable. And so I thinkthere's there's the side that is
posing and photography andediting and having something
look pretty, which a lot ofpeople can do. But I think what
(06:57):
I hope I bring to the table isjust making people feel
comfortable in front of thecamera. And then alongside that,
like, just a a little differentthing that we do is, we're
really passionate about, like,giving back. And so for me, that
looks like things that I'mpassionate about. So I, have
Crohn's disease, so I we giveback to the Crohn's and Colitis
(07:17):
Foundation every year, which isreally cool. And then we just
have a lot of really closefriends and family that, like
foster and adopt kids. And so wegive like discounts for that.
Victoria B. Glass (07:28):
ohhh that's just kind of a cool thing that
is different.
Abby Lewis (07:30):
Yeah. Yeah. That we've just started doing. And,
and it's just been nice to findways that it's like, oh, how can
we incorporate things that arepart of us and things that we're
passionate about and, put thatinto the business. So, yeah,
that's been cool.
Victoria B. Glass (07:44):
Oh, that that is the first I've ever heard of
having very specific discountsand offerings to people and
families that could use yourservices that you don't see
typical discounts for. And it'sinviting them to come into your
story and, like, you know, havehave the product or offering
that you offer, but also itgives another point of talking
(08:07):
about it and bringing theawareness and advocation for it
back into the conversation. Whata really truly unique way to do
that. I'm I need to incorporatethat into our business. I love
that.
Abby Lewis (08:19):
Yeah. Yeah. I feel like it's cool because I think
you hear of businesses all thetime. Like, you have, like, a
military discount, which isawesome, where you have, like,
all of these other things. So Iwas kind of just like, yeah, why
not do that for other areas thatneed, you know, that kind of
support?
Victoria B. Glass (08:33):
So you have that freedom to do that because
now this is yours and you canmake it whatever you want it to
be.
Abby Lewis (08:40):
Yeah. Yeah. I think it's cool to see how, like, some
of it is just trends. Like,things have shifted a lot since
I started doing the photography.So some of it is just knowing,
like, what to offer to setyourself apart, even, like, with
marketing and with social mediaand all this stuff. But I think,
like, one thing that I've I'venoticed a lot from when I had
(09:01):
that internship is, the guysthat I worked for just went
above and beyond, like, sociallywith everybody that they worked
with. And so, like They did awedding. It wasn't just about
the bride and groom.
They're, like, making the momfeel like a $1,000,000. They're
talking to the bridal party.They're, like, doing all of
these things. And I feel likethat's one thing I learned.
(09:22):
Like, one of my bosses, Ben, hesaid, like, every event or
session that you do is aninterview for your next session.
And I, like, never forgot thatbecause it's, like, these are
all of these people that areinteracting with you and seeing
the way you work, and that's whothey wanna hire, like, once they
get engaged or when they wantfamily photos or whatever. So
that was something I was like,yeah, that's a big thing. And
(09:44):
and I try to remember that whenI'm interacting with, like, a
ton of people in one space likea wedding.
Victoria B. Glass (09:50):
Yes. And what a great lens to be looking
through. Yeah. And I'm talkingabout, like, marketing too for
the wedding industry because,yes, you mentioned earlier that
there are a lot of weddingphotographers. I'm not one so I
don't know the saturation ofthat space.
I admire it. I love the I loveto admire it and I also know
(10:11):
that you do have to find ways tostand out and things like that.
But to put on that lens of likehey, when I am at a wedding all
of these people who are in thewedding, they might need a
wedding photographer too. Andlike I know that the moms who
are the flower girls or thegrooms, little grooms, they're
they might need a familyportrait photographer soon. So,
yes, having that awareness thatit's not just a photography
(10:34):
business, but now it's gettinginto PR in a way.
That's very unique. Well, I alsowanna talk a little bit more
about Abby because, yes, we havethe business part, but you also
as a woman have overcame thingsand, you're a dog lady. You have
dogs, so you love dogs like me,it sounds like. Tell me more
about you. Like, I feel likebecause we know each other
(10:55):
through the online space andbecause I think we have a couple
people that we've interactedwith, we don't know much about
each other. So I wanna hearabout Abby. Like, tell me about
Abby.
Abby Lewis (11:04):
Oh, yay. Okay. Good. Well, yes. Let's see. I didn't
even think much about myself.But, yes, I am a dog person,
very, very big into dogs. Myhusband and I have, had a a
rescue Bernese Mountain dog forabout 4 years. He's very sweet.
He's a bear.
He's a big boy. But, yeah, we'resuper into, like, rescue
(11:25):
animals, and, I've always beenan animal person. So that's
another thing with the businessI love is when we get to work
with dogs, which is the best,but, what else about me? I've
been married for almost 7 years.That is crazy.
Victoria B. Glass (11:36):
Oh.
Abby Lewis (11:37):
That's insane. I like I feel like I've especially
with COVID, I think I've justbeen saying that I'm 24 for,
like, 6 years and I don't evenknow how old I am anymore.
Victoria B. Glass (11:46):
I feel that. I feel that. Yes. I definitely
know what you mean. So I knowlike it.
Abby Lewis (11:51):
7 years. That's crazy. So, yeah, we've been
together How
Victoria B. Glass (11:54):
did y'all meet?
Abby Lewis (11:55):
What'd you say?
Victoria B. Glass (11:56):
How did y'all meet?
Abby Lewis (11:57):
We met in college. So, yes, we went to a a college,
in Northern Ohio, and it wasjust one of those crazy things
where I was in, like, thestudent union with a friend and
he walked by because they likeknew each other and he met me
and we went to the same church.And then, this is wild, we found
out later that our dads actuallyknew each other in college. So
(12:21):
like our dads were friends forlike 25 years. It is like the
smallest world.
It's so crazy. And they bothlike, worked for churches. It's
just wild. So, yeah. So Caleband I met through Bowling Green
and then, we like, dated for afew years.
We got married right out ofcollege and, we moved away. We
(12:41):
moved to Madison, Wisconsin fora few years. We actually were
part of a church, at BowlingGreen, and that church did a
church plant in Madison,Wisconsin. So we just went on
the church plant. We committedto 2 years, ended up staying for
3 years.
It was like a wonderfulexperience, made like lifelong
friends. And then it was justone of those natural things
where the church was doingreally well and we were ready
(13:03):
to, like, move on with our livesin ministry. And so came back to
Ohio so we could be closer tofamily, and now we're on another
church plant in Southern Ohio.
Victoria B. Glass (13:12):
Oh, okay. So yeah. Wow. That's 2 victory
stories, it sounds like, of justtaking a step in faith and going
going somewhere new andplanting, yes, a church,
planting your roots, plantingwhere y'all it sounds like y'all
were newlyweds at least for alittle bit of this time and
stuff. I mean, that's that'samazing, Abby. That's really
neat.
Abby Lewis (13:32):
Yeah. It's been really rewarding. It's cool to
see, like, I feel like thethings that the Lord is doing
that are totally not us. Youknow? Like, I mean, it's the
same with the business, but I'mlike, we have, like, a hand in
it, and it's really cool to seewhat he's doing.
But, like, the things that we'rejust, like, along for the ride,
we're jumping in the van. He'sdriving.
Victoria B. Glass (13:49):
Yeah. Jesus, take the wheel. And yes. Yes. So
you have moved to severaldifferent new places, and have
you had the business the wholetime?
I know you said you helped plantthe the churches there. What has
it looked like to be a businessowner who has had new markets if
that's the case? And elaborate alittle bit on that.
Abby Lewis (14:11):
Yeah. The new markets was really tough. I
think, like, it's especiallywith different seasons, like,
even when I was in college and Iwas way in Northern Ohio, there
was so much easy markets becauseit was like I was doing senior
photos. I was doing, like,couple photos, all of these
things with people that were inthe vicinity. And then when we
moved to Madison, it was kind oflike you're starting from square
(14:32):
1. You don't have thoseconnections. And I relate it all
the time to, like I feel likereal estate agents, oftentimes,
like, they get their nextclients from referrals
constantly. And I thinkphotography is really similar.
Like, it's, like, so much isreferrals, so much is past
clients, so much is whatever.So, yeah, it was wild going to
(14:53):
Madison and having nothing.
And I would, like, come back toOhio here and there, but it was
really just starting from square1. So a lot of it was, like,
strategy wise, I was, like,getting into Facebook groups,
like, when that was a big thing.
Victoria B. Glass (15:06):
Oh, that's a good idea.
Abby Lewis (15:07):
You know, like, moms of Madison, Wisconsin, like,
I'll do family sessions. I'll doweddings. I'll do whatever. Of
Madison, Wisconsin, like, I'lldo family sessions. I'll do
weddings. I'll do whatever. AndI contacted a few high schools
for, like, senior photos just tosee if they needed a
photographer. So, yeah, I had toget creative. To see if they
needed a photographer. So, yeah,I had to get creative because I
wasn't, like, I had all theseconnections from growing up or
connections from college. But,yeah, that was that was tough,
but we had we had a lot ofreally cool weddings there.
(15:29):
And then moving back to Ohio, itwas, like, unbelievably. That's
what made me able to quit my joband be able to do it full time
because it was just, like, theexplosion of past connections,
like, somebody I went to highschool with, somebody that, you
know, I worked at Cold Stonewith, like all of these people
that came out of the woodworkbecause I was back in Ohio.
Victoria B. Glass: It sounds like, seeds that were (15:49):
undefined
planted now have sprouted, andyou have that that garden to
come back to of newpossibilities. It sounds like
even though you were moving backto an old place, you still had a
lot of planted seeds that nowwere able to support what you
were doing at that season. Andisn't that so beautiful to be
(16:10):
able to have that be even alesson in itself as a part of
your story?
Abby Lewis (16:14):
Yeah. It was amazing. It was just really cool
to have, like you know, you'realways nervous when you come to
a new place, and I'm like, Ihaven't talked to these people
in years. Like, I don't know.But, yeah, just picked up right
where we left off, you know,doing family photos for people
that had one kid 6 years ago andnow they have 5 kids, you know,
like it's just Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (16:32):
Yeah. Oh, yeah. Well, I know that you in
your bio said you are a fan ofMiracles. I wanna know what
makes you a fan of Miracles. Canyou tell me why why you're a fan
of Miracles?
Abby Lewis (16:47):
Yeah. Yeah. For sure. I mean, I think, a big
part of like, my like, story andmy journey has just been like,
the way that like, God has movedin my life and the way that he's
moved in other people's livesand a big way that, we connect
with other people is seeing,like, the the things that Jesus
has done to, like, completelyturn around their lives. And I
(17:08):
that that's a miracle in itself,you know?
So, I think, you know, there arethings that you hear about in
the Bible, like these oldmiracles that happen, and I
think a lot of people,underestimate the fact that
every day Jesus is doing newthings in people's lives and
that He's not only doingphysical miracles, healing
people and all of this stuff, Ithink that he is, yeah, like
(17:32):
pulling people out of reallydark places. And I mean, He did
that in my life. He did that inmy husband's life. So many of
our friends have just been savedby Him. So yeah, that's a big
part of, you know, who I am, Ithink.
Yeah, amen. I just think like interms of, we put that on our
business page because I think,you know, there are so many
things that small and big Jesushad a hand in and, you know, we
(17:55):
wouldn't be here without him.And so, yeah. I just put that
little note in there to toremind people that if it wasn't
for him, the business wouldn'teven exist. You know?
It just wouldn't even, be here,and I don't think it would be a
success. And so it's a it's atrue gift. I mean, I'm really
grateful for it, but, yeah,that's why that's in the bio.
Victoria B. Glass (18:14):
Okay. It sounds like what you're saying
is just like those seeds thatwere planted when you came back,
like, that's a miracle. That'severy day you wake up, that's a
miracle. And being pulled out ofdark situations whether they be,
you know, health situations,mental situations, family
situations, business situations,every day that you have bread to
eat is a miracle and we aren'tmade for death. That's a
(18:38):
miracle.
Abby Lewis (18:39):
Yeah. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (18:39):
Yes. That's amazing That I was curious. So I
wanted to touch on that and aska little bit about that, but
just kind of elaborate on whyyou chose to do that.
Abby Lewis (18:49):
Yeah. Yeah. I think it's a tough thing to decide
because I feel like, there's ahuge, like, wave of fear, you
know, like, of of the backlashof what that could look like or
people that have had a lot of,like, stereotypes or or poor
situations or whatever. But,yeah, I think for me, the a big
(19:10):
part of why I don't shy awayfrom it is because, like, even
in my own life and in my ownstory, I've experienced good,
bad, ugly, you know, whateveryou can call it, experiences
with faith. But ultimately,like, it wasn't until I met
Jesus and knew him that Iunderstood what it was like to
feel true love and to feel truefreedom.
(19:31):
And so, in order to like showthat to other people, I can't
shy away from it. You know?Like, it's just Yeah. It's not
only something that we'recommanded to do, but it's
something that, there's there'sno reason to to hide it. And so,
yeah, I don't think I'm, like,you know, the best in the world
at being like, Jesus loves you.
(19:53):
I think, I think it is true thatthere's there's something really
unique and special about, havinga faith based foundation. And
honestly, like, I think that ittakes the pressure off a lot
when it comes to running yourbusiness that you understand,
like, you know, this is, this isone part of my identity, but
it's not my ultimate identity.And and Right. I mean that,
(20:17):
like, the world isn't gonnacrumble if I don't book 27
weddings next year, and I'm notgonna you know, my entire worth
isn't based off of how manylikes I get on Instagram. Like,
it just takes off this pressureand this, like, fear of man,
fear of comparison.
And so I think it's beenactually like, not only just
good for my own sanity, but Ithink just like for a lot of
(20:38):
things. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (20:40):
Yeah. Well, I have noticed business people who
are speaking openly about it.And growing up, it just seemed
like you were supposed to havethat separation. But the the
people that I love talking toare the ones that are open and
saying like this is who I am.I'm a believer first like you
mentioned.
And this business is a miraclebecause if, you know, if there
(21:04):
wasn't call to help people firstin my life then this business
wouldn't even be like I wouldn'tbe showing up to whatever.
Right. Business x or whatever.You know? But but because we
have that then we I mean we canserve the Lord anywhere but at
the same time why not have it bein a place that you can talk
about Him freely and like youknow, share other people's
stories who do talk about Himfreely and photograph moments
(21:27):
that include the love that Hehas blessed couples with. And
just yeah. Like, I love that youhave incorporated that both into
your bio and that you continueto do that with your photos.
Yeah. So I know that we talked alittle bit about what makes
captured photography so special.What are some of your favorite
photos to take?
Abby Lewis (21:48):
Yeah. Yeah. So I have I feel like I have a the,
the cop out is like justpictures of the couple. Of
course, everybody loves doingthat. But I think something that
I've loved lately is when I getto see something that's
different in a wedding because,like, there's just so many
weddings that in there's, like,no offense at all to anyone, but
(22:08):
it's, like, a lot of times itcan be mundane where it's, like,
you have the couple, you have abridal party, you have the cake
cutting, you know, whatever.
Victoria B. Glass (22:15):
Yeah.
Abby Lewis (22:15):
But I'm loving that, especially in the last couple
years, people have, like, goneaway from tradition a little
bit, and they're like, let'sincorporate, you know, these
different things. So I got todo, like, a, like, Jewish
wedding and that was reallycool. And they had, like, part
Jewish and this and the the wifewasn't Jewish, but they still
did, like, really fun things.Like, they did the horah and I I
(22:36):
did a Greek wedding and theyhad, like, the Greek dancing.
And, my favorite that I've donewas like, I'm like, oh, I'm
never gonna forget this. Thebride was from the US, but the
groom was from Ireland. And so,like, so much of the dancing was
like this Irish music and theywere like so loud and all the
guys were, like, you know, goingaround in a circle and dancing
(22:58):
and they, like, ended the night.Everybody sang the parting
glass. It was just, like, sobeautiful and, like, one of
those things that I'm, like, ifnot for a job like this, I would
have never experienced somethingthat's, like, memorable and
amazing.
And and then to capture that andknow, like, people are gonna
hear the parting glass in theirhead when they see that picture
(23:19):
or, like, you know, they'regonna yeah. Yeah. So I feel like
that's been really cool. Thoseare my favorite things to
capture, like, the superdifferent, you know, things that
I would have never even known,happen at some of those
weddings. So
Victoria B. Glass (23:32):
Yeah. So just the diversity of weddings that
you capture, they're teachingyou things and teaching you
about different people andshowing the personalities that
these weddings that you may havenot have gotten an invite to,
but now you're there becauseyou're capturing them and you're
the photographer and you're justgetting to just see it all from
the perspective of, like, youknow, fly on the wall or
(23:54):
whatever, like being thephotographer. So, like, that's
one of the things that's sobeautiful about having that
camera in your hand is seeing itfrom not not just Abby, but also
as the person who hasexperienced the wedding itself.
Like you want that those thatsound of the glass whenever you
see that photo, like and that'sjust such a beautiful way to to
(24:16):
answer that question. I haven'tgotten an answer like that and,
yeah, that makes me want to goand try to crash some weddings.
Abby Lewis (24:23):
I know. Crash some weddings.
Victoria B. Glass (24:26):
Yeah. Hahaha But, cool. Well, I want to know
too, you're a husband and wifeteam. Right?
Abby Lewis (24:33):
Yeah. Yeah. It was, like, mostly me, and then, I
just started needing help. Like,I was I was working a full time
job, and I was doing, Oh, yeah.Kudos.
And so I just needed help. Like,I feel like it was one of those
it was a it was a good humblingmoment for me to understand that
I'm a big picture girly, and Ineeded, like, somebody to help
with the admin side and thefinances. And, my husband has a
(24:57):
full time job too, but, yes, hejust, like, helped out a ton. I
feel like I I call him, like,the brains of the organization
because he just, like, knows tohelp me have, like, boundaries
and helps a lot with admin,helps with finances. So yes,
that's how we started out.
And then he also started secondshooting for me, when I first
started. So that was really funthat we could travel to weddings
(25:19):
together and have that. Andsince then, it's just, like,
it's grown so much. He actuallyjust started a PhD program, and
so he's been, like, yes. Yay,Caleb.
So he's been doing lessweddings, and we have a team of
like 5 second shooters now. Soit's just like, it blew up
really quick. But yeah, it'sbeen really fun. All the second
(25:42):
shooters are amazing. They'relike super talented, wonderful,
wonderful photographers, andthey've done, like, 2 or 3
seasons with us now.
So we're getting to know eachother, like, personally and
professionally. So, yeah, that'sbeen really fun. But, yeah,
Caleb still shoots like,about 5 or 6 wedding a year. so
we still get to shoot togethersometimes. But, yeah, it's it's
a bigger team now, which iswild.
Victoria B. Glass (26:04):
Well, we yeah. I was gonna say
congratulations. I didn'trealize that you had so many
second shooters. And whatanother victory in itself of
just having that grow from beingyour dream, bringing your
husband on board to help out inareas that you maybe needed some
extra assistance with and thenhaving the time that you can
spend with your husband while atwork. I know that a lot of
(26:27):
people don't understand thatthat's such a special thing.
Like, it's a very delicate, butalso really special thing to to
be able to spend that timetogether. And also to be able to
grow from that, from going from2 to even further and helping
other people to reach theirdreams of being, you know, a
wedding photographer or helpingyou with your business and and
(26:48):
just being able to do that.Yeah. So but but kudos to you
for for having the space to beable to bring people on like
that. Like, that is no smallfeat. That is huge.
Abby Lewis (26:58):
Yeah. It wasn't terrifying at the beginning.
Victoria B. Glass (27:01):
I was gonna say I'm sure that was something
that, yeah, felt uncomfortableat first because I've never,
like, experienced that. So Idon't even know. Can you
elaborate on what that lookedlike when you knew maybe it was
time to do that?
Abby Lewis (27:11):
A huge part of it was just like a trust leap
because I think so much, kindalike I touched on before, so
much of selling the business isselling yourself. Like, I'm
like, people hire me because ofthe personality and because of
how organized or whatever it is.And so to say like, I'm gonna
bring someone else into thatbrand, if you will, and hope
that they can do the same thing.There's only so much you can
(27:34):
know about a person from aninterview and a portfolio. So,
part of it was just a huge leapof faith.
But it was really helpful toknow, like a lot of the people
we hired were people that wererecommendations from other, like
photographers that I was friendswith. So I knew like, okay, you
worked with Sophie. You lovedSophie. Now I love Sophie and
(27:54):
I'm obsessed with her. But like,you know, that kind of thing
where
Victoria B. Glass (27:58):
That trust.
Abby Lewis (27:58):
Yeah. There was that trust.
Victoria B. Glass (27:59):
And
Abby Lewis (27:59):
I mean, like, you know, some of it is just knowing
that, like, you know, when I wasan intern years years ago, those
guys took a risk with me andtrained me up. Like, I'm not
hiring a super well known, youknow, knows everything
photographer. I'm hiring, youknow, a student that I can help
and, understanding that that'swhat that looks like. So it's
(28:22):
been really cool. It's beenrewarding and, like, so much of
it, like, these these peoplejust know so much more than me.
Like, I'm like, what's what'sthis? How did I how did you make
a story with multiple pictureson it? How did you, you know,
how did you make a reel? Like,all these things they're
teaching me is, like, blowing mymind and the equipment that they
have. Like, that girl, Sophie, Imentioned, she, like, finally
(28:44):
convinced me to get this newlens, and she was like, Abby,
it's time.
Like, you just gotta do it. Butit's people like that have just
been yeah. It's been great. Soit was hard to know, like, when
it was time, but, so much of ourpackages have a second
photographer in them and like,Caleb had to step back for a
few, so I just knew, like, I hadto have somebody else do that.
Victoria B. Glass (29:04):
Well, that's good advice too to have that
openness to know when you'reready. Like, hey, this is this
is the knock on the door and I'mgonna answer it now. So that's
good advice to even someone likemyself who works with their
spouse and who has, you know,entertained the idea of bringing
another person on to help butdidn't really know on because
(29:27):
I'm still in that place of,like, when should I be? Like, is
there a certain thing? And it'slike, nope.
You know when you're ready. AndI think looking back to in other
areas like Orange or somethinglike that, it's like, no. You
know you know when they're theone. Like, it's gonna be scary,
but don't be scared. Just befaith filled and have that
faith. And faith's so hard.
Abby Lewis (29:44):
I know!
Victoria B. Glass (29:46):
Then you can, then you can just take that leap
and be ready to bring someoneelse into your baby, which is
your business. So, thanks forsharing a little bit of light on
that.
Abby Lewis (29:55):
Yeah. For sure.
Victoria B. Glass (29:58):
Well, I always like to ask people
because so much of things areword-of-mouth like you
mentioned. And the world is sobig and we hear about things
that might inspire someone elsethat we know or influence the
life of a friend. And it'sbecause of people having
conversations that we get totell people about these things
that are that we're lovinglately and that are making our
(30:21):
lives better. So outside of thebusiness, outside of your doggo
and your husband and workingwith your business at Captured
Photography. What is inspiringyou?
Or what are you loving rightnow? Are there any podcasts or
books or just games or anything?Anything at all that you are
(30:41):
just lit up by right now?
Abby Lewis (30:43):
Yes. Oh, that's a good question. I have 2 books
that I really love that I read.
Victoria B. Glass (30:48):
Okay.
Abby Lewis (30:48):
One of them I read annually, which is crazy. I just
think it's such a good reminder.Whether you're like it's good
for business, but I think it'sgreat personally. It's called
"Keep It Shut." Yeah, it's good.
It's about, it's kind of likewhat to say, how to say things,
when to keep your mouth shut,like that kind of thing. It's by
(31:09):
Karen Ehan, I think is how youpronounce her name.
Victoria B. Glass (31:11):
Okay. "Keep It Shut"
Abby Lewis (31:12):
Yeah. But it's, like, it's one of those books
that I feel like it challengesyou in different seasons. Like,
I think sometimes I'm in aseason where I'm like, oh, I
might have overshared or I mighthave, you know, maybe talked a
little bit too negatively abouta situation that I'd rather be
positive about, or how to phrasesomething when I don't really
understand how to phrase itwell. But that book I've really,
(31:35):
really loved. I read that one alot.
And then the other one that hasreally shifted, I like, I'm
still trying to figure out whatthe rhythms look like, but it
shifted the way that I look atmy time. It's called The Common
Rule. I think it's by it'sJustin Early, I'm pretty sure.
But it's just it's a lot aboutlike, like, forming habits in an
(31:58):
age of distraction. And so, youknow, some of the things are,
like, how you look at your day,how you look at your week and
how you look at your month.
And what it means to not besuper distracted. A lot of it is
about like social media and yourphone. So little habits that you
can start that aren't superdaunting or like too, too
(32:21):
difficult to achieve that yougive them up. So like one of
them for me was like, I don't goto sleep with like my phone
accessible to me. It's, like,across the room.
And that's, like, totallychanged. Like, I don't just wake
up and, like, doom scroll for 2hours. It's just wild. Like,
yeah. That's a really good one.
Victoria B. Glass (32:40):
Yeah. I love that. I'm a firm believer in
that too and anything that canmake, my ADD life easier. Like,
it's not even about I mean, Iwanna be productive, but it's
not even about productivity.
It's more like the way you feeland, yes, having that phone not
be the first thing that's likewhether it be social media,
email, you know, a notification.But having that just not be the
(33:02):
first thing or, like, that yousee at the very beginning of
your day, first thing when youwake up, has definitely changed
the feeling of the first 15minutes of every day. Right?
Abby Lewis (33:12):
It's like insane how and I think his like, he has a
couple of them, like, he'll fastfor, like, a day, like, one day
a week. He doesn't use his phoneor, like, whatever. And I'm not
that good, but I've been like,oh, I'm not gonna use my phone
for this hour every single day.And just knowing
that it's not even in the room.
Victoria B. Glass (33:27):
Oh, that's good.
Abby Lewis (33:29):
I can't even access it, whatever. And if I miss a
call, the world didn't shutdown. It's okay. Like Yeah. It's
not the end of the world.
So yeah, those have both beenreally good. And especially
because, like I mean, I think alot of business owners have this
where, like, you never reallyhave, like, a true day off or a
true, like, busier or fastseason. It's, like, always go go
(33:51):
go all the time, and we'reconstantly fighting on ways to
not burn out and to to stillhave a passion for what we're
doing. And so I I read thatbook, and it was really helpful
for, like, knowing what it lookslike to have little breaks or,
to to, yeah, find find time forthe things that matter. You
know?
It's been really great.
Victoria B. Glass (34:10):
Yeah. Well, I'm gonna look up both of them
and then tell me a little bitmore. I know you elaborated a
little bit on Keep It Shut, butwhy that book? Like why? Because
that one's the one that when yousaid it, I was like, I don't
even know what this is about,but I can tell Ima like it.
Like so tell me what was yourbiggest takeaway from that?
Abby Lewis (34:30):
Yeah. So I think my biggest takeaway from that was
there are so many good chapters,but one of them talks a lot
about what it looks like to,make space in conversations. And
it's just a simple, like, thingthat I feel like a lot of people
understand how to do. But forsomebody like me who's, like, an
extreme extrovert, wants to belife of the party, always trying
(34:52):
to talk about the next thing, itwas just, like, literally about,
like I mean, I think thatthere's a little tool in there.
That's something about creatingspace in conversations for
somebody else to share somethingand that you don't have to be
the person that's, like,constantly talking.
And it's it's a small thing, butI've noticed it when I'm sitting
in a group of, like, 5 or 6people that I'm, like, I don't
(35:14):
have to be the one to dominatethis conversation. I don't have
to be the one to keep itcarrying over. And I just, like,
count to 5 in my head. Andwouldn't you know it? Other
people have things to share.
And, like, it's great. And youcan still be, part of the
conversation and feel likeyou're part of the group without
being the one to, like, own thewhole thing. And I think
(35:34):
sometimes that would, like, bealmost a burden to me in parties
where I was like, oh, I feellike I have to be on and I have
to be, like, thinking of newthings and and running
everything, but it's just nottrue.
Victoria B. Glass (35:45):
Yes. And that tool of counting to 5, that
seems really simple, but I'venever heard of that in the way
of conversation of, like,letting other people talk.
Abby Lewis (35:53):
Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (35:54):
And I know I could use that especially even
as a a podcast host becausesometimes it's just your natural
instinct to be like, yeah. Orlike, you know, And so, yes,
count to 5 and that's a goodtool and takeaway of of how to
just leave the space to learnand to bring in new to take it
back to photography, new light,like, in that way.
(36:16):
So good advice. Thank you forelaborating more on that. And
I'm gonna get that book.
Abby Lewis (36:21):
There's some of you more to tell me if you like it.
Victoria B. Glass (36:23):
Okay. I will. I will. And I'm a reader too.
So, yes. I appreciate therecommendations. And for sure,
the Keep It Shut, it's gonna goon my next buy.
Abby Lewis (36:34):
Yes. Yes.
Victoria B. Glass (36:35):
Thanks for being willing to share that.
Yeah.
Abby Lewis (36:36):
Yeah. No problem.
Victoria B. Glass (36:39):
Well, I do wanna also say a little shout
out to someone who was on theshow earlier. AJ, she voice
messaged me and said, hey, Ijust wanna let you know, Abby
from I saw captured photo, butcaptured photography. She
reached out and she said shelistened to the episode and it
was a a real and fulfilled. Ialways like to say that real and
(37:01):
fulfilled moment for me, Abby,because it was like, what?
Someone who I'm having on laterhas like reached out to you, who
made you feel good and likecelebrated your victory.
And also you're coming back tome saying, like, this is
exciting. Someone I don't knowlistened to my episode and it
and it inspired them. And now,like, I don't know. It's just
(37:21):
it's a full circle. It's likewe're all connected by these
little red strings and stuff andit is so important to me.
That is why I wanted to createContagious Victories, to hear
other people's stories, and thenalso, like, share them with
other people. So, like, I don'tknow. Being being someone who
worked in news, I couldn't justput my family and friends and
all the news stories. So that'swhy, like, Contagious Victories
(37:44):
came about. But, but thesepositive stories deserve to
inspire other people, and so I'mglad you came on.
I'm glad you reached out to me.I'm glad you reached out to AJ.
I know that was it was it Indiawho y'all work together?
Abby Lewis (37:57):
Or like Yeah. India.
Victoria B. Glass (37:58):
Is that how y'all know each okay. Because I
was trying to find the threadand it's like, this is amazing.
And so from the bottom of myheart, Abby, thank you. Thank
you for coming on. Thank you forreaching out.
Thank you for being a listenerand, for taking the risk in your
own life and on your own storybecause we all have amazing
stories. And then it's justanother level of courage and
(38:21):
love to show up and share themwith people that you don't even
know. Like, now we do know eachother. Yeah. And it's just a a
brave thing to, reach out.
And I'm so glad you reached outto me. So Yeah. Thank you.
Abby Lewis (38:33):
Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Well, it's just the
best to have these connectionstoo. I'm just like it I feel
like especially with yourpodcast, it feels like this,
like, little community, youknow?
Like, it's it's not only thegood news, but it's like this
little community that I'm like,oh my gosh, now I have all these
friends from all over the place,and it feels like we're all just
sitting in your living roomdrinking coffee.
Victoria B. Glass: Well, it's water today. haha , (38:59):
undefined
yeah, I know. That's what I washoping to create the space for.
And, yes, I've just I'm tryingso hard to celebrate these
people who are all over the theplace, all over the world.
Hopefully, one day if we dreambig enough, but definitely all
over the US and for you to takeyour own leap of faith and to
(39:20):
move when God called you to moveand to start a business when you
felt called to start thebusiness and when God told you
to start that business. And eventhe thing of, like, reaching out
on Instagram to a stranger, me,saying, hey, I'm listening, you
know, to my friend on your showand, like, this is awesome and
stuff like that.
So just the little victories. AJtelling me with that voice
(39:41):
message, thank you. Thank you.And this is all what it's about,
and I'm so happy to give it backto God. He created us to
celebrate our lives and tocelebrate Him and to touch
people and to, to show up infaith.
And that is what this is areminder of to both myself and
to anyone who tunes in. So,thank you.
Abby Lewis (40:00):
Yeah. Absolutely.
Victoria B. Glass (40:02):
Is there anything else you wanna share? I
know I'm tossing the mic back,and now I've I've even thrown
the whole world thing out there.So you have you have a a
microphone. Do you wanna shareany little tidbits or little
touchstones of wisdom that couldhelp your past self or anyone
tuning in?
Abby Lewis (40:20):
Oh, goodness. I don't think I have anything
except, like I like the the ideaof the advice thing. I think if
there's anything I could say, ifthere's anybody out there
wanting to to start yourbusiness or to keep it going, I
think, like, if there's anythingI've learned in this business,
it's that comparing yourself toothers is, like, such a thief of
(40:41):
joy. I think we've all learnedthat the hard way in a lot of
ways, and it can be a cancer toyour mental health. It can be a
cancer to, you know, yourbusiness.
So I just think be yourself.It's the smallest, most easy
thing to do, but if you beyourself, if you just, you know,
understand what it means so thatyou were created with a purpose
(41:02):
and created uniquely, then it'sgoing to be fine. Just be
yourself. Go start thatbusiness, buy the ice cream
truck, you know? But yeah, Ithink that's, I think that's all
I would say.
That's the, the thing that I'velearned that has helped me the
most is just to stop trying tobe somebody I'm not. So that's
mine.
Victoria B. Glass (41:19):
Yeah. Well, you are capturing people who are
themselves and you're doing avery good job at making them
feel comfortable when you do it.So keep being Abby and thank you
Abby for showing up and forsharing your victory stories
multiple with us today. And I aminspired by the belief in
(41:40):
miracles that you'd share soopenly in all of the different
aspects of your life. So I feellike I can take that into the
world and do anything. So thankyou for reminding me of how good
God is to to all all of us, all,like, at all times.
So we're never alone. We're always with
Him. And, and thank you forsharing up and being Abby and
(42:04):
for letting letting me get toknow you better. This has been
awesome.
Abby Lewis (42:07):
Yeah. Absolutely. It was a joy. I'm excited to keep
the friendship going.
Victoria B. Glass (42:11):
Yeah. Me too. And I wanna know where we can
send people who want to get toknow your work a little bit
better. So where can we find youonline? Because I've I mean,
we're friends now, so I'malready following you.
But where can anyone who wantsto so bravely and courageously
reach out and say, hey, Abby.What's up? Like, where can they
go to to reach out and contactyou?
Abby Lewis (42:33):
Yeah. So, everything is pretty much the same. So our
website isWeAreCapturedPhoto.com.
Instagram and Facebook are bothWe Are Captured Photo, so pretty
easy. And yeah, if you everwanna reach out, I'm happy to be
friends.
I'm happy to grab coffee.Whatever you want.
Victoria B. Glass (42:52):
Awesome. It's beautiful and you've got some
really colorful and prettyimages on your Instagram too. So
go and go and check out theirwebsite and Instagram. Cool.
Well, thanks for coming on and Ihope everyone who's listening
has a wonderful rest of theirday.
Thanks for listening toContagious Victories.
(43:16):
Thanks for joining us for this week's
episode of the ContagiousVictories podcast. If the show
inspired you to share your ownvictory story, I'm here to tell
you the world deserves to hearit. Submit it to me online at
ToriBlackmon.com. Review andsubscribe if that feels right.
Telling your friend about theshow helps contain his victories
to grow.
(43:38):
Plus, we all appreciate a littlesunshine. I'm Tori b. Thanks for
listening. I'll catch you soon.
Welcome to the contagious victories
podcast. Each week, we talkinspiration, explore
possibilities, and shareinsights from creative
perspectives. I'm Tori Blackmon,and I'm here to remind you that
your purpose in life is tocelebrate the victories because
victories are contagious. Heythere, lovely listeners, and
(00:24):
welcome back to another episodeof Contagious Victories. This is
a space that is filled withconversations about faith,
creativity, business, andsometimes the fascinating world
that we live in.
Today, I have a very special episode prepared
for you. I am talking with AbbyLewis. First and foremost, Abby
(00:45):
is a good timing, sweaterwearing, dog obsessed
photographer who is superexcited about the seasons of
life she gets to photograph. Herand her husband have a wedding
photography business in Athens,Ohio. Beyond the business, she
loves spending time with herrescued doggo, Brutus.
She's a big believer in miraclesand is a fan of exploring local
(01:10):
taco trucks. Her heartbeat isand always will be the people
and their stories. And today,she takes us behind the camera,
and we get to learn all abouther. She tells us all about her
victory story from being anintern to owning her own
photography business. So whetheryou're an aspiring photographer
(01:33):
or someone just fascinated bythe human spirit, this episode
is sure to inspire you.
I hope it leaves you with a newperspective and a renewed
appreciation for the God givencreativity in all of us. So sit
back, grab a glass of sweet icedtea, and let's welcome our
guest, Abby Lewis.
(02:05):
Welcome back to the Contagious Victories
podcast. I am talking today withAbby Lewis. Abby, welcome to the
show. You're a listener who'snow a guest, and I love that.
Abby Lewis (02:15):
It's the best. Oh, my gosh. What a dream come true.
How exciting. It's good to behere.
Victoria B. Glass (02:20):
It is very nice to have you. I know that
you have touched other peoplewho have already been on the
show's lives. That's how we'vegot connected, and I'm so
curious and excited to hear yourstory. You have multiple victory
stories that you can talk abouttoday and I'm just very curious
to hear about how God hasblessed you up until this point.
So go ahead and tell us aboutyour business first and then
(02:43):
just also who you are as awoman, a creator. Go ahead and
and tell us about yourself.
Abby Lewis (02:49):
Wow. Wonderful. Yeah. So I have been doing,
wedding photography for a whilenow, probably almost 10 years,
which is crazy.
Victoria B. Glass (02:58):
Okay.
Abby Lewis (02:58):
But, yeah, I, studied, visual communication
technology, in Bowling Green,which is in Northern Ohio. And
so that's where I started. And Igot an internship when I was
just a sophomore in college, butit was with, a really well known
wedding photographer. And, theylike, it was like 3 guys and
(03:20):
they just kind of became my bigbrothers and mentored me. And, I
got to do a bunch of weddingsthat year. So that just made me
fall in love with weddings. SoI've been doing that ever since.
And, I really liked themarketing side. And so, for the
first few years after Igraduated, I was in the
marketing sector and did,photography on the side and then
(03:41):
just recently decided to justmake the plunge and do weddings
full time. So, yeah, it's beengreat.
Victoria B. Glass (03:48):
And now it's your business and so there's a
little bit more ownership ofthat. That's wonderful. That's
really great. So congratulationsfor that. And so let's go back
to the beginning. Well, what gotyou ultimately interested in
picking up that camera?
Abby Lewis (04:04):
Yeah. Yeah. So, it was pretty similar to a lot of
people. I think I, was a lotyounger and my sister who, was
just like she was my big sister.I wanted to be just like her in
so many ways. She took aphotography class in high
school, and I just rememberthinking like, wow, this is so
cool. Look at the things she cancreate and, the ways that she
(04:26):
was doing it. So I startedtaking pictures and it's just
always of, you know, flowers andbutterflies at first, and then
it became, wanting to, like,pose people and take pictures of
my friends and take it onadventures and traveling. So,
that was, I think, the the firstthing. And then it shifted to
just portraits when I kind ofrealized, like, capturing a
(04:47):
season of somebody's life is,like, some of the most important
photos that you can have. And,like, you know, taking you back
to that moment in time that allof those feelings that were
associated with it. And, yeah.So I really like that. I think
that was my big push to actuallystudy it in college and, learn
more about the trade. So that'skind of how I got started with
(05:08):
it. And then weddings just arethe best day of everybody's
life. So that's how I was kindalike, I think I wanna do
weddings because it's, it's thedream. And the only thing that
lasts past the wedding day is,like, your photos and videos. So
I always tell people, like, ifyou're gonna invest in anything,
that's what you should investin.
Victoria B. Glass (05:24):
Oh, yeah. For sure. And that's basically what
my photographer told me.Capturing those days are the
things that do live on forever.And I can also say that as a
wife, I watch my wedding videoand look at my wedding photos at
least once a month.
Abby Lewis (05:41):
Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (05:41):
It is a ritual like that I do it just,
you know, like so yes. If you'regetting married, you definitely
wanna hire the best possiblewedding photographer and wedding
videographer or, you know,combination of the 2 that you
possibly can because thosemoments, the way that they're
captured ... "captured," aregonna be the way that you
(06:01):
remember those those memories.So is that what makes captured
photography so special? Like,tell us a little bit about just
what you bring to your nowbusiness that is your own
flavor, if you wanna say that,if you will.
Abby Lewis (06:14):
Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. So I think, like,
something that's kinda toughwith wedding photography is it's
like a pretty oversaturatedmarket. And so I feel like there
are so many photographers.There's so many people that are
starting out. There are peoplethat have been doing it for 10
years, 20 years, 30 years. Sopretty early on it was like
clear that we needed to havesomething a little bit
(06:35):
different. And a big part ofthat is just our personalities.
We're like, you know, I'm a hypegirl. I'm high energy. I, you
know, love connecting withpeople. Love making people feel
comfortable. And so I thinkthere's there's the side that is
posing and photography andediting and having something
look pretty, which a lot ofpeople can do. But I think what
(06:57):
I hope I bring to the table isjust making people feel
comfortable in front of thecamera. And then alongside that,
like, just a a little differentthing that we do is, we're
really passionate about, like,giving back. And so for me, that
looks like things that I'mpassionate about. So I, have
Crohn's disease, so I we giveback to the Crohn's and Colitis
(07:17):
Foundation every year, which isreally cool. And then we just
have a lot of really closefriends and family that, like
foster and adopt kids. And so wegive like discounts for that.
Victoria B. Glass (07:28):
ohhh that's just kind of a cool thing that
is different.
Abby Lewis (07:30):
Yeah. Yeah. That we've just started doing. And,
and it's just been nice to findways that it's like, oh, how can
we incorporate things that arepart of us and things that we're
passionate about and, put thatinto the business. So, yeah,
that's been cool.
Victoria B. Glass (07:44):
Oh, that that is the first I've ever heard of
having very specific discountsand offerings to people and
families that could use yourservices that you don't see
typical discounts for. And it'sinviting them to come into your
story and, like, you know, havehave the product or offering
that you offer, but also itgives another point of talking
(08:07):
about it and bringing theawareness and advocation for it
back into the conversation. Whata really truly unique way to do
that. I'm I need to incorporatethat into our business. I love
that.
Abby Lewis (08:19):
Yeah. Yeah. I feel like it's cool because I think
you hear of businesses all thetime. Like, you have, like, a
military discount, which isawesome, where you have, like,
all of these other things. So Iwas kind of just like, yeah, why
not do that for other areas thatneed, you know, that kind of
support?
Victoria B. Glass (08:33):
So you have that freedom to do that because
now this is yours and you canmake it whatever you want it to
be.
Abby Lewis (08:40):
Yeah. Yeah. I think it's cool to see how, like, some
of it is just trends. Like,things have shifted a lot since
I started doing the photography.So some of it is just knowing,
like, what to offer to setyourself apart, even, like, with
marketing and with social mediaand all this stuff. But I think,
like, one thing that I've I'venoticed a lot from when I had
(09:01):
that internship is, the guysthat I worked for just went
above and beyond, like, sociallywith everybody that they worked
with. And so, like They did awedding. It wasn't just about
the bride and groom.
They're, like, making the momfeel like a $1,000,000. They're
talking to the bridal party.They're, like, doing all of
these things. And I feel likethat's one thing I learned.
(09:22):
Like, one of my bosses, Ben, hesaid, like, every event or
session that you do is aninterview for your next session.
And I, like, never forgot thatbecause it's, like, these are
all of these people that areinteracting with you and seeing
the way you work, and that's whothey wanna hire, like, once they
get engaged or when they wantfamily photos or whatever. So
that was something I was like,yeah, that's a big thing. And
(09:44):
and I try to remember that whenI'm interacting with, like, a
ton of people in one space likea wedding.
Victoria B. Glass (09:50):
Yes. And what a great lens to be looking
through. Yeah. And I'm talkingabout, like, marketing too for
the wedding industry because,yes, you mentioned earlier that
there are a lot of weddingphotographers. I'm not one so I
don't know the saturation ofthat space.
I admire it. I love the I loveto admire it and I also know
(10:11):
that you do have to find ways tostand out and things like that.
But to put on that lens of likehey, when I am at a wedding all
of these people who are in thewedding, they might need a
wedding photographer too. Andlike I know that the moms who
are the flower girls or thegrooms, little grooms, they're
they might need a familyportrait photographer soon. So,
yes, having that awareness thatit's not just a photography
(10:34):
business, but now it's gettinginto PR in a way.
That's very unique. Well, I alsowanna talk a little bit more
about Abby because, yes, we havethe business part, but you also
as a woman have overcame thingsand, you're a dog lady. You have
dogs, so you love dogs like me,it sounds like. Tell me more
about you. Like, I feel likebecause we know each other
(10:55):
through the online space andbecause I think we have a couple
people that we've interactedwith, we don't know much about
each other. So I wanna hearabout Abby. Like, tell me about
Abby.
Abby Lewis (11:04):
Oh, yay. Okay. Good. Well, yes. Let's see. I didn't
even think much about myself.But, yes, I am a dog person,
very, very big into dogs. Myhusband and I have, had a a
rescue Bernese Mountain dog forabout 4 years. He's very sweet.
He's a bear.
He's a big boy. But, yeah, we'resuper into, like, rescue
(11:25):
animals, and, I've always beenan animal person. So that's
another thing with the businessI love is when we get to work
with dogs, which is the best,but, what else about me? I've
been married for almost 7 years.That is crazy.
Victoria B. Glass (11:36):
Oh.
Abby Lewis (11:37):
That's insane. I like I feel like I've especially
with COVID, I think I've justbeen saying that I'm 24 for,
like, 6 years and I don't evenknow how old I am anymore.
Victoria B. Glass (11:46):
I feel that. I feel that. Yes. I definitely
know what you mean. So I knowlike it.
Abby Lewis (11:51):
7 years. That's crazy. So, yeah, we've been
together How
Victoria B. Glass (11:54):
did y'all meet?
Abby Lewis (11:55):
What'd you say?
Victoria B. Glass (11:56):
How did y'all meet?
Abby Lewis (11:57):
We met in college. So, yes, we went to a a college,
in Northern Ohio, and it wasjust one of those crazy things
where I was in, like, thestudent union with a friend and
he walked by because they likeknew each other and he met me
and we went to the same church.And then, this is wild, we found
out later that our dads actuallyknew each other in college. So
(12:21):
like our dads were friends forlike 25 years. It is like the
smallest world.
It's so crazy. And they bothlike, worked for churches. It's
just wild. So, yeah. So Caleband I met through Bowling Green
and then, we like, dated for afew years.
We got married right out ofcollege and, we moved away. We
(12:41):
moved to Madison, Wisconsin fora few years. We actually were
part of a church, at BowlingGreen, and that church did a
church plant in Madison,Wisconsin. So we just went on
the church plant. We committedto 2 years, ended up staying for
3 years.
It was like a wonderfulexperience, made like lifelong
friends. And then it was justone of those natural things
where the church was doingreally well and we were ready
(13:03):
to, like, move on with our livesin ministry. And so came back to
Ohio so we could be closer tofamily, and now we're on another
church plant in Southern Ohio.
Victoria B. Glass (13:12):
Oh, okay. So yeah. Wow. That's 2 victory
stories, it sounds like, of justtaking a step in faith and going
going somewhere new andplanting, yes, a church,
planting your roots, plantingwhere y'all it sounds like y'all
were newlyweds at least for alittle bit of this time and
stuff. I mean, that's that'samazing, Abby. That's really
neat.
Abby Lewis (13:32):
Yeah. It's been really rewarding. It's cool to
see, like, I feel like thethings that the Lord is doing
that are totally not us. Youknow? Like, I mean, it's the
same with the business, but I'mlike, we have, like, a hand in
it, and it's really cool to seewhat he's doing.
But, like, the things that we'rejust, like, along for the ride,
we're jumping in the van. He'sdriving.
Victoria B. Glass (13:49):
Yeah. Jesus, take the wheel. And yes. Yes. So
you have moved to severaldifferent new places, and have
you had the business the wholetime?
I know you said you helped plantthe the churches there. What has
it looked like to be a businessowner who has had new markets if
that's the case? And elaborate alittle bit on that.
Abby Lewis (14:11):
Yeah. The new markets was really tough. I
think, like, it's especiallywith different seasons, like,
even when I was in college and Iwas way in Northern Ohio, there
was so much easy markets becauseit was like I was doing senior
photos. I was doing, like,couple photos, all of these
things with people that were inthe vicinity. And then when we
moved to Madison, it was kind oflike you're starting from square
(14:32):
1. You don't have thoseconnections. And I relate it all
the time to, like I feel likereal estate agents, oftentimes,
like, they get their nextclients from referrals
constantly. And I thinkphotography is really similar.
Like, it's, like, so much isreferrals, so much is past
clients, so much is whatever.So, yeah, it was wild going to
(14:53):
Madison and having nothing.
And I would, like, come back toOhio here and there, but it was
really just starting from square1. So a lot of it was, like,
strategy wise, I was, like,getting into Facebook groups,
like, when that was a big thing.
Victoria B. Glass (15:06):
Oh, that's a good idea.
Abby Lewis (15:07):
You know, like, moms of Madison, Wisconsin, like,
I'll do family sessions. I'll doweddings. I'll do whatever. Of
Madison, Wisconsin, like, I'lldo family sessions. I'll do
weddings. I'll do whatever. AndI contacted a few high schools
for, like, senior photos just tosee if they needed a
photographer. So, yeah, I had toget creative. To see if they
needed a photographer. So, yeah,I had to get creative because I
wasn't, like, I had all theseconnections from growing up or
connections from college. But,yeah, that was that was tough,
but we had we had a lot ofreally cool weddings there.
(15:29):
And then moving back to Ohio, itwas, like, unbelievably. That's
what made me able to quit my joband be able to do it full time
because it was just, like, theexplosion of past connections,
like, somebody I went to highschool with, somebody that, you
know, I worked at Cold Stonewith, like all of these people
that came out of the woodworkbecause I was back in Ohio.
Victoria B. Glass: It sounds like, seeds that were (15:49):
undefined
planted now have sprouted, andyou have that that garden to
come back to of newpossibilities. It sounds like
even though you were moving backto an old place, you still had a
lot of planted seeds that nowwere able to support what you
were doing at that season. Andisn't that so beautiful to be
(16:10):
able to have that be even alesson in itself as a part of
your story?
Abby Lewis (16:14):
Yeah. It was amazing. It was just really cool
to have, like you know, you'realways nervous when you come to
a new place, and I'm like, Ihaven't talked to these people
in years. Like, I don't know.But, yeah, just picked up right
where we left off, you know,doing family photos for people
that had one kid 6 years ago andnow they have 5 kids, you know,
like it's just Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (16:32):
Yeah. Oh, yeah. Well, I know that you in
your bio said you are a fan ofMiracles. I wanna know what
makes you a fan of Miracles. Canyou tell me why why you're a fan
of Miracles?
Abby Lewis (16:47):
Yeah. Yeah. For sure. I mean, I think, a big
part of like, my like, story andmy journey has just been like,
the way that like, God has movedin my life and the way that he's
moved in other people's livesand a big way that, we connect
with other people is seeing,like, the the things that Jesus
has done to, like, completelyturn around their lives. And I
(17:08):
that that's a miracle in itself,you know?
So, I think, you know, there arethings that you hear about in
the Bible, like these oldmiracles that happen, and I
think a lot of people,underestimate the fact that
every day Jesus is doing newthings in people's lives and
that He's not only doingphysical miracles, healing
people and all of this stuff, Ithink that he is, yeah, like
(17:32):
pulling people out of reallydark places. And I mean, He did
that in my life. He did that inmy husband's life. So many of
our friends have just been savedby Him. So yeah, that's a big
part of, you know, who I am, Ithink.
Yeah, amen. I just think like interms of, we put that on our
business page because I think,you know, there are so many
things that small and big Jesushad a hand in and, you know, we
(17:55):
wouldn't be here without him.And so, yeah. I just put that
little note in there to toremind people that if it wasn't
for him, the business wouldn'teven exist. You know?
It just wouldn't even, be here,and I don't think it would be a
success. And so it's a it's atrue gift. I mean, I'm really
grateful for it, but, yeah,that's why that's in the bio.
Victoria B. Glass (18:14):
Okay. It sounds like what you're saying
is just like those seeds thatwere planted when you came back,
like, that's a miracle. That'severy day you wake up, that's a
miracle. And being pulled out ofdark situations whether they be,
you know, health situations,mental situations, family
situations, business situations,every day that you have bread to
eat is a miracle and we aren'tmade for death. That's a
(18:38):
miracle.
Abby Lewis (18:39):
Yeah. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (18:39):
Yes. That's amazing That I was curious. So I
wanted to touch on that and aska little bit about that, but
just kind of elaborate on whyyou chose to do that.
Abby Lewis (18:49):
Yeah. Yeah. I think it's a tough thing to decide
because I feel like, there's ahuge, like, wave of fear, you
know, like, of of the backlashof what that could look like or
people that have had a lot of,like, stereotypes or or poor
situations or whatever. But,yeah, I think for me, the a big
(19:10):
part of why I don't shy awayfrom it is because, like, even
in my own life and in my ownstory, I've experienced good,
bad, ugly, you know, whateveryou can call it, experiences
with faith. But ultimately,like, it wasn't until I met
Jesus and knew him that Iunderstood what it was like to
feel true love and to feel truefreedom.
(19:31):
And so, in order to like showthat to other people, I can't
shy away from it. You know?Like, it's just Yeah. It's not
only something that we'recommanded to do, but it's
something that, there's there'sno reason to to hide it. And so,
yeah, I don't think I'm, like,you know, the best in the world
at being like, Jesus loves you.
(19:53):
I think, I think it is true thatthere's there's something really
unique and special about, havinga faith based foundation. And
honestly, like, I think that ittakes the pressure off a lot
when it comes to running yourbusiness that you understand,
like, you know, this is, this isone part of my identity, but
it's not my ultimate identity.And and Right. I mean that,
(20:17):
like, the world isn't gonnacrumble if I don't book 27
weddings next year, and I'm notgonna you know, my entire worth
isn't based off of how manylikes I get on Instagram. Like,
it just takes off this pressureand this, like, fear of man,
fear of comparison.
And so I think it's beenactually like, not only just
good for my own sanity, but Ithink just like for a lot of
(20:38):
things. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (20:40):
Yeah. Well, I have noticed business people who
are speaking openly about it.And growing up, it just seemed
like you were supposed to havethat separation. But the the
people that I love talking toare the ones that are open and
saying like this is who I am.I'm a believer first like you
mentioned.
And this business is a miraclebecause if, you know, if there
(21:04):
wasn't call to help people firstin my life then this business
wouldn't even be like I wouldn'tbe showing up to whatever.
Right. Business x or whatever.You know? But but because we
have that then we I mean we canserve the Lord anywhere but at
the same time why not have it bein a place that you can talk
about Him freely and like youknow, share other people's
stories who do talk about Himfreely and photograph moments
(21:27):
that include the love that Hehas blessed couples with. And
just yeah. Like, I love that youhave incorporated that both into
your bio and that you continueto do that with your photos.
Yeah. So I know that we talked alittle bit about what makes
captured photography so special.What are some of your favorite
photos to take?
Abby Lewis (21:48):
Yeah. Yeah. So I have I feel like I have a the,
the cop out is like justpictures of the couple. Of
course, everybody loves doingthat. But I think something that
I've loved lately is when I getto see something that's
different in a wedding because,like, there's just so many
weddings that in there's, like,no offense at all to anyone, but
(22:08):
it's, like, a lot of times itcan be mundane where it's, like,
you have the couple, you have abridal party, you have the cake
cutting, you know, whatever.
Victoria B. Glass (22:15):
Yeah.
Abby Lewis (22:15):
But I'm loving that, especially in the last couple
years, people have, like, goneaway from tradition a little
bit, and they're like, let'sincorporate, you know, these
different things. So I got todo, like, a, like, Jewish
wedding and that was reallycool. And they had, like, part
Jewish and this and the the wifewasn't Jewish, but they still
did, like, really fun things.Like, they did the horah and I I
(22:36):
did a Greek wedding and theyhad, like, the Greek dancing.
And, my favorite that I've donewas like, I'm like, oh, I'm
never gonna forget this. Thebride was from the US, but the
groom was from Ireland. And so,like, so much of the dancing was
like this Irish music and theywere like so loud and all the
guys were, like, you know, goingaround in a circle and dancing
(22:58):
and they, like, ended the night.Everybody sang the parting
glass. It was just, like, sobeautiful and, like, one of
those things that I'm, like, ifnot for a job like this, I would
have never experienced somethingthat's, like, memorable and
amazing.
And and then to capture that andknow, like, people are gonna
hear the parting glass in theirhead when they see that picture
(23:19):
or, like, you know, they'regonna yeah. Yeah. So I feel like
that's been really cool. Thoseare my favorite things to
capture, like, the superdifferent, you know, things that
I would have never even known,happen at some of those
weddings. So
Victoria B. Glass (23:32):
Yeah. So just the diversity of weddings that
you capture, they're teachingyou things and teaching you
about different people andshowing the personalities that
these weddings that you may havenot have gotten an invite to,
but now you're there becauseyou're capturing them and you're
the photographer and you're justgetting to just see it all from
the perspective of, like, youknow, fly on the wall or
(23:54):
whatever, like being thephotographer. So, like, that's
one of the things that's sobeautiful about having that
camera in your hand is seeing itfrom not not just Abby, but also
as the person who hasexperienced the wedding itself.
Like you want that those thatsound of the glass whenever you
see that photo, like and that'sjust such a beautiful way to to
(24:16):
answer that question. I haven'tgotten an answer like that and,
yeah, that makes me want to goand try to crash some weddings.
Abby Lewis (24:23):
I know. Crash some weddings.
Victoria B. Glass (24:26):
Yeah. Hahaha But, cool. Well, I want to know
too, you're a husband and wifeteam. Right?
Abby Lewis (24:33):
Yeah. Yeah. It was, like, mostly me, and then, I
just started needing help. Like,I was I was working a full time
job, and I was doing, Oh, yeah.Kudos.
And so I just needed help. Like,I feel like it was one of those
it was a it was a good humblingmoment for me to understand that
I'm a big picture girly, and Ineeded, like, somebody to help
with the admin side and thefinances. And, my husband has a
(24:57):
full time job too, but, yes, hejust, like, helped out a ton. I
feel like I I call him, like,the brains of the organization
because he just, like, knows tohelp me have, like, boundaries
and helps a lot with admin,helps with finances. So yes,
that's how we started out.
And then he also started secondshooting for me, when I first
started. So that was really funthat we could travel to weddings
(25:19):
together and have that. Andsince then, it's just, like,
it's grown so much. He actuallyjust started a PhD program, and
so he's been, like, yes. Yay,Caleb.
So he's been doing lessweddings, and we have a team of
like 5 second shooters now. Soit's just like, it blew up
really quick. But yeah, it'sbeen really fun. All the second
(25:42):
shooters are amazing. They'relike super talented, wonderful,
wonderful photographers, andthey've done, like, 2 or 3
seasons with us now.
So we're getting to know eachother, like, personally and
professionally. So, yeah, that'sbeen really fun. But, yeah,
Caleb still shoots like,about 5 or 6 wedding a year. so
we still get to shoot togethersometimes. But, yeah, it's it's
a bigger team now, which iswild.
Victoria B. Glass (26:04):
Well, we yeah. I was gonna say
congratulations. I didn'trealize that you had so many
second shooters. And whatanother victory in itself of
just having that grow from beingyour dream, bringing your
husband on board to help out inareas that you maybe needed some
extra assistance with and thenhaving the time that you can
spend with your husband while atwork. I know that a lot of
(26:27):
people don't understand thatthat's such a special thing.
Like, it's a very delicate, butalso really special thing to to
be able to spend that timetogether. And also to be able to
grow from that, from going from2 to even further and helping
other people to reach theirdreams of being, you know, a
wedding photographer or helpingyou with your business and and
(26:48):
just being able to do that.Yeah. So but but kudos to you
for for having the space to beable to bring people on like
that. Like, that is no smallfeat. That is huge.
Abby Lewis (26:58):
Yeah. It wasn't terrifying at the beginning.
Victoria B. Glass (27:01):
I was gonna say I'm sure that was something
that, yeah, felt uncomfortableat first because I've never,
like, experienced that. So Idon't even know. Can you
elaborate on what that lookedlike when you knew maybe it was
time to do that?
Abby Lewis (27:11):
A huge part of it was just like a trust leap
because I think so much, kindalike I touched on before, so
much of selling the business isselling yourself. Like, I'm
like, people hire me because ofthe personality and because of
how organized or whatever it is.And so to say like, I'm gonna
bring someone else into thatbrand, if you will, and hope
that they can do the same thing.There's only so much you can
(27:34):
know about a person from aninterview and a portfolio. So,
part of it was just a huge leapof faith.
But it was really helpful toknow, like a lot of the people
we hired were people that wererecommendations from other, like
photographers that I was friendswith. So I knew like, okay, you
worked with Sophie. You lovedSophie. Now I love Sophie and
(27:54):
I'm obsessed with her. But like,you know, that kind of thing
where
Victoria B. Glass (27:58):
That trust.
Abby Lewis (27:58):
Yeah. There was that trust.
Victoria B. Glass (27:59):
And
Abby Lewis (27:59):
I mean, like, you know, some of it is just knowing
that, like, you know, when I wasan intern years years ago, those
guys took a risk with me andtrained me up. Like, I'm not
hiring a super well known, youknow, knows everything
photographer. I'm hiring, youknow, a student that I can help
and, understanding that that'swhat that looks like. So it's
(28:22):
been really cool. It's beenrewarding and, like, so much of
it, like, these these peoplejust know so much more than me.
Like, I'm like, what's what'sthis? How did I how did you make
a story with multiple pictureson it? How did you, you know,
how did you make a reel? Like,all these things they're
teaching me is, like, blowing mymind and the equipment that they
have. Like, that girl, Sophie, Imentioned, she, like, finally
(28:44):
convinced me to get this newlens, and she was like, Abby,
it's time.
Like, you just gotta do it. Butit's people like that have just
been yeah. It's been great. Soit was hard to know, like, when
it was time, but, so much of ourpackages have a second
photographer in them and like,Caleb had to step back for a
few, so I just knew, like, I hadto have somebody else do that.
Victoria B. Glass (29:04):
Well, that's good advice too to have that
openness to know when you'reready. Like, hey, this is this
is the knock on the door and I'mgonna answer it now. So that's
good advice to even someone likemyself who works with their
spouse and who has, you know,entertained the idea of bringing
another person on to help butdidn't really know on because
(29:27):
I'm still in that place of,like, when should I be? Like, is
there a certain thing? And it'slike, nope.
You know when you're ready. AndI think looking back to in other
areas like Orange or somethinglike that, it's like, no. You
know you know when they're theone. Like, it's gonna be scary,
but don't be scared. Just befaith filled and have that
faith. And faith's so hard.
Abby Lewis (29:44):
I know!
Victoria B. Glass (29:46):
Then you can, then you can just take that leap
and be ready to bring someoneelse into your baby, which is
your business. So, thanks forsharing a little bit of light on
that.
Abby Lewis (29:55):
Yeah. For sure.
Victoria B. Glass (29:58):
Well, I always like to ask people
because so much of things areword-of-mouth like you
mentioned. And the world is sobig and we hear about things
that might inspire someone elsethat we know or influence the
life of a friend. And it'sbecause of people having
conversations that we get totell people about these things
that are that we're lovinglately and that are making our
(30:21):
lives better. So outside of thebusiness, outside of your doggo
and your husband and workingwith your business at Captured
Photography. What is inspiringyou?
Or what are you loving rightnow? Are there any podcasts or
books or just games or anything?Anything at all that you are
(30:41):
just lit up by right now?
Abby Lewis (30:43):
Yes. Oh, that's a good question. I have 2 books
that I really love that I read.
Victoria B. Glass (30:48):
Okay.
Abby Lewis (30:48):
One of them I read annually, which is crazy. I just
think it's such a good reminder.Whether you're like it's good
for business, but I think it'sgreat personally. It's called
"Keep It Shut." Yeah, it's good.
It's about, it's kind of likewhat to say, how to say things,
when to keep your mouth shut,like that kind of thing. It's by
(31:09):
Karen Ehan, I think is how youpronounce her name.
Victoria B. Glass (31:11):
Okay. "Keep It Shut"
Abby Lewis (31:12):
Yeah. But it's, like, it's one of those books
that I feel like it challengesyou in different seasons. Like,
I think sometimes I'm in aseason where I'm like, oh, I
might have overshared or I mighthave, you know, maybe talked a
little bit too negatively abouta situation that I'd rather be
positive about, or how to phrasesomething when I don't really
understand how to phrase itwell. But that book I've really,
(31:35):
really loved. I read that one alot.
And then the other one that hasreally shifted, I like, I'm
still trying to figure out whatthe rhythms look like, but it
shifted the way that I look atmy time. It's called The Common
Rule. I think it's by it'sJustin Early, I'm pretty sure.
But it's just it's a lot aboutlike, like, forming habits in an
(31:58):
age of distraction. And so, youknow, some of the things are,
like, how you look at your day,how you look at your week and
how you look at your month.
And what it means to not besuper distracted. A lot of it is
about like social media and yourphone. So little habits that you
can start that aren't superdaunting or like too, too
(32:21):
difficult to achieve that yougive them up. So like one of
them for me was like, I don't goto sleep with like my phone
accessible to me. It's, like,across the room.
And that's, like, totallychanged. Like, I don't just wake
up and, like, doom scroll for 2hours. It's just wild. Like,
yeah. That's a really good one.
Victoria B. Glass (32:40):
Yeah. I love that. I'm a firm believer in
that too and anything that canmake, my ADD life easier. Like,
it's not even about I mean, Iwanna be productive, but it's
not even about productivity.
It's more like the way you feeland, yes, having that phone not
be the first thing that's likewhether it be social media,
email, you know, a notification.But having that just not be the
(33:02):
first thing or, like, that yousee at the very beginning of
your day, first thing when youwake up, has definitely changed
the feeling of the first 15minutes of every day. Right?
Abby Lewis (33:12):
It's like insane how and I think his like, he has a
couple of them, like, he'll fastfor, like, a day, like, one day
a week. He doesn't use his phoneor, like, whatever. And I'm not
that good, but I've been like,oh, I'm not gonna use my phone
for this hour every single day.And just knowing
that it's not even in the room.
Victoria B. Glass (33:27):
Oh, that's good.
Abby Lewis (33:29):
I can't even access it, whatever. And if I miss a
call, the world didn't shutdown. It's okay. Like Yeah. It's
not the end of the world.
So yeah, those have both beenreally good. And especially
because, like I mean, I think alot of business owners have this
where, like, you never reallyhave, like, a true day off or a
true, like, busier or fastseason. It's, like, always go go
(33:51):
go all the time, and we'reconstantly fighting on ways to
not burn out and to to stillhave a passion for what we're
doing. And so I I read thatbook, and it was really helpful
for, like, knowing what it lookslike to have little breaks or,
to to, yeah, find find time forthe things that matter. You
know?
It's been really great.
Victoria B. Glass (34:10):
Yeah. Well, I'm gonna look up both of them
and then tell me a little bitmore. I know you elaborated a
little bit on Keep It Shut, butwhy that book? Like why? Because
that one's the one that when yousaid it, I was like, I don't
even know what this is about,but I can tell Ima like it.
Like so tell me what was yourbiggest takeaway from that?
Abby Lewis (34:30):
Yeah. So I think my biggest takeaway from that was
there are so many good chapters,but one of them talks a lot
about what it looks like to,make space in conversations. And
it's just a simple, like, thingthat I feel like a lot of people
understand how to do. But forsomebody like me who's, like, an
extreme extrovert, wants to belife of the party, always trying
(34:52):
to talk about the next thing, itwas just, like, literally about,
like I mean, I think thatthere's a little tool in there.
That's something about creatingspace in conversations for
somebody else to share somethingand that you don't have to be
the person that's, like,constantly talking.
And it's it's a small thing, butI've noticed it when I'm sitting
in a group of, like, 5 or 6people that I'm, like, I don't
(35:14):
have to be the one to dominatethis conversation. I don't have
to be the one to keep itcarrying over. And I just, like,
count to 5 in my head. Andwouldn't you know it? Other
people have things to share.
And, like, it's great. And youcan still be, part of the
conversation and feel likeyou're part of the group without
being the one to, like, own thewhole thing. And I think
(35:34):
sometimes that would, like, bealmost a burden to me in parties
where I was like, oh, I feellike I have to be on and I have
to be, like, thinking of newthings and and running
everything, but it's just nottrue.
Victoria B. Glass (35:45):
Yes. And that tool of counting to 5, that
seems really simple, but I'venever heard of that in the way
of conversation of, like,letting other people talk.
Abby Lewis (35:53):
Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass (35:54):
And I know I could use that especially even
as a a podcast host becausesometimes it's just your natural
instinct to be like, yeah. Orlike, you know, And so, yes,
count to 5 and that's a goodtool and takeaway of of how to
just leave the space to learnand to bring in new to take it
back to photography, new light,like, in that way.
(36:16):
So good advice. Thank you forelaborating more on that. And
I'm gonna get that book.
Abby Lewis (36:21):
There's some of you more to tell me if you like it.
Victoria B. Glass (36:23):
Okay. I will. I will. And I'm a reader too.
So, yes. I appreciate therecommendations. And for sure,
the Keep It Shut, it's gonna goon my next buy.
Abby Lewis (36:34):
Yes. Yes.
Victoria B. Glass (36:35):
Thanks for being willing to share that.
Yeah.
Abby Lewis (36:36):
Yeah. No problem.
Victoria B. Glass (36:39):
Well, I do wanna also say a little shout
out to someone who was on theshow earlier. AJ, she voice
messaged me and said, hey, Ijust wanna let you know, Abby
from I saw captured photo, butcaptured photography. She
reached out and she said shelistened to the episode and it
was a a real and fulfilled. Ialways like to say that real and
(37:01):
fulfilled moment for me, Abby,because it was like, what?
Someone who I'm having on laterhas like reached out to you, who
made you feel good and likecelebrated your victory.
And also you're coming back tome saying, like, this is
exciting. Someone I don't knowlistened to my episode and it
and it inspired them. And now,like, I don't know. It's just
(37:21):
it's a full circle. It's likewe're all connected by these
little red strings and stuff andit is so important to me.
That is why I wanted to createContagious Victories, to hear
other people's stories, and thenalso, like, share them with
other people. So, like, I don'tknow. Being being someone who
worked in news, I couldn't justput my family and friends and
all the news stories. So that'swhy, like, Contagious Victories
(37:44):
came about. But, but thesepositive stories deserve to
inspire other people, and so I'mglad you came on.
I'm glad you reached out to me.I'm glad you reached out to AJ.
I know that was it was it Indiawho y'all work together?
Abby Lewis (37:57):
Or like Yeah. India.
Victoria B. Glass (37:58):
Is that how y'all know each okay. Because I
was trying to find the threadand it's like, this is amazing.
And so from the bottom of myheart, Abby, thank you. Thank
you for coming on. Thank you forreaching out.
Thank you for being a listenerand, for taking the risk in your
own life and on your own storybecause we all have amazing
stories. And then it's justanother level of courage and
(38:21):
love to show up and share themwith people that you don't even
know. Like, now we do know eachother. Yeah. And it's just a a
brave thing to, reach out.
And I'm so glad you reached outto me. So Yeah. Thank you.
Abby Lewis (38:33):
Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Well, it's just the
best to have these connectionstoo. I'm just like it I feel
like especially with yourpodcast, it feels like this,
like, little community, youknow?
Like, it's it's not only thegood news, but it's like this
little community that I'm like,oh my gosh, now I have all these
friends from all over the place,and it feels like we're all just
sitting in your living roomdrinking coffee.
Victoria B. Glass: Well, it's water today. haha , (38:59):
undefined
yeah, I know. That's what I washoping to create the space for.
And, yes, I've just I'm tryingso hard to celebrate these
people who are all over the theplace, all over the world.
Hopefully, one day if we dreambig enough, but definitely all
over the US and for you to takeyour own leap of faith and to
(39:20):
move when God called you to moveand to start a business when you
felt called to start thebusiness and when God told you
to start that business. And eventhe thing of, like, reaching out
on Instagram to a stranger, me,saying, hey, I'm listening, you
know, to my friend on your showand, like, this is awesome and
stuff like that.
So just the little victories. AJtelling me with that voice
(39:41):
message, thank you. Thank you.And this is all what it's about,
and I'm so happy to give it backto God. He created us to
celebrate our lives and tocelebrate Him and to touch
people and to, to show up infaith.
And that is what this is areminder of to both myself and
to anyone who tunes in. So,thank you.
Abby Lewis (40:00):
Yeah. Absolutely.
Victoria B. Glass (40:02):
Is there anything else you wanna share? I
know I'm tossing the mic back,and now I've I've even thrown
the whole world thing out there.So you have you have a a
microphone. Do you wanna shareany little tidbits or little
touchstones of wisdom that couldhelp your past self or anyone
tuning in?
Abby Lewis (40:20):
Oh, goodness. I don't think I have anything
except, like I like the the ideaof the advice thing. I think if
there's anything I could say, ifthere's anybody out there
wanting to to start yourbusiness or to keep it going, I
think, like, if there's anythingI've learned in this business,
it's that comparing yourself toothers is, like, such a thief of
(40:41):
joy. I think we've all learnedthat the hard way in a lot of
ways, and it can be a cancer toyour mental health. It can be a
cancer to, you know, yourbusiness.
So I just think be yourself.It's the smallest, most easy
thing to do, but if you beyourself, if you just, you know,
understand what it means so thatyou were created with a purpose
(41:02):
and created uniquely, then it'sgoing to be fine. Just be
yourself. Go start thatbusiness, buy the ice cream
truck, you know? But yeah, Ithink that's, I think that's all
I would say.
That's the, the thing that I'velearned that has helped me the
most is just to stop trying tobe somebody I'm not. So that's
mine.
Victoria B. Glass (41:19):
Yeah. Well, you are capturing people who are
themselves and you're doing avery good job at making them
feel comfortable when you do it.So keep being Abby and thank you
Abby for showing up and forsharing your victory stories
multiple with us today. And I aminspired by the belief in
(41:40):
miracles that you'd share soopenly in all of the different
aspects of your life. So I feellike I can take that into the
world and do anything. So thankyou for reminding me of how good
God is to to all all of us, all,like, at all times.
So we're never alone. We're always with
Him. And, and thank you forsharing up and being Abby and
(42:04):
for letting letting me get toknow you better. This has been
awesome.
Abby Lewis (42:07):
Yeah. Absolutely. It was a joy. I'm excited to keep
the friendship going.
Victoria B. Glass (42:11):
Yeah. Me too. And I wanna know where we can
send people who want to get toknow your work a little bit
better. So where can we find youonline? Because I've I mean,
we're friends now, so I'malready following you.
But where can anyone who wantsto so bravely and courageously
reach out and say, hey, Abby.What's up? Like, where can they
go to to reach out and contactyou?
Abby Lewis (42:33):
Yeah. So, everything is pretty much the same. So our
website isWeAreCapturedPhoto.com.
Instagram and Facebook are bothWe Are Captured Photo, so pretty
easy. And yeah, if you everwanna reach out, I'm happy to be
friends.
I'm happy to grab coffee.Whatever you want.
Victoria B. Glass (42:52):
Awesome. It's beautiful and you've got some
really colorful and prettyimages on your Instagram too. So
go and go and check out theirwebsite and Instagram. Cool.
Well, thanks for coming on and Ihope everyone who's listening
has a wonderful rest of theirday.
Thanks for listening toContagious Victories.
(43:16):
Thanks for joining us for this week's
episode of the ContagiousVictories podcast. If the show
inspired you to share your ownvictory story, I'm here to tell
you the world deserves to hearit. Submit it to me online at
ToriBlackmon.com. Review andsubscribe if that feels right.
Telling your friend about theshow helps contain his victories
to grow.
(43:38):
Plus, we all appreciate a littlesunshine. I'm Tori b. Thanks for
listening. I'll catch you soon.
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