Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Beery.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Hey there, my name is Erica and I am the owner of Grace Cole Photography! Photography was something I was always interested in from a young age. I worked on the yearbook in high school and always enjoyed taking pictures when I would vacation at the beach. I picked my camera back up once I had children to start documenting the important milestones of their lives. As much as I wanted the documentation for them to have in their baby books, I wanted it for myself as well. All too soon the piddle paddle of little feet starts fleeting away, and all you’re left with is your memories and photographs. I began to really love working behind the camera. Catching the many expressions on their faces and their sweet, dimpled smiles. I began sharing the images with friends and family and soon enough was asked to do photographs for them as well. That was back in 2016, a time when I never imagined I would be this far along with my business.
It only seemed fitting that when it became time to name my business, I included my two biggest inspirations. Grace and Cole are the middle names of my children. If there is anything I can show them by being a small business owner, it’s that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but it surely teaches you a lot about life along the way. I didn’t just pick up my camera and know what to do. It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get where I am.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! There is so much to photography; I don’t think I will ever be done learning. Photography has many different aspects. As if learning how to manipulate multiple settings on a camera to achieve a desired exposure wasn’t enough, you also have to learn how to achieve your signature look in post-processing programs. There were many frustrating nights spent watching youtube learning how to navigate photoshop and lightroom. I was extremely fortunate that early into my business, I was reconnected with an old high school friend. Ashley from Ashley Merrill Photography was a phenomenal mentor to me. She spent a lot of time helping me along the way. I will forever be grateful for her patience and friendship. I also couldn’t have got through navigating a small business without the support of my family, especially my husband. He encouraged me to pursue this dream since day one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started in general photography but over the years, have moved towards family and weddings. I remember when I got started, I swore weddings was something I never would be interested in. The chaos and stress on wedding day was just too much. It wasn’t long before I realized I can bring calm to the chaos and help each couple navigate the obstacles of wedding planning. As I gained more experience with wedding photography, I found myself wanting to do it more. I live for the detail shots and enjoy all the small meaningful choices that each couple chooses to make their wedding unique and different.
I can’t fail to mention I’m also a radiation therapist. I feel extremely blessed to be able to help people in some of the toughest times of their lives. This part of my life has enabled me to build true connections with people. It’s helped me become sympathetic to their needs, and it’s something that’s carried over into my photography business. Building lasting connections with my clients truly sets me apart.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
This is a hard question to narrow down, but I’d have to say it was going to Disney World. When I was little, my mom worked at Disney and would take us on her days off almost weekly. My dad was in the navy, so we moved around a lot when I was a child. We eventually got to go to Disneyland when I was about 7 years old. I remember my dad giving me $40 to spend; to a kid that’s like $500! I bought a princess crown with mickey ears, and a Chip & Dale stuffed animal. One of my best experiences of being a parent was being able to visit Disney World with my husband and children. To see the excitement and Disney magic through their eyes was better than going as a kid.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages starting at $1200
- Family sessions starting at $200
- Senior packages starting at $325
Contact Info:
- Website: www.
gracecolephotography.com - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ gracecolephotographyLLC
Image Credits
Erica Beery
Grace Cole Photography
