Today we’d like to introduce you to Maura Longueil.
Maura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m the photographer behind Abbey KnollPhotography. I’m a married mom to three active kids in Hanover. After years of working in the banking industry, I decided to return to doing what I love, make a dream a reality, and enjoy life and the little things that really matter. So, ten years ago, my photography business was born. I’m chasing a passion, and loving every minute of it! Soft. Pure. Natural. My style of photography wrapped in 3 words. I am passionate about capturing families and have a special place in my heart for parents and children.
I believe in timeless images to decorate your walls, and your hearts. I believe in creating a teary eye when you open your prints. I believe in creating a relationship with my clients and value the opportunity to come into your lives and capture these special times.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I started my shooting career at Sears Portrait Studio at the Hanover Mall in 1987. It was my passion but my dad wouldn’t send me to college for photography. He wanted me to get a business degree, so I tried to balance photography classes with business courses. Today I am grateful for the experience. Owning my own business is so much more than taking pretty pictures. I do my own budgets, tax accounting, web development, and marketing as well as photography, design work and sales. Its daunting, but rewarding.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Abbey Knoll Photography – what should we know?
I founded my business and opened a small studio here in Hanover where I live. I began photographing student portraits at a local preschool and immediately got asked to photograph youth sports. Working from that client base, I began developing a photography business that includes family portraits, professional headshots, maternity & newborn portraits, high school senior portraits and even weddings.
My local community has been the driving factor behind what I photograph. If a local realtor needs photos of a house for a listing, or a new mom wants photos of her newborn, I look forward to the challenges associated with every type of session.
I believe I am known for quality and expertise. Quality should be the primary driving factor when you hire a photographer because no matter how great the deal, you barely have time to do it once, let alone time (or money) to do it over. This means a high level of technical expertise, proper exposure of images, proper use of highlights and shadows, intentional composition with flattering light and angles, remarkable editing, and an overall consistency in producing quality images.
Almost as important as quality and expertise is to find a photographer who has a style that resonates with you, and your life. A great photographer will take some time to think about the style of images you are looking for. Do you want studio (either classic and simple or with props for some shots) or do you want on-location or natural light, and if so, where? Where will you display your images and what are you looking to accomplish with them (i.e. wall displays in a casual or formal room, to complement a display that has been built over time, an heirloom album showcasing your entire shoot)?
It’s extremely important that you choose a photographer whose galleries and portfolio reflect what you are looking for, and reflect it consistently without a changing style.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m grateful to have the support of my husband and my kids. They have stood by me as my business has grown and developed. My lifelong friend, Heather Canty, stepped in a couple of years ago to run the sales side of the business and I’m so happy that she did. She’s the face that meets with clients to take orders, keep me organized, and keeps my business on track. I would be so overwhelmed without her.
Throughout the life of my business, I have been fortunate to become friends with local photographers and other female business owners who share the same struggles and lean on each other for support. It’s been very rewarding sharing this journey with others.
I’m also thankful for the magazines and newspapers that took chances on me, showcasing my photography and allowing me to write photography related articles.
Lastly, I am forever grateful for my clients. Without their loyalty and support, my business would not succeed and thrive. They are my cheerleaders and my advocates.
When they enjoy their sessions and their photographs, they start a chain reaction. In turn, their friends and neighbors become my clients. I feel so fortunate to share in the experiences and stories of “my families” year after year.
Contact Info:
- Address: Abbey Knoll Photography, 144 Broadway, Hanover, MA 02339
- Website: http://www.abbeyknollphotography.com/
- Phone: 508-212-4182
- Email: mauralongueil@gmail.com
- Instagram: abbey_knoll_photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AbbeyKnollPhotography
- Twitter: @abbeyknollphoto
Image Credit:
Maura Longueil
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
