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

Hi Erica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue an artistic career because creating art is the thing that scares me the most. Through my photography, I have an opportunity to put forward my interests, passions, and a reflection of myself. However, with this comes great vulnerability and risk. Art has caused me to have high highs and low lows, and because of that, it ignites passion in me. It pushes me to think unconventionally, challenge myself, and pursue that fear.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer. A big goal I have in my art is to center it around Jesus. I want to convey what Biblical love is like through my work, and show how Jesus is present in every couple, family, and force of nature. Incorporating my faith in my work has been a challenging process, but I hope to reach people and show them the love that is shown in my work all comes from my source. Along the way, I have learned that comparison to other photographers is what will suck the originality out of me. As a photographer, it can be hard to set yourself apart from others due to the competition. I hope that my faith and the way I choose to display it sets me apart.

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.
Monday: El farito beach in the morning (rent a family bicycle), grab ice cream at Salt and Straw and stroll around coconut grove (eat at Mr. O1) Tuesday: Shopping day: visit twice vintage at the Falls, grab dinner at Texas de Brazil
Wednesday: Design district day: visit market for makers in design district and stroll around, Wynwood area shops
Thursday: Miami Beach day, jet-ski and eat dinner at Mizumi
Friday: Knausberry farm- Redlands fruit and spice park and go to the orchid festival
Saturday: Visit rooftop cinema club, eat at Yuca 105
Sunday: Visit the ancient Spanish monastery, go to church at Calvary Miami, and attend a candlelight fever concert

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to a few groups of people. The first being my family, for being my constant subjects and allowing me to experiment creatively. Pursuing this career hasn’t always been the easiest process, but their encouragement and support through it all motivates me. In addition, I want to shoutout some of my best friends and my partner, Juan, Isabel, and Natalia. Their willingness to go anywhere and do anything simply to support my creative vision has touched me in a way they will never know. The vision goes nowhere without people, and I am glad to have these amazing individuals in my circle.

Website: https://epanphotos.wixsite.com/ep-photos

Instagram: ericaaphoto

Image Credits
Erica Pantoja

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