Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Smith.
Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking pictures when I was little with my grandpas old film cameras. I absolutely loved the creativity of it. When I graduated college I bought my first DSLR. I took pictures of everything and everyone. I continued to grow in it and wanted to do more. I started my business in 2011 which was a blessing as the next year I had my first son and was able to stay home with him all the while still taking sessions. I took a brief break after the pandemic to be with my children, until a friend asked me to take her daughter’s senior pictures. I had taken a few pictures here and there but not a full session. When I took those pictures it was like I was reinventing myself. My camera felt right, my editing was how I always wanted it to be, I just felt at home. I ended up booking every day for the next 2 months that summer. I haven’t turned back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I want to say it’s been easy peasy but in reality it has had its challenges. I have grown so much in 15 years of running a business and I feel like I learn something new everyday. Some of the challenges really came from learning to balance my business and my children. I had to learn to juggle. I also have a mean calendar. I live off of it. I take it everywhere I go.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I started out with my business I basically shot everything. As my business gets older I find myself pulled more towards senior portraits, families, couples, and weddings. I love a true to color image that I would put on my wall. I love greens which I know some photographers stray away from true greens but I love them. I think it’s from living in the UP of Michigan and living through the months upon months of snow fall.
I am truly proud of making my business accessible to all. I have started doing a few “pay what you can” mini sessions throughout the year to help people. I know I run a business but giving back to the community means more to me. I also pride myself in making sure if a senior needs graduation pictures but can’t afford a full session I will do a mini session to make sure they get professional pictures.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When I started out I wasn’t able to find someone locally that would explain anything to me. I ended up on photography forums, YouTube, and taking workshops to learn. I am a self taught photographer and I believe that continued workshops and time behind the lens has really gotten me where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erinsmithphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinsmithphotograhy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinSmithPhotoLLC
