Inspiring Conversations with Erica Gonzalez of Lucky 26 Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Gonzalez.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
My name is Erica, and I’m a creative portrait photographer. I was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, and I live in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Photography has been a passion of mine since I was 12. My grandfather walked around with his camera, snapping away, taking photos, and making photo albums to enjoy later in life. When he passed away, his camera was something that made me feel close to him. I started taking photos of everyone and everything around me. As I got older, I became more creative with my camera. I began saving inspirational photos from the internet and fashion articles. I loved colorful photos that were moody and mysterious.

I was excited when my friend and I got matching Canon PowerShot cameras. We documented our summers, dressed up in cool outfits, took photos of ourselves, and tried to edit them in an old free trial version of photoshop that we downloaded. As the years passed, I continued experimenting with my camera, taking photos of the fall leaves and up-close macro shots of the Christmas lights. I started taking self-portraits; the self-timer was my best friend. I was a little discouraged when people told me I would not make money if I were a photographer, that it wasn’t a “real” job.

I finished my last two years of college in the photography and graphic design program at the University of Mount Olive. I taught myself everything I know about photography by watching videos on the internet, skillshare, studying my favorite photographers, and creating mood boards to make my ideas come to life. It wasn’t until I met my husband, Jonathan, that he encouraged me to pursue my dream job as a photographer, and that’s what I did.

I now have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Photography and own my business called Lucky 26 Studios, Inspired by my cavalier “Lucky” and my favorite number “26”. I have my studio, but I also love finding new locations outside and around North Carolina. I am a creative portrait photographer who loves working with individuals, couples, graduates, and businesses to capture their brand. I have always had a passion for art & creativity, creative poses, and color. I realized I could capture the world the way I see it. When I see colors, lights, and all that inspires me, I fall in love with life, and I want to capture it and let others see our beautiful world.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
I would say the photography part has been great! The poses and the people I work with bring something new to the table and inspire me to get more creative each time. They make me think of new ways to incorporate ideas and poses. The marketing and business side has been a lot to learn. People think photography is just “take a photo, edit, and share,” but there is much more to a photographer’s business than most people realize. I still love learning, and these struggles have helped me grow and improve daily.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a creative portrait photographer, photographing individuals, couples, graduates, and mothers-to-be. I add my creative touch to my sessions with props, poses, colors, or certain outfits, making my sessions unique to my client and expressing who they are. I also work with brands, capturing photos of their work, products, and team. I am proud that I can capture people and tell their stories. Everyone is unique, and I love showing their “Artistic” side. I want readers to know when they choose me as their photographer, they can expect to have fun and have their vision come to life!

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Caring for myself is one of the most attributes of my success. Waking up every day and making sure that I am feeling my best, and taking care of myself first, brings success to my company and allows me to give my best to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lucky26studios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucky26studios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lucky26Studios/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Lucky26studios/