We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Chrisman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erin, what is the most important factor behind your success?
We believe that everyone deserves to be celebrated through photographs. And part of that, for us, is seeking what’s behind the outer view that a person shows the world. Before we take any photos, we have meaningful conversations with our clients to discover what is important to them, what they love about their family, what they’re proud of, what they wish they could hold on to forever. That way, they truly see themselves and their values in the photographs we create. Our goal is for these photos to live on our families’ walls, so they always remind people of the happiness and gifts in their lives, especially on tough days. That reminder can be very powerful.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m proud that, through photography, I have shown countless people and families the gifts they’ve been given in life, gifts they are sometimes unaware of. Life is so busy, and becomes so routine, that we often forget to pause and truly soak up the people around us, and recognize how they make our lives better. I’m proud that our photographic experiences give such a powerful gift to people.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to one of my favorite places to photograph, which is White Point Garden downtown, and the surrounding historic neighborhood around Church and Water streets. It’s absolutely beautiful and an easy walk.
For eats, don’t miss The Ordinary for seafood, or Ma’am Saab for upscale Pakistani food in a swanky, colorful setting. If you forget to make reservations and most of the restaurants are booked up, go to Xiao Bao Biscuit (Asian, with outdoor seating, fun atmosphere) or Rancho Lewis (Mexican/New Mexican – big place with lots of seating, delicious margaritas). Those are first-come first served, no reservation needed, and they’re two of my go-to’s.
Spend a day shopping on King Street. It’s a great spot for walking, people-watching, shopping, and grabbing bites and drinks in between.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to one of my most important mentors, Steve Saporito, who taught me that there is always a reason that someone wants photographs at a particular time, and often that reason is deeper than what they initially tell you. The most beautiful discoveries emerge when you take the time to ask questions, to learn what is unique about someone and the people they love.
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Image Credits
Erin Chrisman