Image Credit: Doug Blocksma
Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Reed.
Erica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The art of photography has captured my imagination for as long as I can remember. I received my first camera in 5th grade and have been continuously and passionately snapping pictures ever since that glorious day.
After high school, I attended Central Michigan University and received a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree with a major in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Anthropology. During this time, I learned the basics of photography and how to develop film in the darkroom. (Wow, remember film!?)
Still considering photography a hobby, I furthered my education with a certificate in travel/meeting planning from Travel University International in San Diego, CA. I went on to work as a domestic and international travel agent for AAA in both California and Michigan. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to photograph some amazing places, including Alaska, Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Monaco, the Caribbean, and various places in the U.S. My fantasy job as a photographer is to document all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Eventually, I decided to give professional photography a try. My step-sister catapulted my career by advertising my services on a local parenting website and I quit my day job, attended a local college to learn more about digital photography, and slowly worked my way up to where I am today.
Fun fact: I chose to spell my business name Photography by “Arika” Reed instead of Erica Reed, not only to set myself apart from other photographers but also to fulfill a promise to one of my high school friends. She told me once if I ever started my own business and used my name in the title, I’d have to spell it “Arika;” the same way she had always spelled it in high school.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Thankfully, it has been a relatively smooth road. My biggest struggle has been holding back from potentially becoming wildly successful in the professional world. I’ve made a conscious choice to scale back my business and make my family my first priority.
After my second child was born, I had to cut out weddings and events because I simply didn’t have the time to do it all, nor did I have the income to pay for full-time childcare. On top of that, two years ago, I realized my daughter was not receiving the attention and assistance she required to succeed in school. I ended up finding a program that really suits her needs, but it requires homeschooling 3 days a week. In the last few years, I have had to say no to many amazing professional opportunities. However, I have also been fortunate enough to have very loyal clients who come back year after year and who are incredibly patient with (and forgiving of) my life choices.
I feel especially lucky to have the opportunity to stay home during the week while being able to have sessions on the weekends. While I still have limited availability to take on more business, I am starting to accept requests for events and other work I’ve previously said no to, due to my kids becoming older and more independent.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Photography by Arika Reed – what should we know?
I am primarily a child and family photographer who specializes in lifestyle photography. I would describe my work as clean and colorful, with a focus on interaction and emotion. My main goal is to capture moments that can be cherished forever. In order to accomplish this, I attempt to create a casual and relaxed atmosphere during a session where families can simply have fun together and enjoy each other’s company. When I achieve that, I consider my work meaningful and successful.
Out of all the accomplishments I may have had regarding my work, I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve created with my clients. They are all amazing and beautiful and I feel very humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with every single one of them.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A commitment to high-quality and visually consistent work, and a meaningful relationship with my clients.
Pricing:
- Standard Sessions: $295
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arikareed.com
- Phone: (616) 566-1620
- Email: arika@arikareed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arikareed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographybyArikaReed/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/photography-by-arika-reed-escondido
- Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/arikamarie/
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