Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Martin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My interest in photography began in the mid-nineties. I remember going to an open house for the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit and sitting in a photography workshop in which the photographer was developing film and transferring it to non-traditional 3D media to create these beautiful works of art. That was the moment when I realized that I could do so much more than simply take pictures with my camera…I could create art. I realized that a camera, when in the right hands, was no different than brushes and paint, or graphite and paper.
Going to college in Detroit, I actually started my photography journey with the urban landscape. I love the Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, Midcentury Modern, and Post Modern architecture that abounds throughout the city. I went to college downtown to study English Literature and fell in love with storytelling. I wanted to find a way to combine two things I’m very passionate about – storytelling and photography. I realized early on that each building had a story to tell, but what I’ve learned along the way is that people often have better ones – and they’re happy to share them!
So, here I am today, a portrait photographer. My clients have a story to tell; I am a visual storyteller, and I am honored to help them tell their stories through beautiful portraits that will last a lifetime.
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 wouldn’t say the road has been smooth, but rarely is that the case when trying to do anything substantial. There’s a saying that I really like, “calm seas don’t make good sailors”. I’ve always loved taking pictures and telling stories, but when you try to combine those two things into a business model things get a little complicated. It’s one thing to have a hobby. It’s something completely different to build a business. Throw a pandemic into the mix and, well, let’s just say that I should be a pretty good sailor after all of this!
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?
I am a professional portrait photographer. I specialize in magazine-style contemporary glamour portraits, senior pictures, and personal branding/headshot photography. I take my clients through the full experience of a beautiful photoshoot that will make them look and feel like a celebrity for a day!
Everybody loves beautiful portraits, but most people are afraid of having them taken because they think they’re not photogenic. It’s not their job to be photogenic. It’s my job to show my clients how gorgeous they already are. This is an experience.
I love creating portraits for people. There is no better honor than when clients trust me to create family heirlooms, take their personal branding or headshot photos for work, or make them a model for a day for their senior pictures or magazine-style portraits. I want to take the best photograph that they have ever seen of themself.
Clients don’t have to be a model and they don’t have to worry. I will coach them on what to wear, how to stand, how to look at the camera, where to place their hands — everything! I’ll coach them through it all.
The final product is what I’m most proud of and what really sets me apart from others. I offer only the very best products available in the industry. All of my prints are printed and matted in Italy on the very best papers, including handmade Amalfi paper, and most prints are archival-certified to last over 300 years. My Bespoke Albums are beautiful, and entirely handmade in Italy, as are my Portfolio Boxes. My wall art collection is incredibly stunning as well with a wide variety of frames to choose from. Every product I offer is made to order with virtually limitless customizations available.
I absolutely stand by the quality of my work and the products that I offer. I don’t simply provide printed photos; I provide family heirlooms that will last for generations.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the Covid-19 Crisis, I have learned that it’s ok to slow down. It’s ok to not always be “on”. I’ve learned that in times of crisis, people need people. Even though business slows down, you still need to show up. That might look different to different people. It might mean listening to a friend or connecting over the phone with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while to make sure they’re doing alright. It could also mean taking some “me” time because personal mental well-being is very important.
I’ve also learned that slow times are a great opportunity to learn new skills, develop new business practices, and restructure.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@etmphoto.com
- Website: www.etmphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ericmartin_photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etmportraitphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4nMMyNruMZLQNuOSBP5bw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/etm-photo-gibraltar
- Google: https://g.page/r/CfILffOEMwfrEAE
Image Credits
Eric T. Martin
