I'm so glad you're here and I'd love to hear from you!
You can find lots of information on this website, but if you have more questions or want to book a session, shoot me an email or message me on insta.
@abigail-chikkala
abigailjo31@gmail.com
I'm so glad you're here and I'd love to hear from you!
You can find lots of information on this website, but if you have more questions or want to book a session, shoot me an email or message me on insta.
@abigail-chikkala
abigailjo31@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
With over 10+ years of professional photography experience, I do quite the range. I primarily focus on weddings and families. I have shot many proposals, engagements, anniversaries, weddings, maternity, newborn, families, senior pictures, headshots and more. Reach out to me if there is something specific you are wanting and are not sure about! I happy to work with you to make it happen.
With over 10+ years of professional photography experience, I do quite the range. I primarily focus on weddings and families. I have shot many proposals, engagements, anniversaries, weddings, maternity, newborn, families, senior pictures, headshots and more. Reach out to me if there is something specific you are wanting and are not sure about! I happy to work with you to make it happen.
I will shoot you a text before your session and confirm date, time & place. Please confirm back so that I know we're good to go! Sometimes there's minor issues with parking, timing or weather so this helps make sure everyone is on the same page. Then, we will meet at your session location! Feel free to be on time, but there is no need to be super super early (I typically arrive around the time the session is set to start, maybe a few minutes before). This being said - please do try to be on time. If this means arriving early and waiting a bit, then do that! Late arrivals on your end can cut into your booked time if I have other sessions scheduled after you. After arrival we typically catch up, go over the basics... then we jump in! This means smiling, laughing, having fun and letting me capture you!
Real talk- the number one question I get asked is HELP, what do I wear?
My personal favorite is creams, white, and browns with maybe a splash of burnt orange or green.
But, honestly, it really doesn't matter. You can wear ripped up, stained tees with holes and you'll look amazing. You can wear a suit and tie or a full length ball gown and you'll kill it. I have captured anywhere from hipster-vintage to dressed to the nine's. Your kids can be in their messy play clothes. How can I be so confident of this, you ask? Because what makes photography good isn't just lighting and angles and edits (though I have that down pat). What makes for stunning photos is capturing moments of love, community + intimacy. PLUS I have a firmly cemented belief that every human is beautiful. You might not believe me, but I'll prove you wrong. And, if what you're noticing in your photos is that one stray hair or the fact that those jeans make your hips look wider, then I didn't do my job right. Because what you should be noticing is your kiddos laugh, your lover's eyes or the tender way two hands can intertwine and take someone's breath away.
But practically, what looks good? How do I pick out my outfit?
I recommend neutrals and solid colors. Stay away from patterns and wild patterns especially, unless it's the wild-on-purpose type of deal. My personal favorite is all the shades of cream and brown, and I dare people to pick the basic cream tee with beige pants and not drop their jaw at the results. I also recommend you think about the season. Summers tend to go well with creams or deep greens. Fall colors match well with pops of red, orange or yellow. Winter time means red and green is your bestie, or soft creams for a snow shoot. Funky holidays patterns or PJ's can also be fun for holiday cards. Late spring does really well with earth tones and light pastels.
For a mini session, you typically have one outfit, and for an hour session you'll have two. Senior sessions have three outfits. A lot of people with two outfits will choose a casual outfit, and a fancier outfit, but that is definitely not something you have to do. I had one couple choose workout gear for an outfit! A family is welcome to do cute matching PJ's if they want. Its all up to you! If you're still feeling unsure, I recommend heading to pinterest and looking at photos that corresponds with your session - couples portraits, family pictures, senior pictures, etc. Look at styles or color you like or don't like and what you enjoy about those. Sometimes seeing something can really shift your perspective on what you like or don't. But ultimately, I want you to feel confident and like yourself. Don't stress too much about clothes!
The most expensive part of professional photography is typically equipment! A good camera can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000. This doesn't include multiple lens ($500-1,500 per), memory cards ($100 per and we need multiple), flash ($100-600), batteries ($60-120), external hard drives ($100-350 per) and more! I wish this was a one time fee, but unfortunately, equipment needs updated, breaks, etc. We also pay for subscriptions to give you guys your online gallery, which is a re-occurring yearly cost ($200-500). If photographers use an online portal to manage and book, that is another re-occurring cost (upwards of $400 annually). There's also software to help process our photos ($129-250) and editing software ($200-$400 annually). None of this includes our time shooting and editing. Often editing pictures takes significantly longer than capturing them! So next time you feel worried you're getting cheated because photography costs a million dollars: remember - we're also spending a lot of behind the scenes stuff! I work hard to keep my prices accessible to the average family while also maintaining good quality equipment (it MATTERS!) and making it worthwhile for myself.
In order to book with me, I will send you an email with your client "portal". This lets you sign your contract for your shoot and pay your deposit to hold your date. After paying your deposit, your next payment will auto-schedule for the day of the shoot. The card you used for the deposit will be automatically charged the day of your shoot. No more worrying about trying to remember when to pay or having to awkwardly exchanging money with me at a shoot! Hooray!
Golden hour is the hour before the sun sets. Golden hour is known for being the "best" hour for pictures, because that is typically when you get the soft sun-light-streaming-through-the-trees glow. One interesting thing about golden hour is that it changes with the seasons, because the time the sun sets also shifts each month. Almost all my sessions are booked during golden hour, because of the ideal lighting. It can be good to think about when golden hour is seasonally if you have time constraints! Summer tends to have a later golden hour, with shoots starting around 7:30pm. In contrast, fall golden hour often means we're starting pictures closer to 5:00pm. If you have young kiddos who have early bedtimes, I am happy to work with you, but know that your capacity to be available during gold hour is immensely enriching because it truly is the best lighting! Also, its good to note that sometimes during golden hour the sun is hidden behind the clouds. Don't panic! Overcast lighting is also really good for pictures because it diffuses the light. Complicated, but trust me. We just tend to plan for golden hour because it is predictable- whereas it is difficult to plan for "overcast" weather. Reach out if you have any golden hour questions.
A lot of people with outdoor shoots wonder, what if it rains, snows, hails or any of the wild things that Indiana weather does? Don't worry! I will be checking the weather a few days before, the day before, and the day of your shoot. Typically unless rain is certain, we will wait until the day of the shoot to make the call. If rain or other bad weather is a concern, I will tell you what I recommend but ultimately I let my clients decide if they want to go for it or wait! Sometimes if everything is super wet, it isn't worth taking pictures, even if rain has stopped. This can be true for family sessions. Other times, especially for couples shoots, I kind of love shooting in the rain. I have gorgeous clear umbrellas that can turn out stunning in bad weather. That being said, cozy-ing up with their love or family in the rain isn't everyone's idea of a good time, and that's okay. If we have to reschedule due to rain or other bad weather, we will find a new time and day (and you will not lose your deposit)! I will work with you to get them done during the season you want in a way that works with your schedule.
Its also good to know that summer weather tends to be the most reliable (though of course, there is always exceptions) and early fall is the riskiest due to rain! Just know your own schedule's limits, be prepared to be flexible and we will work with the weather to get some beautiful photos.
There is no "best" season because they all offer different things, and I love getting a variety of seasons each year! Here's a brief highlight of the pros and cons of each season.
Spring works best for flowers, bright colors and that soft feel of everything waking up.
Summer gives you gorgeous, deep greens and stunning sunlight filtering through the trees.
Fall has stunning pops of yellows, reds, greens and oranges with some deep browns.
Winter offers both deep brown, neutral backgrounds that can be stunning or pale white, snow-covered grounds.
Sometimes my clients already have a spot in mind for pictures and other times they don't! I love when my clients have special locations that they are wanting for their pictures. Just let me know and we will make it happen. If you're not sure, I have a locations page with places across Indianapolis that are tried and true. You absolutely do not have to choose a location on my locations page - that is just there to give clients who are trying to decide where they want pictures a visual of some tried and true options. I have shot at hundreds of locations around Indy and the U.S. and I am always excited to explore new spots! I especially love when couples have a sweet or sentimental spot they want pictures at. If you still have questions, reach out to me!
Yes! This can be so sweet, and it's such a beautiful thing to capture people where they live. My husband and I have personally had an in-home session done, and we treasure it because it means we have that season of life and our home for that period captured. In-home shoots are also an awesome option for colder weather, when you or kids might not want to go outside! It's a chance to slow down and make some memories right where you spend your days. Typically newborn sessions are in-home, or at my in home studio.
Absolutely! If you want to see some sample pictures, just reach out to me and I am happy to send you a gallery or two that fits the type of photography you are looking for (wedding, proposal, newborn, family, etc.)
That's okay! It's called professional photography not because you need to have any experience, but because we are professionals at taking pictures of people with 0 modeling and/or photography experience. My job is to make you look stunning. Your job is to show up and love on your people. Think of it like this - how often do you have professional pictures taken? I'm guessing not very often. For most people, maybe their senior pictures or wedding. (Maybe you're here for one of those, amazing!). And to be honest? Some wedding photographers are killerrr, and others, well, not so much. The goal of your pictures with me is to capture your story - and I promise the love and intimacy you have with your people will shine through and I doubt you'll even notice all those annoying little judgmental flaws you tend to notice about yourself. But more than that? My job is to make you look good. Your job is to show up, laugh, love and celebrate your people. That means stressing about "doing a good job" is off the table, because all I need is for you to show up and be you, in whatever clothes you want, with whatever personality you have (introverted, energetic, shy, fun, etc.), with whatever people you love!
One of the great things about photography is that people are so diverse, and that naturally creates beautiful and diverse images. It's 100000% okay to be introverted. Over here, we celebrate introverts and extroverts, the reserved and the open, the serious and the silly. We will work within your personality and how you feel comfortable. Don't stress to much about not being the extroverted or the energetic or any other type, because the goal of pictures is to capture the you-type, not the somebody-else type. Just show up and be yourself! It sounds clique, but it's literally true.
Family Sessions typically involve a mix of the entire family, kiddos individuals, and a mix! I usually recommend outdoor locations so energetic kids can run around and let off some steam as needed. As well, some outdoor laughing and playing makes for great photos. However, indoor home shoots can be especially sweet, and tend to work well in winter when its cold outside! We will typically try to knock out the standing and smiling family photos to start with, so you get those nice, more posed shots and then move on to the candids. I like to give people a mix of the two.
I know that family pictures can feel like a chore. One thing I recommend is bringing something fun for the kids - that can be a fun toy like a football, a favorite snack like popcorn or something else fun! Often it can provide a pause and lead to some super sweet photos of you guys, even if its just eating popcorn and laughing. I love capturing moments of families doing something they often do together.
I find senior sessions to be so fun! This is such a sweet time in your life as you are getting ready for your next adventure and season of life. Senior sessions are all about capturing you, and for this reason I strongly recommend three outfits. We will grab a variety of shots of you in different areas, smiling, laughing or rocking that serious face. One thing that can be really fun is bringing a few friends or a parent you are close with to your session. Note: I might grab a few photos of you with them! I also recommend bringing one t-shirt or sweatshirt of the college you'll be attending to grab a photo in. If you're not headed off to college, then a favorite sports team or high school jersey if you played sports is equally as fun! Another thing I recommend is bringing any sweet or sentimental items you want pictures of. Some people want this, others don't and that okay! A few ideas include a football if you played football or a canvas and a little paint if you were an art major, a music instrument, etc. Or anything else you want to remember from this season!
Newborn sessions are typically in-home shoots, though I am happy to do outdoor locations if preferred! These shoots tend to depend on baby's schedule and are usually such a sweet time of capturing the start of a precious life. Newborn sessions tend to focus mostly on the babe, but I also capture parents with the sweet little one. These are very flexible, so talk to me about what you are wanting and we can make it happen.
Yes! I love when couples do shoots. This is such a sweet way to document and capture your story. Many couples do yearly anniversary shoots and I love it! Another popular thing is holiday photos for cards. I firmly believe all couples should be celebrated, in all seasons.
My motto is to stretch people from a place of safety. That means the whole shoot, the whole time you are around me, at every point, you should feel willing to say exactly how you feel and what you want, and have it respected. That also means I will probably ask you to trust me and step a bit outside your comfort zone, because seriously, it's worth it. For perspective? If you hate kissing in front of people, I'm not going to ask you to do a straddle-spin-around-make-out pose (or any of those, TBH). What I might do? Ask if you're comfortable with kisses on the cheek or the forehead. We'll start there, see how you feel, and move from there. I want to stretch people, but from a place a safety and security, not from a place of discomfort or fear. You are ALWAYS able to communicate boundaries to me. This is your time, to capture your story, and I want to honor what you want!
Gooood news for you - I am also! Capturing love means capturing it as it is, and that includes the long smoothes and the not-always-subtle butt grabs. I'm always down for spicing things up during photoshoots, and I would bet that, to an extent, whatever you're comfortable with in front of the camera, I am too!
My undergrad degree is in graphic design, but I currently work full time as an attorney. Confused already? Let me back up.
I realized a long time ago that I had a passion for photography. When I was younger, I was constantly trying to convince friends and family to let me take their picture. So I've been doing photography for a long time, like 10+ years time. Fast forward to undergrad, where I pursued a career in graphic design and photography, which I LOVED. However, during my time in undergrad, I was exposed to some of the issues with our criminal justice system and inequalities people face in the legal system. The issues took root, and I ended up pursuing a law degree.
I currently work as an attorney practicing criminal law in Indianapolis, IN. I primarily deal with people who have faced some challenging moments and have entered the criminal justice system. For me, this is a step in serving our justice system for the better. Alongside my role in law, I do professional photography. My life with law and photography keeps me balanced. During my week I deal with some of the very difficult places of the world, trying my best to pursue both compassion and justice. I often see heavy things at work.
With photography, I get reminded of all the light + love that so many are daily pouring out to each other. So yeah, it's nice for you that you get gorgeous photos, but also, it's nice for me to be reminded of all the love and joy there is. My clients are a reminder that beauty is being fostered in so many simple, every-day-faithfulness kind of ways. I truly mean it when I say, it is a privilege to get to capture a piece of your story!
Yes, I do! These can be amazing, empowering experiences for women to celebrate their body and build self confidence. These are great for-soon to be brides, pregnant mom's or even just for yourself! Reach out to me for more info.