Sioned Abuan is a Seattle-based maternity and motherhood photographer. “Mothers have so much on their plates already. It’s such a joy for me to help alleviate some of that stress and deliver a unique experience customized to them and their family!” Learn about Sioned Abuan…
Hometown: Tampa, FL, but I consider the PNW home! I’ve bounced around from north of Seattle to south closer to Tacoma, and now reside in Auburn, WA.
First job: Wild Waves Theme Park. I worked in the main food plaza. Little did I know my now-husband also worked there at the same time, but he was in the rides department so we never met there. Haha!
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: I’m definitely not the typical PNW hiking/outdoor person except in the summertime. I love finding new swimming areas to explore in the brief warmer months, and I go camping with my husband up north near Mount Baker every summer. There’s a beautiful spot on Baker Lake that’s so serene, it’s definitely one of my favorite places ever.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Starting my own business and growing into a successful full-time career. When I first started this business, I never dreamed it would become as successful as it has. At first it was simply a way to branch out of retail sales and tap into my creative side as photography has always been a huge part of my life. Now, being able to wake up every day and work for myself is such an empowering feeling. While I may have to work harder sometimes, it’s so worth it knowing I’m doing it for myself and my family, and I’m not just a cog in the corporate machine.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Losing my mom to drugs when I was 22 years old. This was such a tumultuous time in my life, and I really feel like it greatly influenced who I am today. Not having any professional photos of us together is part of the reason I’m so passionate about photographing moms with their children and expectant mothers.
Someone who inspires you and why: Olguta Goddard of Oh My Goddard Photography is a huge inspiration to me. Her work is absolutely stunning, and the way she captures her mamas is so dreamy!
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Just keep practicing. It takes time and dedication and lots and constant practice to run a successful photography business. It’s important to know your equipment like the back of your hand, but what’s even more important is knowing how to make genuine connections with those around you, including clients and potential vendor partners, as well as how to sell yourself and your work. I am honestly still learning every day. I’m constantly picking up new techniques and trying to keep up with industry trends to stay on top of my game (TikTok will be the death of me)!
Favorite quote: This is probably super random and not relevant to photography at all but hey, I’ll step away from the cliché and go with a quote from my favorite book series, His Dark Materials: “I’ll be looking for you, Will, every moment, every single moment. And when we do find each other again, we’ll cling together so tight that nothing and no one’ll ever tear us apart. Every atom of me and every atom of you…” That last sentence was my first ever tattoo and still means the world to me!
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I love a good board game night with friends. Some favorite games of mine are Machi Korro, Scythe and Sagrada. I’m always down to play Mario Party as well!
What makes someone fabulous: Genuine kindness, empathy, willingness to learn and grow, and resilience to press through whatever life throws at them.
Photo credit: Tanya of Tetiana Photography