157 ALAINA ABBOTT CAPTURING LIFESophomore Alaina Abbott pursues a photography business that began in high school. Sophomore Alaina Abbott received a camera as a gift at a young age, igniting her passion for photography. Abbott grew up with the determination to pursue her interests, and she said when she discovered a new interest, she dedicated herself to developing that skill. “I get good at whatever I do,” Abbott said. “That’s kind of my mantra for life.” In 2016, during her sophomore year of high school, Abbott took senior pictures for friends. She said that was when she knew she would have a photography business of her own. Abbott’s friends were impressed with her work. By her senior year of high school, she photographed siblings of friends and booked fall portraits and family photoshoots. “It has grown into now I have regular clients, which is really cool, that I do yearly or quarterly,” Abbott said. In fall 2020, Abbott broadened her experience by photographing two weddings. She said capturing people in their rawest moments of emotion was what brought her the most satisfaction as a photographer. “I’ve gotten to the place where I can feel them about to laugh or smile,” Abbot said. “That’s when you take the picture. That’s the moment you’re after.” Abbott declared interior design as her major and said her history with photography amplified her experience in that department, as her judgment of color, exposure and saturation translated into her design projects. Abbott said the colors, creativity and composition of photography were where her passions truly lied. Sophomore Gabi Gonzalez met Abbott during Honors Symposium and noticed her passion for photography. Abbott and Gonzalez became roommates their freshman year, and Gonzalez was Abbott’s “right hand man,” scouting out locations with her and holding equipment during shoots. “Being able to look back on those pictures and seeing the pictures she takes now is incredible,” Gonzalez said. “She was good then, but she’s even better now. I love that I’ve been able to be a part of that growth.” Sophomore Lauren Peaney befriended Abbott through the interior design department and was a model for Abbott numerous times. “She really made me feel like I want to be a model [professionally],” Pealey said. “She makes it so much fun to do.” Abbott said good things should never be out of reach, so her business was about understanding art and providing it for others at an afforable price. story by Gael Langdon Sophomore Alaina Abbott takes pictures of students near Pattie Cobb Hall. Abbott took portrait photos throughout school. | photo by Madison Meyer
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