Welcome …

I'm Nick Abadilla, and I work as a professional photographer based in San Diego, California. Here's a quick snapshot (pun intended) of my life …

I've been happily married to my lovely wife Nance for over 19 years, and together we raise our beautiful and vibrant daughter Sophie who gives us reason to smile and laugh each day. We've traveled the world as a family, and are all the better for it. Egypt, China, Japan, France, New Zealand ... hmmm, where to next?

I started my business in 2002 following 20 intense but rewarding years in the graphic design industry. With corporate life behind me, I found myself doing a lot of really deep soul searching, ultimately realizing it was time to honor my long-time passion for photography. So with my wife's blessing, I wholeheartedly embraced it as a profession and haven't regretted it for a second. Working from a cozy 1,000 square foot artist studio in downtown San Diego's Little Italy section, I specialize in distinct wedding photojournalism, custom portraiture and assignment photography. My love for the craft will be evident once you step inside.

With this blog I give you a glimpse into my life behind the camera. I hope you find the posts interesting, entertaining, and maybe even inspiring from time to time. Your comments are most welcome and encouraged. And don't forget to check out my main sites at nickabadilla.com and abadillaphoto.com!

Tiffany’s Senior Portrait Book

Monday, December 7, 2009

I didn’t take her seriously at first. Tiffany, a beautiful teen from Omaha, Nebraska, called me to inquire as to whether or not I do senior portraits. My first thought was, who is this person calling me from Omaha, Nebraska about senior portraits and how did you find me anyway? She explained that she grew up in San Diego and fondly holds the essence of the SoCal lifestyle dear to her heart. Thought #2: Okay fine, but you’re nowhere near here, and by the way, are your parents aware that you’re making this call? And so it goes. Another call. A few e-mails. Finally, a validating call from Tiffany’s mom confirming that they indeed planned to fly out to San Diego for Tiffany’s portrait shoot.

We arranged to meet at La Jolla Cove (a perfect SoCal day, by the way) and what followed was a uniquely fun portrait session ending with the softest early evening light. Tiffany was a joy, radiant and full of energy, and as the images so exquisitely conveyed, a lovely girl poised on the edge of womanhood. We regrouped at my studio the following day to review the proofs on-screen and talk about the possibilities. Ahhhh, the possibilities …

This custom designed, 20-page GraphiStudio portrait book arrived this week. A passage from Tiffany’s youth, preserved. Forever.