Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Seay.
Hi Erica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, my name is Erica Seay. I just recently graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Converged Broadcast Media and a minor in photography. I am a photographer based in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. I have been a professional photographer for five years but have had a camera in my hand for 12. Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved capturing special moments. I remember having a Vtech camera when I was about 5 or 6. Once my parents saw that I loved taking pictures, they bought me my first camera when I was a little bit older. I would photograph anything I could with the little pink Nikon camera I had. When I got my first phone. I took pictures of anything and everything. I had 1,000’s of pictures on my phone. When I was in middle school, that was the first time I had experienced photography on a journalism level. I was on the yearbook team and put my love for photography to the test. Going through high school, I knew I wanted to do photography, but I had grown to love sports at a young age. When I got to high school, I decided to go on the path of Sports Broadcasting. I was in journalism classes, and I was a part of the school newspaper and news station! My love for media and journalism grew. And I decided to start practicing my photography again. In 2019, which was the end of junior year and the start of senior year, is when I chose to give photography a shot on a professional level. 2020 was a rough year for a lot of us, but this was my senior year… I decided to advertise my photography on my social media platforms to see what would happen. I was able to take four sets of senior pictures for some friends, which really helped me to get my photography business going. My boyfriend at the time… who is now my husband, and my sister helped me to get my social media platforms ready and encouraged me to keep going! I attended the University of North Texas and majored in Converged Broadcast Media. Throughout my college career, I interned for UNT athletics; I was a part of the News Station on campus, worked for the World Series Texas Rangers, worked for Bally Sports, and had the opportunity to Sideline Report for High School Football. Here we are now in 2024, and my business is slowly growing. I took the last few months of 2023 to rebrand and redesign my website. Photography has changed my life, and I love seeing the many memories and smiles that come with it. I LOVE this job, and I love being able to make my clients feel confident. My main goal is to pour my heart and soul into each shoot by making sure that my clients feel comfortable and that we walk away from their shoot as friends. No two photo shoots are alike, and I strive to make each one different and personal to whoever I am working with. I am so blessed to have a loving family and husband who support me to do my best and encourage me every step of the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not been easy. It is hard to get a photography business going when there are a lot of other photographers. However, I have tried to differentiate myself from others and find what’s unique for me. I have tried to use the experience I’ve gained through broadcast media to help me with my photography.
We’ve been impressed with Erica Seay Photography Co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is super special to me. I have loved being able to create this business and add my personal touch to it. I am a photographer who specializes in portraits, but I photograph anything and everything. I photograph events, weddings, senior portraits, families, couples, headshots, engagements, and so much more. I am known for my senior portraits. I think what sets me apart from others is that I have experience in areas other than just photography, so it helps me with my business and helps me be the best that I can be. Brand wise… I am proud of my business name. It took me a while to come up with something, and since I just got married, it’s nice to have my maiden name a part of my brand. My brand is unique to me, and I strive to be the best that I can be. I want my clients to know that I will do the best that I can to make them feel special and confident. I offer free consultations and low prices. My services are listed on my website with prices and some examples of my work. I am currently working on offering film photography.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is so important in any aspect of your career!!! It has helped me so much to find people who have the same interests as me! For anyone looking for a mentor or looking to network…put yourself out there!!! It’ll be worth it and the worst that anyone can say is no.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericaseayphotography.co
- Instagram: Ericaseayphotography.co
- Facebook: Erica Seay Photography Co
