Ever since I was a child, I've been a storyteller, finding joy in creating art through competitive dance, musical theater, visual arts, and speech & debate. If you handed me a camera, you could be certain I would take countless photos. I used to capture images on a small pink digital camera wherever I went, cherishing the ability to reflect on specific moments through these visual records.

Shortly after my nineteenth birthday and my freshman year of college, I was rushed to the emergency room with stroke symptoms and diagnosed with two distinct types of brain tumors. Within a few months, I underwent a seventeen-hour brain surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. My case was a complete curveball, and resulted in the permanent loss of hearing in my right ear. My neurosurgery team managed to remove about 75% of my tumors, but the remaining 25% still reside in my noggin. Nine months later, I underwent Gamma Knife Radiation treatment in hopes of stunting the growth of the residual tumors. I continue my battle with brain tumors daily, but this experience has taught me about the importance of positivity and determination in pursuing your dreams. It was this health scare that led me to take a leap of faith and start a photography business.

After a lengthy recovery, I returned to school, insistent on graduating with honors. Spoiler alert: I did just that! While earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead, I built my portfolio by shadowing area wedding photographers and having friends model for me. After graduation, I decided to pursue my true passion - photography - full time. I've been working on Abby Dahlberg Photography since 2020 and officially registered my business as an LLC in March, 2023. This journey taught me the importance of embracing what matters most to you, and following your love, whether it's for a passion or a person. Life can be unpredictable and occasionally frightening, but my mission is to help people appreciate life's imperfections, cherish the small moments amidst the chaos, and find beauty within them, because they are the moments that mean everything.

Okay, so you kinda know the girl with the camera, but how did I get here? Buckle up, it’s been a wild ride.