Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Wornock.
Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always loved taking photos growing up. I would frequently ask for mini point-and-shoots for gifts but always broke them. It became an inside joke with my family that I couldn’t handle cameras or was cursed with electronics. Fast forward to 8th grade and I received my first DSLR (Canon Rebel T6i). The in-camera wifi and presets wowed and it became my favorite hobby. I was always begging my friends to let me photograph them after school, and I would frequently go to thrift stores to create new outfits and try to find new props for my shoots. My junior year of high school, I joined the yearbook team and learned the proper way to use a camera (manual mode, yay!). Although it was very daunting at first, I slowly caught on. Understanding the correct technical use of the camera truly opened another world for me. I was no longer limited by what the camera thought I wanted to capture and now I could learn how to break the rules with my style. My senior year I became the Photography Editor and continued honing my skills. I loved photography but did not understand the different paths I could take. Since I grew up in a smaller town, the only market was family and senior photography. I made some money off those types of shoots but knew it wasn’t fulfilling enough for a career. I found out about SCAD through one of my friends from high school and began to learn more about the huge world of creative commercial fashion photography. My first year at SCAD was extremely difficult. All of my classes were foundational art courses that focused on technical traditional art, and I was so behind all of my classmates. Once I finally started photography classes, I could begin to see the type of future I was building for myself. I was eager to get more involved on campus and started reaching out to older photography majors to assist on their sets. I found out about the school’s fashion magazine SCAD Manor (or just The Manor) and began attending their weekly meetings. The collaborative atmosphere drew me in and I pitched my first editorial. Spots opened on the staff as the group of seniors graduated and I applied for the Photography Editor position. After a brief application process and an interview, the job was mine. Through Manor I have learned so much about the fashion photography and the ins and outs of pre-production. I graduate in a couple of months and I am so immensely thankful for everything I have learned, and I am so ready for the next chapter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, yes. I am thankful that I could afford to go to a school like SCAD, and my family has always been so supportive. I truly would not be here without their encouragement and guidance. I had to prove to them that I would take this seriously and they trusted me, and I am so thankful. The only “hurdle” I have had to overcome is imposter syndrome. I did not grow up being the “art kid”. Every single one of my classmates was that kid growing up and had confidence in their artistic style. Photography did not feel serious to me until later in my life, and I could only draw stick figures going to school. It is hard to apply yourself when comparing yourself to others. I almost didn’t apply to The Manor because I was scared. You have to open your doors most of the time. No one will hand you these opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a commercial portrait and fashion photographer. I love creating work around my subjects so that each shoot is unique. My style is narrative-based with influence from 90s color grading. My color grading and my approach to story-based commercial work is what sets me apart the most right now. I love playing with irony and exaggeration. I have also developed my skills in photo manipulation and use many surrealist/symbolist artists as inspiration. But as always, I am excited to see what new directions I will take creatively!
What were you like growing up?
I was passionate about everything. I was never aware of my surroundings and constantly lost in thought. I would pursue things that interested me and walk away from my family to the point of needing a child harness from accidentally running away every day. I lived in my world and I always loved wearing whatever I wanted, whether or not it was stylish in any capacity. I have never been overly concerned with others’ opinions of me, which has turned out to be one of my greatest assets. I don’t need permission from anyone to be who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abigailwornock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailwornockphotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-wornock/
