Meet Erin Waynick | Photographer

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

Hi Erin, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The best decision I made after deciding to start my business was joining my referral based networking group, called Team referral networking. It’s similar to BNI but much smaller. The relationships are strong and no matter who comes and goes, we are like a family and fully support each other, making us confidant to refer each other out to our peers.
A friend of mine was starting a new chapter and invited me to be take the photographer seat. It’s an industry specific group, so we only have 1 person for each industry allowing for amazing power partnerships.
I had no idea what networking was all about and was hesitant to join because of the yearly fee and the fact that I would have to do a one minute commercial every week and a 10 min presentation every couple months. I have always been incredibly shy and anxious in front of people. But I made the leap and it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and my business.
Since starting in 2021 I have officiated a wedding for dear friends, have no problem getting in front of groups of people to introduce myself and talk about my business, and because of a relationship with the director/ now owner of the franchise, I have traveled to Guatemala and Kenya as the photographer on international yoga retreats. We are heading to Thialand in June, then Bali in 2027. Before this I didn’t even have a passport.
Almost every relationship and big job I have has stemmed from this networking group. They are the reason I am still afull time photographer 4 years later.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It hasn’t been an easy ride. I was determined after getting my degree that I was going to be happy as a photo editor/assistant/second shooter for other photographers. I loved it. I worked with amazing photographers for years. I knew I wasn’t confident enough to have my own thriving business and there was no way I could actually make a living doing this on my own.
Well, God had to drop kick me into my unknown dream of being a full time photographer. I was a few years into working at my friends bakery, which I helped start in 2018, doing some of my own photography part time, getting into real estate photography and also doing portraits for friends. While also working with my photographer friend down in denver. I was happy with where things were, I could pay the bills and get my photography fix.
Then one day, overnight a tendon in my elbow tore, the next day at the bakery and couldn’t even peel butter. I had to leave the bakery because it took months to recover.
I had lost my only sustainable income and it was terrifying. This happened in 2021, in the midst of covid. Another job wasn’t an option. It was covid and I couldn’t use my right arm .
But it turns out I could still take photographs on a tripod and real estate was still booming. I kept shooting for The Source Property management and joined my networking group. I met more realtors through TEAM and ended up surpassing my bakery income. The Offical Erin Waynick Photography was born.
I would have NEVER taken that leap if I didn’t injure my elbow. I haven’t looked back since.

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?
I actually live in Fort Collins but LOVE Denver and work there often. I would take them to Meow Wolf, of course.

I’d probably start at Steam Espresso Bar in upper highlands, Do some shopping at Sol Shine, then drive to Tennyson St for lunch and more shopping.
Then depending on what time our Meow Wolf tickets are. We would do dinner at Bar Dough, either before or afterwards.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my networking group, TEAM referral has been the biggest reason I have grown my business.
The source property management for being my first big Real estate photo gig back in 2018. They put their trust in me at the very beginning and I have LOVED working with them ever since. I have been able to hone in my skills as a real estate photographer through my years with them.
My incredible business coaches. My first one Chrysta Barre and my current coach Stephanie Schoolmeester with Vibrant Body and Soul. They helped me realize that I am a butterfly that needs to flow. I don’t need to be, think or run my business the way the world expects me to.
My business runs so well without having to overthink it and stress to be a “typical” entrepreneur. I never wanted to have my own business because my brain doesnt work that way. Stephanie has helped me see that this is my own path, my own vision and using my own unique energy. I attract my clients by just being me. I quadrupled my business last year and I attribute it to my work with Stephanie.
And OF COURSE my incredible family. My daughter who has been my muse and reason to go out and get my photography degree. She has always been my biggest supporter along with my amazing man Mark and stepkids. They understand that this job takes time away from them and there are long nights of editing and dinnertime photoshoots. Mark also has his own business, so we juggle the long days and nights with continued support and encouragement.

Website: https://erinwaynickphoto.com

Instagram: @erinwaynickphotography

Linkedin: Erin Waynick

Facebook: Erin Waynick Photography

Image Credits
Kelly Eileen Shoads took the photo of me