Well Hello 2024! It's a new year and in my opinion no better time than to reintroduce myself and my business. My name is Erica, and I am a high school senior and family portrait photographer based in Lancaster, PA.
Originally raised in Bucks County, PA I was a transplant to Lancaster County when my father's was transferred us here when I was 15. It was probably one of the hardest times of my life, but here is where I thrived, planted my roots, and never looked back.
I have a bachelors degree in nursing, and have been an ICU nurse for 25 years (yes, I am still working as a nurse, just much less).
Married for 23 years, and blessed to be the mother of 3 fairly grown children, and also 3 fur babies.
How would I describe my photography? Clean, Timeless, Relaxed, with a side of Candid.
I don't like straight lines, anything too formal, or overly posed. I prefer a relaxed look with honest colors, and some organic
moments. Sure I will take away that pimple off your face or subtly soften skin, but filters and presets are a hard "no" for me. That trendy muted matte look, or blown out airy style will eventually phase itself out. I don't want myself or my clients to look back on their pictures and wonder "what was the photographer thinking," or "why was this style so popular, it looks awful now." It's kind of like those black and white photos with one pop of color that was so popular well over a decade ago....no one does that now. All that aside, I prefer to be consistent with my style.
So who am I and what makes me tick?
Here are some Fun Facts about Me:
I think I could actually be a real life mermaid. Dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees are my spirit animals. I am happiest anywhere there is a beach and an ocean. My favorite is Anna Maria Island, Florida.
I love to dance and I dance like no one is watching (and like I know how).
You will never hear me sing; I cannot carry a tune to save my life. But alone in the car I will sing my heart out.
New Kids on the Block fan since I was 12....yes it's true. I will see them every time they come to the area.
"Friends" is my all time favorite t.v. show. Monica's closet? I have at least three, maybe even four. My house is never perfect; with 5 of us and 3 dogs it is very much lived in.
I can talk to anyone. Perfect strangers at one time have become some of my dearest, lifelong friends.
If I have a resting "b***ch" face, it's usually because I am deep in thought or have a lot on my mind. I never want to come off as stand offish.
I wear my heart on my sleeve and when I love, I love fiercely; family and friends. Friendships are held dear to me and are considered "like" family if not family. Loyalty and honesty is what you get with me as a friend. I would do anything for anyone.
I don't take myself too seriously. I used to, but all that did was cause excess stress. I am able to laugh at my quirks and dumb mistakes. But I also, will become a sponge and learn everything I can so that I do not make that mistake again. We have pressures and stress in every aspect of our lives; we don't need it from ourselves too.
Tell me I can't do something, and I will. If I don't know how to do it, I will learn. And I will do it well.
What get's me energized and up in the morning?
Besides my children, it's my goal to make a difference and succeed. I am a "people pleaser." I find joy making people smile, giving gifts, and doing things for others. Photography provides me with the joy and fulfillment of providing a service that gives an experience and a product that my client will remember and cherish for generations to come. Now my children, they were the spark that ignited the fire to set that goal, that helped create the drive to make the commitment, practice, learn, learn it well and to succeed.
Do you remember Picture People or JC Penny photography studios? Gone are those days! I remember taking my kids for pictures at picture people. It was always so stressful. Have them sit, pose, and look at the camera. Will they smile? How can I get them to look at the camera? Will they have a full blown temper tantrum? How will I keep them entertained if the wait is long? I would literally have a panic attack and break out in a sweat. Then I would have to pay a crazy amount of money for one pose and a subpar photograph that a teenager took. I began to shy away from pictures. It is the one thing I regret. Not taking enough pictures of them and preserving them in books. I have countless CD's of pictures in bins that are never looked at, and who has time to make books now?
What would your experience be like if you booked a session with me?
Stress free, relaxed, lots of laughs, and some sarcasm because that's just me. I love the golden hour and natural light but I will often incorporate artificial light into my sessions as well.
Life is too short not to document these moments when the kids are little, or your child is graduating high school. Don't shy away from this time like I did because it was too stressful. Trust me, I can handle the rowdy kids, the unwilling teenagers, and maybe even the less than thrilled husbands. I will even be your personal wardrobe consultant if you need one. I am here to help and I guarantee you will get images that you will love for years to come.
Want to learn more or book a session? Go to ericamcbridephotography.com
