Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Whiting.
Hi Erica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was first introduced to photography as a child. My mother photographed every aspect of our lives and gave me her film camera to experiment with. In college, I studied art and took a few photography courses, but otherwise, I’ve been almost entirely self-taught, learning from other photographers, educational courses, and videos. After saving up to buy a DSLR in 2015, I started pursuing photography more seriously and haven’t looked back.
I worked as a public art teacher and museum art instructor during the week, asking friends to model for me on weekends and evenings. I started sharing my work online, pushing my creativity, and developing my style. I became known for my creative use of natural light and incorporating a lot of florals and other props. People started asking me to photograph them. I photographed portraits, couples, weddings, and in 2019 I shot a couples’ engagement in Target that went viral. After the Pandemic, I lost my teaching job and officially went full-time with my photography in 2021. Now I focus on non-traditional, editorial, and cinematic portraits. In 2022 I opened a studio with another photographer where we hope to foster a creative community for others can grow, thrive and connect.
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?
There’s been a lot of ups and downs. In the beginning, I couldn’t afford a camera, and it was a few years before I could save up to buy one of my own. I could only afford to buy a used camera and one lens at first, but it taught me to work within my limitations, stretching the creativity of what was possible. My teaching job provided me with income to invest in equipment and education. Slowly I invested in better equipment and more lenses until I got a feel for what really worked for me.
I struggled financially when I first went full-time. I wasn’t fully prepared when I lost my job; it had been financing my ongoing education and equipment. Luckily, I’d saved up enough money and have an amazing support system who encouraged me and continue to encourage me to pursue my dreams.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a creative portrait photographer. I focus on conceptual and editorial photoshoots curated to the individual, and I also photograph couples looking for more cinematic images. Most people who book with me tell me they love my out-of-the-box ideas and are looking for something truly unique and untraditional. They’re booking a photoshoot to celebrate themselves. People are often nervous when they book a shoot, they’re unsure how to pose or what to wear, and I help them with all of that. Together we work to create a mood board that visualizes their concepts and ideas. I’m most proud of helping people feel more confident in their own skin and creating a space where they feel empowered to be themselves and see their own beauty.
What sets me apart is the way I customize each photoshoot to the individual and my use of props, dramatic lighting and posing, double exposure, and intentional motion blur. Every session is planned with the client, and props are purchased or prepared to their unique vision.
What does success mean to you?
I try not to compare myself to others. Our individuality is our gift. So, success for me looks like continually growing and pushing myself artistically and continually improving people’s experience with me. Financial freedom is always the goal. But when a client leaves a session feeling more confident and empowered than when they arrived, that’s when I truly feel successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ericawhiting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericawhitingphoto/
