Conversations with Erin Coe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Coe.

Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I started photography at a very young age. I was a kid who always enjoyed a disposable camera whenever the class went on a field trip. As I got older, my interest only grew. I loved taking photos and capturing moments for myself and others.

One of the adult dancers at my Irish dance studio, Emily Fondren, who I looked up to was a photographer who went to the school I am currently studying at. Unfortunately, before I was able to show her my progress and acceptance into the school, she passed away. I did photography at McGavock High School and knew that might be an option for when I graduated to apply to some places that had good photography programs.

When applying to schools, I was not sure what I truly wanted to do, but when I walked into Nossi College of Art I knew that this was the place for me. In December of 2024, I will finish classes here at Nossi. Throughout my time here at the school and freelancing, I have gotten to meet some amazing people and help share their stories. And that is truly why I love to do what I do, and the reason I got into photography in the first place.

I focus mainly on families, seniors, couples, and headshot work but, I love to sprinkle some Irish dance into the mix because I truly love the community here. I have worked for the Nashville Irish Step Dancers (the dance school I attended), and the Nashville Irish Society. It truly is about family and having a wonderful group supporting you.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think it has been mostly a smooth road. Everyone has bumps. The hardest thing I have faced in clientele. It is truly so hard to get your name out when you are a young photographer. There is so much competition but, I always say the time will come.

Other than clientele it truly is hard to just market yourself and push to keep going. Even if I’m not working one week the next week could be packed. So I try to keep a positive mindset. I know that if it is not now it will come.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what truly sets me apart from others is my creativity. I work hard to make sure each image is perfect. In doing so it could take more time to get the correct shot but it will be the best shot seen. I think another thing that sets me apart from others is my use of lighting. I enjoy lighting in the studio, and outside. I love working with models in the studio to get a fun and creative shot, but I also love incorporating lighting into my outdoor photography.

I have recently really loved shooting at night with lights. I am truly proud of the community I have built. I think that is the most important thing. I have a lot of families who use me for multiple things and I love getting to share their stories and who they are. As for proud accomplishments for myself, I am proud of where I am at in school, I stand with a 4.0 and almost perfect attendance while working with clients as well. I know that I push myself in school to learn everything I can before I graduate.

What matters most to you? Why?
I think the thing that matters to me most is making sure my client is happy with the finished product. I work hard to make sure everything that I produce is right for the client. I have fulfilled some weird requests such as a panorama of knees for a client before because it was what they wanted. I will always work my hardest to make sure everything is produced to the best of my ability.

I think it is also super important for clients or even models to have fun when working with me, I believe when you are getting photos made it should be an experience. I do my best to make sure my clients are comfortable and happy, sometimes this can happen by playing their music, having a conversation, or truly just hyping them up as we shoot. Over all the satisfaction of the client is the most important thing during the session and after, all while capturing moments that are beautiful and tell a viewer who they are.

Contact Info:

• Website: erincoephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erincoephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinCoePhotography/?locale=hi_IN

Image Credits
Casey Gower (Featured photo)