We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abe below.
Abe, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Honestly, my confidence and self-esteem didn’t come from a single defining moment. It was a quiet build, a mix of faith, failures, and small wins that stacked up over time.
I used to be really unsure of myself, especially early on when I was just starting in photography. I’d compare my work constantly, wonder if I belonged, and second-guess whether anyone would trust me to document such important moments. But little by little, every couple that believed in me, every story I got to tell through my lens, helped shift something inside.
My confidence really grew once I stopped trying to prove myself and started focusing on serving people well. Showing up fully, listening deeply, and doing the work with heart gave me a deeper sense of purpose. That mindset gave me peace, and that peace gave me presence.
A big part of that growth also came through my faith. Knowing I’m already loved and accepted by God frees me from needing validation from others. That truth grounded me, especially on days I felt like I wasn’t enough.
Confidence, for me, wasn’t loud. It came quietly through consistency, through connection, and through leaning into the things I’m made to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a wedding photographer based in Chicago, and I specialize in documentary-style storytelling. What that really means is I focus less on posing and more on presence. I care about the quiet, unscripted in-between moments. The way your dad squeezes your shoulder before walking you down the aisle, or how your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention. Those are the kinds of things I believe are worth remembering.
My brand is rooted in honesty and care. I’m not here to create a performance. I’m here to witness and preserve what’s already real. I want couples to feel seen, not styled. I want their wedding photos to feel like their memories, not just images.
Travel has also played a huge part in shaping my work. Experiencing new places and cultures reminds me to stay curious and open. Whether I’m photographing a wedding in Chicago, the West Coast, or overseas, I carry that same sense of wonder with me. It keeps things fresh and helps me see each story with new eyes.
Right now, I’m focusing on growing intentionally. I’ve been taking on fewer weddings so I can invest more deeply into each couple. I’m also continuing to build out my blog, sharing real weddings and helping couples discover venues through a storytelling lens.
At the heart of it, my hope is that people walk away from this brand feeling grounded, known, and seen.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most important things for me were emotional awareness, consistency, and the ability to truly listen.
First, emotional awareness has shaped how I see and photograph people. Being in tune with what others are feeling, and with what I’m feeling, helps me stay present and capture the honest stuff. I think anyone can learn to grow in this area by slowing down and paying attention. Notice how people interact, notice what’s said without words. That kind of presence builds trust and deepens your work.
Second, consistency matters more than talent. You don’t have to be the best at everything right away, but if you show up, keep learning, and keep caring, people will notice. I’ve found that the slow build wins every time. Don’t rush your growth. Do the work. Keep showing up.
Lastly, learn to listen. This goes for clients, mentors, loved ones, and even yourself. Some of the best decisions I’ve made came from sitting still long enough to really hear what was being said. If you’re just starting out, ask more questions, be curious, and don’t be afraid to say you don’t know yet.
All of these qualities take time, but they’re worth developing because they’re not just good for business, they’re good for life.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My wife has been the most helpful and consistent support in this journey. She sees the version of me I sometimes forget, especially in the hard seasons. Whether it’s encouraging me when I doubt myself, holding space when I feel burnt out, or reminding me to rest and stay grounded, she’s been the steady voice behind so much of my growth.
She’s also helped sharpen my perspective. Talking things through with her has pushed me to see beyond just the creative side of what I do and to think more intentionally about how I serve others, how I lead, and how I carry myself in business and in life.
A lot of what people see on the outside is possible because of the peace, strength, and clarity I’ve found through our partnership. I truly wouldn’t be doing this the way I am without her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abefernandezfotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abefernandez.fotos
Image Credits
Abe Fernandez Fotos
for instagram: @abefernandez.fotos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
