Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Weaver.
Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was introduced to photography way back in jr. high yearbook class and continued all through high school. This was all before digital was as popular as it is today so I am very thankful to have learned photography in a “real” darkroom first.
This progressed into slowly starting to photograph clients as a part-time business while I coached gymnastics full-time. I was also very blessed to work with talented photographers who were great mentors during this time too. Since then I have been very fortunate to now doing photography full-time for my own business while staying home with my two girls.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nope! But it’s supposed to be like that and that’s okay. Some of my biggest “failures” have helped progress me to where I am today. One of the biggest struggles for me was when I started to go full-time with Desired Photo.
Let’s just start with I was pregnant… and I was leaving a job I had been with for 12 years to stay at home with my baby girl and be a business owner. There were lots of struggles, late nights, tears, joy, and times of questioning everything, to say the least. So I started working full-time with another company to photograph homes they remodeled. This was a great opportunity for me and I enjoyed being part of a team again.
I was able to photograph several homes and be published in Emser Tile’s national catalog. This started out as 1 photo in the index and has now progressed into over 15 photos last year in 2017. I ultimately made the decision to try again at doing photography full-time with my business and really make it work this time. And then I found out I was pregnant again…!
So the road has not been smooth and there have been unexpected turns but I am very grateful for all of the opportunities and lessons along the way. I can proudly say I have the best of both worlds: To do what I love and stay home with my little girls.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Desired Photo – what should we know?
I specialize in portrait and home remodel/real estate photography. Even though they are very different styles of photography I am passionate about them both for different reasons.
But photographing portraits of children, high school seniors and families are my absolute favorite part of being a photographer! Working with clients to create memorable images that capture milestones in life is what inspires me. It is important to me that each client feels relaxed and has fun during their session!
One of my biggest goals is for my clients to leave the entire experience feeling confident. There is no better feeling than a client getting a chance to realize how beautiful they really are, and that they do look like the models in the magazines! When a client says “Wow that’s me!” I know I have done my job.
Another big mission in my business is to create prints and products for clients in addition to just digital images. It is so important to me that we take these beautiful moments and are able to see them and touch them instead of just have them living on a computer or on a USB. I take pride in giving families heirlooms that can last a lifetime!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course, credit is due to my family and friends for all of their support and encouragement. But there are definitely some important mentors along the way as well who deserve to be mentioned.
First of all the Emery’s in high school were two of my biggest influences in photography. This husband and wife “team” were my teachers all four years in high school and I couldn’t have been luckier! I appreciate all they taught me about technique, patience, creativity, and how to manage my time through the process from beginning to end.
And I have to give credit to Amy Asch who is not only a mentor to me but also a friend. I was her assistant for many years and she was able to refine my talents and skills while opening my mind to the business side of photography. She was truly a blessing to work with and learn from.
Pricing:
- Sessions starting at $75
- Collections of popular products starting at $325
Contact Info:
- Website: http://desiredphoto.com
- Phone: (713) 516-5713
- Email: erin@desiredphoto.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/desiredphoto
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/desiredphoto
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
