Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugenia Washington.
Eugenia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I personally took interest in photography during my 7th grade year of junior high school. I was assigned to the journalism class to assist with the yearbook and newsletter and that was the first time that I picked up a camera; a disposable Kodak camera, but camera nonetheless. It remained a hobby until college when a few friends pointed out that I really had an “eye” for photography and that I should pursue it more seriously. I thought nothing of it until I picked up a part-time job as a newborn photographer in Houston-area hospitals and the joy and happiness that the photos brought to the parents and families; it sparked a new love. I’d continue working in newborn photography while enrolled in college until I had two back to back deaths in 2007 & 2008 (my grandmother and my father) within my family that forced me to take a break on school, work and ultimately shook me to my core. Just dealing with the hardships of the loss + having to put school on hold for a bit led to a small period of depression to cope with.
One day while going through photos of my dad and grandmother, I realized the power that a photograph held. The true essence of a memory and all of the feelings I felt while viewing those photos saved me; literally they brought back a zeal for life and it birthed ERW Photography (Now ERW Photography & Media Group). I’m completely self-taught but I take pride in knowing the craft and always expanding my knowledge of photography to provide the best experience I can to those who entrust me with events, portraiture, and more. It has been 10+ and I’ve never looked back. In addition to being an experienced & published photographer, I’ve enjoyed teaching Journalism/Digital Media & Photography to high school students in previous years at KIPP Sunnyside High School on Houston’s south side. The immense amount of joy that I’d get seeing our scholars so excited and interested in photography and videography is out of this world! They are our future!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Most things worth acquiring come with hurdles to overcome but the joy of tackling those challenges and overcoming is beautiful. Most of my challenges have been due to external factors such as the aforementioned deaths in the family, having a mother diagnosed and living with Multiple Sclerosis, financial woes that came with all of the previous obstacles, assisting a little sister that was also working several jobs to get through college and honestly just being unmotivated while dealing with… life. I think it’s important to remember your “why” when pursuing anything and I know that everything I do is for three reasons : (1) I made a promise to my dad on his death bed that I would make sure that my family was always okay. Everything that I do is done with the best interest of my family in mind and I carry the memory of my dad and grandmother with me. (2) I know what it is like to struggle and sacrifice due to unforeseen circumstances. I work hard and give everything 200% because I know how important it is to make a life for myself and eventually, my family that is free from financial instability. (3) Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy. I want Eugenia Washington of ERW Photography & Media Group to be a well-known household name within the photography industry with accolades for the exceptional quality of the work as well as the enjoyable experience that each client is guaranteed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to refer to myself as a “Moment-preservationist” but others may refer to my God-given gift as photographer and owner of ERW Photography & Media Group. I specialize in Portraiture + Event/Concert Photography. Because I offer such versatility, on a Saturday, I may be shooting a maternity or engagement session but Sunday, I may be capturing a Gospel Concert. I’m most known for great quality captures, affordable pricing, and an unbeatable turnaround time rolled into one. It is what keeps the referrals coming in and my amazing clients coming back. I am most proud of my growth as it allows me to do bigger and better sessions as time progresses. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting events featuring world-renown artists and I’ve recently had my work showcased in a national publication. These are all moments that I’ve prayed for and I’m now seeing come to fruition. What sets me apart is the tailor-made experience I give to each photo session.
Also the passion, care, concern, and integrity that I pride myself on having and exuding. I’m literally like a kid the night before a field trip (anxious), the night before a shoot. I get up extremely early to double-check that everything is prepared and I pray over each shoot and client before our session. My clients and models aren’t just another subject to me nor are they just a means of profitability. If they have a request, I go out of my way to make them happy and if I cannot or if I feel that I’m not the best person for the job, I have no problem referring them out to another amazing photographer/videographer. The goal is to make sure they leave happy and are beyond pleased when they receive their photos and/or videos.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
An expensive camera doesn’t equal great photos. A true photographer is about being knowledgeable and caring enough about the photograph & experience that you are creating. I would advise to learn as much as you can. In a world where every possible resource is at your fingertips, utilize them. Lastly, Invest in yourself and your business despite of how things appear. So what you have a few likes on social media? Keep persisting! Keep studying and keep perfecting the craft. Once you learn the necessary skills, then buy the new camera, new lights, or new lens. What good is it to have a Maserati if you don’t know how to drive? Also, know your worth even as an artist or a business owner and facilitator. So many people are underselling themselves and they have amazing quality work.
Contact Info:
- Email: ERWPhotography713@gmail.com
- Website: www.ERWPhotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ERWPhotography713
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ERWPhotography713
Image Credits
All rights reserved to ERW Photography & Media Group
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