Today we’d like to introduce you to Erline Hertilien
Hi Erline, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
There are two things I will forever stand on. First, I thank God for the gifts I have been given, and I intend to always live in my purpose. Second, my living mantra that says, “Do everything, and pay it forward”! These were the words my mentor said to me right before I graduated college. I was young, eager, and attempting to figure it out like every other young adult. I didn’t realize then how someone’s words could transcend throughout my life until those words came to fruition. I didn’t recognize the level of impact his mentorship would have on my life and for the people I would encounter throughout my life. I did what he said and found opportunities to pay it forward and to do everything that brought me joy and excitement. It unlocked my creativity, and taught me that I was limitless. There were no negative labels that others could assign to me that I would make part of my identity because I knew I could do anything. Those words did more than pep talk me through that tough last year of college and the uncertainties of adulthood. However, I am grateful because it made me who I am today, and I will never forget those words.
Now, here we are! Years removed from that moment, a ton of learned lessons, and a camera to capture it all. Photography is something that always intrigues me. I was the friend that they handed the camera to because I would most definitely get good angles. I’m the side to side, front to back, drop down to the floor, and stand on a table kind of photographer; all to get the shot. I did this with an iPhone, so I thought to myself imagine what a professional camera could do. I picked up my first professional camera during the pandemic, and focused on learning and getting confident behind the lens. I remember my first photoshoot, and I couldn’t get over what I could do with my camera. I’m thinking to myself, I’m a newbie. I got excited and anxious because I wanted to be really good really fast. I learned overtime that I needed to slow down and to let the journey be what it would be.
There is no way to describe the feeling when you can tell your client, “ I got it”. The shot that would tell it all well after the moment has passed. I can’t get over those feelings, and luckily I don’t have to because that feeling comes with every photoshoot. I am intentional about my photoshoots, my clients, and my results. Photography just feels like home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Whew! It has not been smooth! There are opinions, a lot of learning, a ton of sacrifices, joy, and genius all at the same time. Not to mention having to focus on being able to do what you love and have it love you back, financially, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.
My biggest concern though has been self-doubt and uncertainty. Every photographer has felt this once; the feeling of quitting. The feeling that you might not figure this out. That you won’t stand out and be different in what feels like an over saturated industry, You want to keep up with the times, but I also thrive in timeless photography. I often had to center myself to say do what feels right. When it feels right, it will deliver right. Now, looking back, I feel less doubt. I feel less concerned that I can figure it out. More importantly, I don’t ever want to quit on myself, so I’m taking this all the way!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing about me, I am a jack of all trades. I do what brings me joy. In terms of my photography, I specialize in editorial, general portraits, events, and brand photoshoots. Being versatile is key for me to stay on my toes. When I look back on how far I’ve come, I am most proud of the fact that I don’t let fear cause me to hide or not pursue something. I will always do it scared. I will always take the route where I tried, whether it succeeds or fails, over the route of regret. I rarely want to say I wish I did this. I know going after your purpose is difficult, but I want to do it on my own terms.
This is also what sets me apart from others. My tunnel vision allows me to create something that is long lasting and not just for money. I care about my clients. I care about my product. Every photoshoot with me should allow you to feel like you brought a different side, a good side, out of you. If you are shy, when you come in with me, you will leave confident. If you are celebrating a milestone, when you come in with me, you will leave ready to level up more. Photography is for the client as much as it is for me.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Love this question! Collaborations, bookings, and support are heavily welcomed! Working with me simply takes booking an initial consultation. You can book through my landing page at https://bio.site/CLKPHOTOGRAPH where you can provide initial details and pick a date and time that is mutually beneficial for us both. I believe it is important to establish the vision you have and for you to hear mine. It also allows me to check if we are aligned to work together. If I am not the right photographer for you, I will recommend someone else who can meet your needs.
That’s really it! I’m living out my mantra!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/CLKPHOTOGRAPH
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clk_photograph/
Image Credits
All images captured by Erline Hertilien of CLK Photograph.
