Wellness in Focus: Finding Healing Through Motherhood and Photography
Mental and physical wellness is a gift I have sometimes taken for granted. In 2024, I had my third child. My son is a true blessing—I can’t imagine my life without him—but getting him here was rough! To be honest, I think I’m still traumatized by my pregnancy. I was so sick it felt like I might die. I was constantly dizzy and nauseous and sometimes couldn’t even keep down a sip of water.
The doctors and nurses in Creston were very supportive and prescribed anything that might help with my nausea. Regular IV fluids were especially helpful in keeping me hydrated. Eventually, I got better and became functional again.
I hired my fellow photographer friend to take some maternity pictures for me. This was a celebration—a moment of gratitude for what my body had endured and its ability to recover after such a traumatic experience.
I was born in Creston and have lived here most of my life, working with people in different capacities. Most recently, I’ve been working in community healthcare. Many kind elderly people cheered me on throughout my pregnancy once I returned to work.
I’ve done photography very casually for the last five years. I love the artistic side of it, but also the joy of witnessing people in their most meaningful moments—from weddings and engagements to babies and family connections. It’s a special responsibility to be trusted with capturing these memories. When my son was born last summer, I took some very special newborn photos of him and his big sisters.
This winter, my husband joined me in my photography business, and we decided to begin developing it more intentionally. We transformed our living room into a multi-purpose space that now serves as both a small studio and an editing/printing workspace. I’ve taken this time at home with my baby to learn everything I can through online courses and my own research. I even invested in studio lighting that can be brought to wedding venues that don’t offer enough natural light.
I have a special interest in making family and maternity photos easier for overwhelmed mothers. I started a client wardrobe stocked with beautiful, bump-friendly clothing for clients to wear during their sessions.
Life can be tough for anyone at any stage, and I think it’s important to find moments to celebrate. It brings me so much joy to print my photos and see them displayed as art on the walls. This is the first year I’ve started to advertise as a photographer, and I’m looking forward to meeting many new clients and helping them celebrate their special moments.
About the Author
Abby Hubert is a Creston-based photographer and mother of three with a heart for capturing life’s most meaningful moments. Through her business, Abby Lee Art Photography, she blends compassion and creativity, specializing in family, maternity, and lifestyle portraits. With a background in community healthcare and a deep love for storytelling, Abby creates a calm, welcoming space for clients to feel seen, celebrated, and at ease in front of the lens.
