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

Hi Erica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My photography business was born out of our lifestyle! My husband is in the Navy, we got married right out of college. I graduated with my degree in Nursing, passed my RN exam, and moved to the other side of the country. Three years later, we were new parents, and making another move. This having kids and moving every two-three years made it challenging for me to pursue a career outside of our home. I realized I was missing a big piece of myself when I wasn’t creating things. I picked up photography as a mom just trying to preserve all those fleeting moments of my kids as they grow and then friends stared asking me if I would take their photos! This is when the business idea started to bloom. It is a way for me to continue to create while still being a present parent for our 4 children. It just fits!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The art that I create is for all the mothers out there. We live in a time that puts SO much pressure and expectations on mothers that it feels nearly impossible to ever feel like we are “getting it right”. My goal at each session is to capture you and your children as you are. I don’t want forced smiles and stiff poses. I want my clients to play and giggle and snuggle each other up. Creating real connection in my images is important. I want my clients to have this memorable experience that I then give to them in a photographic keepsake. Forget the expectations and instead have a beautiful REAL moment captured.

I was first drawn to my camera when my daughter was born 9 years ago. I was reluctant to make the big switch to “manual mode” but then I started taking some photography classes online and realized I could be creating even better images if I was willing to put in the work. I signed up for even more classes both online and in person. I started getting up at 5am to dedicate time to my learning. I started hustling for clients and trying to get the opportunity to shoot every weekend. With each session I became more confident in my self and I started to see real progress in my work. I am a firm believer in life long learning so I know I have more to learn and more to practice but I am also so proud of how far I’ve come so far!

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?
Well shoot, we moved to Columbus, OH just over a year ago so I will do my best. But, if anyone wants some recommendations on London, UK I’ve got more than a weeks worth of ideas! That was my absolute favorite duty station and it’s where we just moved from! I could also make recommendations for Seattle, WA, Bath, ME, and Virginia Beach, VA. Perks of being in the military is getting to experience so many different cities and live as the locals do.

In Columbus I would be taking my bff to see a football game at THE Ohio State University. One of the biggest attractions around here. We would most definitely be grabbing a late night pizza from Mikey’s and a milkshake from The Yard after the game. The following morning we would grab brunch at Pistacia Vera followed by a stroll through The Book Loft of German Village. Maybe an afternoon picnic at one of the many metro parks. The last bit of her trip would be spent hiking in Hocking Hills. There are countless trails to be explored and a winery to relax at in the evening. Now that you’ve had me whip up this itinerary I think my bff needs to come for a real visit!

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?
My husband has been my biggest support! He has continued to push me to pursue this little business of mine even when I feel a bit frustrated and defeated by all the challenges that come along with not only running a business but having to move my business every couple of years. He’s my sounding board, my second set of eyes, and my best brain storming partner. He’s really just the best!

Website: EricaSalliePhotography.com

Instagram: @erica_sallie_photography

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