Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Hansen
Hi Erika , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved art and different art mediums. However, it wasn’t until 2018 when I got more serious about learning photography. After my father passed away, I did some self reflecting and decided to go for it. I purchased my first DSLR and started to learn how to use it. knowing nothing about my camera, I sought out online classes and eventually stumbled across a community that offered all the information I needed to know, from camera operations and editing to running a business. At first, I learned on my own time and started putting myself out there, getting clients through social media offerings and building my portfolio. It was slow at first, as I had to shelf my “hobby” while caring for my sick mother and then for Covid. But I stuck with it, and built up a wider portfolio and client list. Eventually, in 2020, I was able to leave my full-time job and focus solely on growing my photography business. In 2023, I opened a studio in Cold Spring so I could offer photography services year round. Today, my largest client base is high school seniors and families. I am also building my boudoir and women empowerment services (branding, business, and beauty). Photography is a passion that continues to build and grow. I love the opportunity to show my clients how amazing and beautiful they are through my lens. It’s a confidence boost to them and a fulfilling business for me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road! My growth has been slow, but consistent. Along the way, there were large periods of time when I wasn’t working on my business due to “life”. In 2019, I took my mom into ur home where I cared for her along with her Hospice team, before she passed away. Then again in 2020, Covid happened and again there was a large pause on business growth. Aside from life, there was a lot of trial and error. In the beginning, I would say “yes”to any inquiry that came my way. Now I know why tip of photography I like and have found success with. I really enjoy portrait photography and working on-on-one with a client (for example, high school seniors) over large groups like weddings. I still do a couple weddings a year, but I do not consider myself a wedding photographer. Over time, I have developed my brand to be one of connection, as I find that piece of my work truly fulfilling. Therefore, working with high school seniors, families, and women is where I excel at my craft as it gives me the opportunity to focus solely on them, make a connection, and portray each unique personality through their photos.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a portrait photographer in Cold Spring, MN. I am most known for photographing High School Seniors and Families. I am proud of the fact that I build my business from the ground up, and am self taught (meaning I do not go to school to study photography). My ability to see through the hard times and keep going is what has helped shape my business over the years. There were times when I felt like I wanted to give up, but I kept going. I have had to learn and push myself out of my comfort zone to create the business I have today. This requires a lot of new learning (both technical and administrative), as well as networking, trial and error, and being vulnerable enough to share who I am and what I do. Photography is an art, and therefore my work and style will not appeal to everyone. But the more I continue on this path, the more I attract the clients I serve.
I believe my personal connection is what sets me apart. I like to know who I am working with, and ask questions about themselves during our session. I like to create an atmosphere of ease and fun during sessions, and enjoy making people laugh. It’s important to me they feel comfortable, enjoy the process, and love their photos. I find this is best achieved through building trust and getting to know each of my clients on a personal level. I am grateful for every one of them, and treat them like friends.
What’s next?
Currently, I’m working at building my business during the cold months. This is when I like to focus on boudoir, branding, headshots, and women empowerment series. I am currently working on a project called the “40 Over40 Campaign” where I photograph 40 women from the age 40 and up to inspire, empower and support women. I will have an exhibit in my studio on International Women’s Day, where these women will each have a photograph from their series on display along with a brief synopsis of their story and where they find inspiration and beauty at their age. I’m really excited about this, and have never done this type exhibit before. If all goes well, I look forward to offering this campaign each year.
Pricing:
- Minis start at $295
- Senior Sessions are between $375 and $750
- Family Sessions begin at $450
- Boudoir Packages start at $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikahansenphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_hansen_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikahansenphotography
