We recently connected with Elizabeth Pajak and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started ERP Sportraiture because I was like so many other sports moms— underwhelming sports photos out of guilt. Not because I loved them, but because they were all that existed to mark the season
I knew there had to be a better way to preserve the time, effort, and heart our kids pour into their sports.
The real turning point came during my son’s football season in fall 2023. The photographer hired for the team didn’t follow through on what was promised. I had already been working as a family photographer, but I saw an opportunity to try something new. I jumped in, learned how to build composite sports images on the fly, and offered them to other parents on our team. It wasn’t perfect—but the response was immediate. People were excited, and so was I.
That moment lit a fire. I realized how much I loved this style of photography—not just for the creativity, but for the meaning behind it. From that point forward, I poured myself into learning everything I could about sports portraiture, lighting techniques, and how to create images that feel just as powerful as the moments they represent.
Since then, I’ve taken ERP Sportraiture full time. While other businesses in my area may offer similar services, I truly believe what sets my work apart is the personal connection I bring to every session. I understand what it’s\\ like to be in the chaos of sports season, juggling games, practices, and picture day. I understand that parents don’t just want another photo—they want a memory captured in a way that reflects how proud they are of their child.
Whether I’m working with a whole league or just one athlete, I treat every session like it matters—because it truly does. My business wasn’t born out of a grand strategy. It was born out of a real problem I felt as a mom, and a desire to create something better for families like mine.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Elizabeth, the owner and photographer behind ERP Sportraiture—a sports portrait experience built for parents who want more than the standard picture day. I officially launched my business in 2023, but I’ve been in the photography world for years, originally working with families and weddings.
ERP Sportraiture was born out of a personal frustration. As a mom of young athletes, I kept finding myself with generic, uninspired sports photos I didn’t even love—but still bought. I learned how to create custom sports composites and quickly discovered not only a need in my community, but also a deep passion of my own.
Now, I work with youth sports leagues, teams, and individual athletes to create bold, dramatic, and personality-filled portraits that celebrate each kid’s unique energy. I specialize in media-day style photography for entire organizations and also offer individual sessions for families who want a more customized experience.
What sets me apart isn’t just the style of my work—it’s the experience I create. As a mom myself, I understand how chaotic sports seasons can be. That’s why I focus on making photo day easy for leagues and organizers: fast, organized, and zero paperwork. For families, I deliver images that feel personal and exciting—not just another checkbox of the season, but something worth framing, saving, and sharing.
I’m most proud of the way my business has grown not just through marketing, but through genuine relationships with parents, coaches, and local organizations. My goal is to serve with heart, hustle, and creativity—and give families a way to preserve this season of life that flies by far too fast.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Without a doubt, word of mouth has been the most powerful source of new clients for my business.
I take a lot of pride in the work I do, but just as much pride in how I treat the people I work with. I do everything I can to provide a great experience—one that feels smooth, organized, and personal. And when things don’t go perfectly (because, let’s face it, life happens), I make it a priority to fix issues quickly and with care.
I feel like this kind of service builds trust, and trust leads to referrals. Whether it’s a parent recommending me to another team or a league organizer bringing me back season after season, those personal endorsements have grown my business far more than any ad pr social media post ever could.
At this point, most of my marketing is fueled by the genuine connections I’ve built with families, coaches, and local organizations—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
In the beginning, I poured a lot of effort into social media. When you’re trying to build brand awareness, it can feel like the only way to be seen. And at that stage, it was helpful—I was introducing my business to the world and needed visibility.
But over time, I realized that the people booking me weren’t necessarily the ones liking my posts or reacting to my stories. I had to shift my mindset. Today, I use social media less as a marketing tool and more as a way to build connections—especially with past clients and the local community. I still post content that reaches new people from time to time, but I no longer chase the algorithm or obsess over reach.
My best advice? Don’t let your likes define your business. Social media should be a tool for storytelling, celebrating your work, and staying connected—not a scoreboard. Focus on being genuine, being present, and offering something valuable, even if it doesn’t go “viral.” Connection will always matter more than clicks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erpsportraiture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erp.sportraiture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erp.sportraiture
Image Credits
ERP Sportraiture