Meet Erick Mariano | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erick Mariano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Currently, I would say that I am still going through the “building” phase. Starting off with mostly spontaneous photography sessions that were most likely not even scheduled, for very little to no cost at all. This way I could build a portfolio, gain exposure, and a wider range of clientele before setting up solid rates and pricing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me, I am passionate for photographing all the things I enjoy and more. I don’t just stick to one type of style, but a wide variety at this time. As an example, Outdoors/ Nature, Sports, and my personal favorite so far; Live Events. It makes me happy deep down inside to see the reactions that I get from my clientele when they view my album of well timed photographs. It took me about a years worth of practice, researching, along with tons of trial and error to get to the standard that I am holding today. Definitely wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. My fear of being a photographer is that my customer may not like any of my photos at all, and I take it to heart when I try to put 110% into my work that I take pride for, and have it tossed aside like it wasn’t worth anything at all. I’ve had maybe a few occasions in which I have faced that feeling leading to me procrastinating for my next shoot. It was rough, and I was scared to get that kind of input again. Over time, I picked myself back up and gave it another go after hearing some motivational words aspiring me to get the results I strive for! Throughout my time of being the photographer that I am now, I’ve learned that you shouldn’t be held back by someone else’s opinion casted upon your own. Everyone has a vision on their own work, it may not be the best, although it may be the “Mona Lisa” in the eyes of others. We all view the world in our own perspective, and I’m ready and willing to capture any moment and create that memory to be seen in the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a hangout with my friends, I would keep things plain and simple and stay near the my local area; Concord/ Pittsburg, CA. Yes, I know. It’s Pittsburg, a small town in California, not like Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Usually my weekly spots I would go to are Hop Asylum, and The Hop Grenade, which are both craft brew locations. These spots haven been the home of great selections of beers, great friends that are like family, and fond memories throughout the years. If time permits depending on the season, the beaches would be a great place to relax at. The ones that I enjoy are the ones in Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my significant other Audrey Clare for being my first model as I started my path upon my photography journey. I’d also like to thank all my friends and family that encouraged me to take a shot at all the small opportunities leading towards my current progress and success that I have achieved up till now!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostile_erick/