Episode 17: For the Love of the Destination

As an adventure wedding photographer, Abbi Hearne eats, sleeps, and breathes destinations.

It’s not just a part of her livelihood– it’s a passion of hers to find these special places. In focusing on these destinations for the past couple years Abbi’s built up a successful photography business, traveling in their campervan to cover some of the most stunning locations in the western US with couples wanting to take a less traditional approach to getting married or celebrating their love. Abbi’s wielded a camera in almost every scenario– from hiking on mountain tops to suspended 400 feet in the air for wedding held over a canyon in Utah that went viral late last year. From business tips to the challenges she’s overcome in building her dream business, Abbi’s stories and advice bring both reality and heart to what it’s like being a destination-focused, passion-driven, traveling female entrepreneur.

About Abbi:

Abbi Hearne is an adventure wedding photographer living on the road full-time with her husband Callen and their dog, Charlie. Together, they run The Hearnes Adventure Photography, specializing in intimate weddings and elopements all over the western US. When they’re not hiking into the wilderness with a bride and groom, you can probably find them skydiving, climbing, soaking in a hot spring, or car-hiking random dirt roads. They consider Moab, Utah and Yosemite National Park home, but can be found pretty much anywhere west of the continental divide unless they’re adventuring somewhere remote around the world.

What it means to be a traveling adventure wedding photographer

What it’s like sleeping in an uninsulated trailer in Utah during the winter

Why Abbi likes the simple, utilitarian build of her campervan

The moments Abbi loves most about her job as an adventure wedding photographer

Abbi explains the work it actually takes to build a successful traveling business

The two business-building factors that have led to gaining steady clients

How Abbi balances travel, outdoor exploration, and work

Laura and Abbi share anecdotes of mishaps while working outdoors

The roles Abbi and her husband take in their business to make it work while traveling

How to generate clients while traveling on the road

Gear and safety recommendations for photographers on the road

Why Abbi rarely discloses her photo and camping locations

The extreme way Abbi overcame her fear of heights

Abbi’s advice for people wanting to live more adventurously