Chloe Abotomey effortlessly fuses the worlds of photography and storytelling.
With an impeccable eye for detail and a passion for capturing the essence of life’s most cherished moments, Chloe’s portfolio is a testament to her mastery. Based in the vibrant city of New Orleans, her photography reflects the rich tapestry of culture, love, and celebration that defines the region. Chloe’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every frame, offering clients a truly unique and intimate glimpse into their stories. Explore her captivating portfolio to witness her artistry and discover the magic that Chloe Abotomey brings to each photographic journey.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do, what makes your brand special?
Absolutely, I am a bespoke wedding photographer, but actually, I take only 15 weddings per year. I really believe that couples prepping for their day deserve someone who can dedicate the time and energy to providing a real experience. I think what sets me apart is the deeply personal approach I bring to each couple’s story. I am a total empath and so really connecting and understanding my couples is really important to my creative process.
I am not a photographer who just shows up, takes some photos then delivers an impersonal online gallery. I am all about the sentimental and emotional moments, those little details that some might miss. I like to be right there alongside my couples, their biggest hype person throughout the entire wedding journey.
I also always shoot on both digital and analog mediums, not just because film photography is having a resurgence and everyone loves the process of analog photography but because analog is how I trained as a photographer, and creatively is my preferred medium. Unfortunately, film costs are pretty astronomical, and even if I develop and process film myself, shooting an entire wedding only on film becomes quite costly, so I offer both for all my packages.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
It’s a bit of a funny story, actually. My mum was a wedding photographer, so I started out in the Southern Highlands in NSW as her assistant when I was probably around 16. It was all analog, and I would be so excited/terrified to go to our film lab to scour negatives for the right images to print.
I swore during those days of assisting that I would never be a wedding photographer, which was a little naive, but the pressure of being in charge of capturing the once-in-a-lifetime memories felt a bit too much, so I went with a more commercial photography route to start my career. My mum was always reassuring me that it was an honour to be a wedding photographer, which I definitely believe now I am experienced in the industry. So much of that time was so instrumental to my photographic journey. I am so privileged to have been involved in the process from such a young age.
What is your number one recommendation for couples who are choosing a photographer?
These are your wedding day memories, please ensure you choose a photographer who values your day. Choose someone who you instantly feel a connection with. Someone who you feel comfortable enough to trust with these precious moments. I know so many people who describe their wedding day as a blur and so looking back on their photography became their way of triggering their memory. It is honestly so important to find a photographer who you trust.
What inspires you?
I have always been drawn to people and their unique connections with each other and the world around them. So much so that I actually studied psychology, so it is kind of fitting that I have chosen to specialise in wedding photography, where the full spectrum of human emotion is on display. My favourite images are always the ones that, when you look at, you can actually feel what the people are feeling. It is such an honour to be the person immortalising those moments for families. At every wedding, I am always hyper aware that the photos I am taking will become the memories that the couple has of their day and that generations ahead will look through to feel an understanding of their heritage. Having the privilege to be so heavily involved in such an intimate and personal experience, I think, is really what drives me creatively. It’s not a photoshoot that can be recreated, it’s one of the most important days of someone’s life, not to be repeated.
Learn more at chloeabotomey.com and @chloeabotomey_photography. Explore Chloe Abotomey on the Together Journal Online Directory.
