Meet Erin McFarland | Photographer

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

Hi Erin, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“YOU DON’T MAKE A PHOTOGRAPH JUST WITH A CAMERA. YOU BRING TO THE ACT OF PHOTOGRAPHY ALL THE PICTURES YOU HAVE SEEN, THE BOOKS YOU HAVE READ, THE MUSIC YOU HAVE HEARD, THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE LOVED.” ANSEL ADAMS

This quote is on my website and after almost 20 years of being a professional photographer, I’d say it rings true. Being a creative in any capacity means bringing parts of yourself to whatever you are creating. The ways I’ve been shaped and influenced–by other art forms, relationships, and worldview– can’t help but come through in how I create. When I photograph people, I try to capture the connections between loved ones. Or when I’m photographing a person solo, I want to capture the unique beauty and infinite worth of that person. I’m also a lover of books and I think the imagination that comes with story spilled over into a lot of my work with children. Music has a way of amplifying the emotions of other art, so I’ve always enjoyed combining music with photography. And finally, probably most importantly, the people I have loved and who have loved me, have contributed in ways I can’t even put into words.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I give other creatives is to set your business up right and make sure you are charging enough for your services. Otherwise, you will burn out. This was not easy for me learn and I made many mistakes early on. After all, what we enjoy most if whatever we are creating. But if the business end isn’t set up right, overwhelm can happen fast. Register your business, know what you need to charge sales tax on, know what you need to put aside for income tax, have contracts, know what you need to pay overhead, etc. My business motto has always been “Celebrating the miracle and beauty of life through photography”
That’s how I desire to approach my work and love being invited to capture some of life’s most joyous seasons for my clients.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Phoenix, AZ so if a friend was coming to visit, I think a trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona are a must. They are truly incredible sights to see. I would take them to my favorite sushi restaurant, Yutaka. The Kierland Commons area is great for walking around and has the best gelato shop called Frost. I love a good comedy show and the Tempe Improv brings in some great ones. I also love the Bridge Improv Theatre for clean family friendly sketch and stand up. The Quarter has great atmosphere for dinner, shopping and walking around. I would also take them hiking- Tom’s Thumb and the Superstitions are personal favorites, but Camelback and Piestewa Peak are local favorites.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many who have helped me on my journey as a photographer. Early in my business I went to a workshop by the amazing photographer Nichole Van. I learned so much from her and the other attendees about creating photo art and about business. And the one and only Barb Uil (of Jinky Art) was one of my biggest inspirations. I learned so much about editing through her online classes. There are too many personal photography friends to mention, but each one has been an encouragement and help. Community is incredibly important in any field, but especially for creatives.

Website: www.emlifephoto.com

Instagram: erinmcfarlandaz

Facebook: erinmcfarlandphotography

Image Credits
All photos are mine