We were lucky to catch up with Eric Brinkley Sr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eric , thanks for joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My mother raised me to explore everything that I curious about. From chemistry sets, model rockets, model cars, models of the human body, painting, drawing musical instruments, and everything with electricity. She took my brother and I to museums, the opera, live plays and anything with dancing in it. Being from Detroit, I was far from the typical kid growing up but the most important of everything is we had photo albums dating back to the early 50’s. It gave me an sense of self and where I come from. And that’s why I love photography, I can give that same feeling to others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Photography has always been a hobby for me since I was teenager, I had polaroid cameras, disposable cameras, film cameras and cell phone cameras. So it was a natural progression to eventually start my own company ELBPORTRAITS. I offer a relaxed fun filled portrait sessions that even the kids will enjoy. I offer custom playlist of the clients favorite musical artists, direction on posing and help them to see that every body is beautiful. The one thing I love the most is now a days kids are growing so fast and parents are afraid of missing those milestones moments, each portrait session captures those memories for the family to enjoy forever. Also corporate headshots that bring out their true personality. My style is light and airy with a flare of fashion. I’ve been published in multiple magazines not only as a photographer but also as a model, which allows me to really understand how it feels to be in front of a camera. especially on your first session.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’m an Electrician by trade (20yrs) but I always had a camera with me of some sort. Everyone always liked the photos I would take, so I took the plunge and bought my first professional camera and began to immerse myself in all the information I could find on exposure, how to really see light and develop my style. My kids say I’m a lifelong learner because I still bury my head in books and attend workshops. What was once a hobby became an retirement plan. Then I thought, why wait let’s just do it now. LoL and ELBPORTRAITS was born.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’d say my first few photo walks with “ real” photographers and it showed me much more I really had to learn. I come from an you can do anything you put your mind to family and the challenge began to not only be their equal but also shine on my own as a photographer. That can do mind set has landed me jobs I had never imagined. From Portrait Photographer to Set Photographer for a Feature Film, also two Comedy shows and a speaking role in the same Film. And that has never been an option for me
Contact Info:
- Website: ELBPORTRAITS.COM
- Instagram: ELBPHOTOGRAPHYII