

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Eryndae Thorvaldsen.
Hi Eryndae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thanks for having me, I am a local and destination photographer. My journey into photography began unexpectedly during a family trip to France, where I first got my hands on a new camera.
The picturesque landscapes of southern France and the vibrancy of Parisian culture ignited my passion for capturing fleeting moments through photography. Over the next decade, I documented my travels from the serene landscapes of Switzerland to the majestic vistas of Nepal, even finding inspiration during weekend adventures in the North Cascades during college.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a time for reflection, especially as I found myself physically distanced from my family in Wisconsin while living in Oregon. It was during this time that I reassessed what mattered most to me: understanding the significance of family, the passion for travel, the importance of community, and the freedom of creativity.
As the youngest among my 16 cousins, I fondly recall how weddings used to be the highlight of our summers. As fewer of these family celebrations happened, I began to understand how wedding photography could bring together all that was important to me. Being a part of such significant moments in couples’ lives brings me great fulfillment, as I am briefly brought into their communities and draw artistic inspiration from their love stories.
Building my photography business has been challenging yet extremely rewarding. The flexibility to set my schedule and travel for work has been incredibly satisfying. This year, I will be photographing weddings in Montana, California, Wisconsin, and, of course, Minnesota. I’m also looking forward to exploring Europe in the fall—it’s sure to spark new creativity and inspiration for my work.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the major challenges I face is placing trust in my business, knowing that I will keep booking weddings and that my work will continue to resonate with people out there.
There are several slow months, particularly from November through March. During these periods, I spend a significant amount of time at my computer, devising marketing plans, ensuring my taxes are in order, and establishing systems for the busy wedding season.
It’s a time filled with contemplation, self-doubt, and the constant urge to rework my entire business plan. However, it also provides ample space for self-reflection and making sure my life is in alignment. Through this process, I’ve gained deeper insights into myself, and I am incredibly grateful for that.
I’m pretty sure most creatives don’t go into their line of work to become business owners; they do it for the passion of the art. Now that I am here, I see the value in all that I have learned and know I will use these skills for the rest of my life.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Eryndae Photography?
At Eryndae Photography, we specialize in providing hybrid documentary-editorial photography services for weddings, engagements, and boudoir sessions. What sets us apart is our focus on capturing the art and emotions of each moment with a candid approach. We believe in preserving the authentic essence of your love story, whether it’s through digital or the romantic nostalgia of film photography. Our clients are individuals who appreciate the beauty of slow living, are fashion-forward and have a passion for exploring the world.
What we’re most proud of is our ability to deeply connect with our clients and bring out the unique artistry of their lives. Recognizing that weddings are more than just ceremonies, they represent a celebration of love encompassing everything you hold dear. From your favorite food to the designer shoes you adore or the nostalgia of your grandma’s backyard, our aim is to capture the entirety of your story. In telling your story, we adopt a personalized approach focusing on aspects of your relationship that hold special meaning to you. For the engagement session, we encourage choosing locations such as your favorite date spot, the city where you first met, or places where you enjoy walking the dogs together. Working closely with you, we create sessions that authentically capture the essence of your love and connection.
Our wedding packages are meticulously crafted to align with your vision, offering personalized coverage, beautifully edited galleries, and thoughtful vendor recommendations. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate wedding in a distant locale or a cozy celebration close to home, we’re dedicated to being there every step of the way, ensuring that your special day is a true reflection of your love story and individuality.
Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
I owe a lot to my parents for instilling in me the belief that life’s purpose is to chase happiness. As I’ve mentioned before, what really excites me is travel, and it truly encompasses all the things that bring me joy. Whether it’s making new connections, eating new foods, learning, staying active, or finding creative inspiration, traveling offers me a complete source of happiness.
But as much as I love to travel, my home space is invaluable. It’s where I find pride in expressing myself, nurturing my creative passions, hosting my friends, and enjoying meaningful moments with my partner, whose support is unwavering.
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $3000
- Engagement sessions start at $485
- Boudoir starting at $425
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eryndae.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryndaephoto/
Image Credits
Eryndae Thorvaldsen and Ilana Newman