Today we’d like to introduce you to Justice Erickson.
Hi Justice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Justice and I’m a 24 year old creative photographer based in Minneapolis but I’m from and currently still live in Wisconsin. I’ve loved taking photos ever since I can remember. Starting out with my grandpas old Samsung Flip phone to getting my first battery powered pink camera around age 10. I didn’t get my first Sony Camera I bought myself until age 20. After purchasing a camera I wanted to work with people as soon as possible so I started looking through location tags on instagram to find anybody with fun styles, creative socials, or who I felt inspired by. I’d do shoots for free or for very little just to get some experience. Shortly afterwards I started charging around $30 for individuals or got lucky getting around $200 for events. I’d post ‘model calls’ in search of people to help create the fun ideas I wanted to execute but I learned not everyone is easy going. I don’t take pictures for others and I definitely don’t believe in only transactional relationships. Even now I find it hard to charge people and uphold the “business” portion of photography. Today I finally prioritize pouring all of my effort into people and ideas I’m most inspired by. I plan, source props, find locations, bought better equipment, help style models, reach out to my favorite artists that inspire me, photograph them, and edit. I feel like I’ve always had an eye for pictures. Every moment, event, or simple purchase, I make into a photo shoot just for fun, but they end up being lasting memories for not only me but those around me. I know most photographers say they enjoy making memories for others, and that partly may be true for me too. But my overall reason for creating is solely because I enjoy it. Creating and meeting all types of people while doing so makes what I do worth every hour I pour into it.
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?
Definitely not. There has always been a lack of support from those around me. Especially from my family, certain creative communities I couldn’t be a part of, rude or overbearing people, companies or brands who “don’t accept outside proposals”, and being denied or told there is no budget for a photographer. That’s where and when I decided I only want to create with people who are more friendly, understanding, respectful to the business aspect, and believe in my creative abilities and vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in fashion, horror, cosplay, and overall creative concepts. I’m most known for my bright, exciting pictures and being a female in a mostly male dominated environment for select types of photography. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I create a comfortable space for my models. I stick to a type of photography that isn’t as widely offered unlike your basic family photos, standard weddings, and the same editing style some other photographers use. My focal point usually leans towards a specific concept rather than people based. (Family, senior photos, baby pictures, etc)
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When it comes to luck… it feels as if the opportunities come on their own timing. In a way it’s good luck. I try reaching out to companies/brands, sending emails, creating fun proposals, and I almost never hear back. But then I get asked to do something amazing. An opportunity presents itself to me at the most random times and through people I’ve never even met most of the time. I’m so greatful for those people who enjoy what I create and want to share it with others.
Pricing:
- Pricing for me is quote based! I almost always accept and do so based on interest!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsjusticee
