Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Newton.
Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well hey there! I’m Erica, the face behind the camera at Erica Newton Photography!
When I was around 16, I attended a younger cousin’s birthday party. My uncle had a DSLR camera (and I couldn’t tell you which brand), but I always thought the images were amazing. Well once he processed the images, there was a candid shot of me from the side; 16-year-old me, yellow tank top, pin-straight hair, messy but noticeable highlights, and a “bump” in my hair, sitting down to watch my cousin open her birthday gifts. I couldn’t tell you if anything or anyone else was in that image, but I’ll never forget what it looks like. Ever since I’ve seen that, I’ve always wanted a “nice camera.” Fast forward 8 years (too long), I purchased my first DSLR camera, a Canon Rebel T6. It played with it, but it was intimidating, so it sat on the top shelf in my closet for at least a year. It wasn’t until July of 2020 that I touched my camera again. I didn’t realize until answering this question and going through my phone to find specific images that I started my photography journey after my dog passed away. My Golden Retriever, Rebel, passed away unexpectedly & quite tragically July 11, 2020; getting my camera out of the closet was going to keep me preoccupied, but that wasn’t my intention, but I do believe everything happens for a reason. Anyways, it was then that I got my camera out & started taking pictures of my kids & my dogs, soooo many pictures. I played with different settings while learning my camera, eventually getting into editing software and learning that too. I really just loved the idea of being able to take photos of my children & other life events. I had no intention of photographing other people or starting a business. One thing led to another, I started taking photos of people I knew and then strangers, and eventually started a Facebook page. My husband has always been so supportive of anything I’ve wanted to do; when he saw how passionate I was about photography, he never backed down although there have been times I’ve wanted to. Here I am now, almost 4 years later; I’ve photographed everything from Real Estate to Weddings and so much in between. After dabbling around in different niches, I’ve found my favorite things to photograph are weddings and seniors. I still offer other types of sessions, but weddings and seniors are my main focus.
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?
Oh, my goodness, no it hasn’t! I got married at a young age, started a family, managed a household with my husband who worked insane hours, on top of having two dogs. When I started my business, I still needed to work, raise my babies, and partake in household duties, so my business was almost an added task at times. There have been times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel; heck, I still do sometimes. I manage my business around my husband’s & children’s schedules, which means when my kids are sleeping & then, in turn, means little sleep for me. So no, it’s not always easy. But I absolutely love what I do, and I love the people I work with! My clients, other photographers, wedding vendors, etc., it’s all an experience. Photography has brought so many friends, opportunities, & experiences into my life, so it’s totally worth the struggles that come along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of Erica Newton Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Erica Newton Photography, located in Northeast Ohio specializes in wedding & senior photography.
I love my job, so there isn’t much I’ll turn down unless I know it’s something I’m not passionate about or don’t think I’m good at because, I’ll be honest, I’m not good at everything, and that’s okay! For weddings, I come overly prepared, from a steamer to Tide-to-Go and all the inbetween, I’ll have what you need on your wedding day.
I honestly didn’t know what I’d be known for, so I went back to look at my Google & Facebook reviews. I’d say I’m known for making people feel more like a friend rather than a client and more importantly (for the photos anyways), comfortable behind the lens.
I think being overly personal sets me apart from other photographers. I don’t just want to grab coffee and learn about their wedding day; I want to learn about the couple as well. I had a consultation last week, and we literally talked about the bride’s dad’s dog for a good 5 minutes and how spoiled this dog was. My dad spoils his dog too, so I could relate to her. It’s not just about booking the shoot; it’s an opportunity to meet new people, relating to them, and during the process, allowing them to feel comfortable. I feel like people really appreciate that side of it because they feel like I care, and they should.
When I started, I said I never wanted to get into wedding photography because of the responsibility that came with it. Weddings aren’t like family sessions; they can’t just be rescheduled due to the weather or being ill. You show up no matter what, and that scared me back at that time. Then I second shot my first wedding and I just wanted more. Now, I’m here, and I’m doing the whole thing, and I love it more than anything! I’m proud of myself for overcoming that fear, and weddings now being one of my favorite things to photograph.
Booking a photographer for your wedding or your senior portrait session isn’t just a little ordeal; these are BOTH huge milestones in your life, just at different times. I don’t just want to capture your wedding or senior portraits and call it a day. I don’t just want to work for you; it’s an exciting time; I want to celebrate you & work with you!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’m honestly not sure, I just want to continue to grow my business, providing a great experience for current and future clients.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $2,000
- Senior Portraits start at $350
- Family Sessions start at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericanewtonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericanewtonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericanewtonphotography
