We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Borzellino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.

Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

There is a lot of pressure now for smart, self-motivated kids to get a 4 year college degree. While my degree certainly served me well, allowing me to enter the work force immediately, I do not think that is the right choice for everyone. I did not continue on the path I chose in college and I could have been further along in my photography career had I chosen an apprenticeship or internship in the photography field. I would love to see focus in high schools on apprenticeships for technical trades and creative work that would allow young people to start careers and own businesses earlier in their lives without the burden of debt from higher education.

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?

I am a freelance portrait photographer in the NYC metro area. I had a very slow start in my business, as I was also a stay-at-home mom of three kids, one with special needs. I started my business with family portraits on a part-time basis and as my kids grew and became more independent my business was able to grow as well. One year, I did a project photographing extraordinary women called Women Who Rock. It started with women in my neighborhood and grew as more people nominated subjects. This project was the start of my branding and headshot portrait business. The style of portraiture is unposed and authentic, just like my work with families. Now my focus is on lifestyle photography and environmental portraiture for brands, large and small.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The biggest pivot in my life was after I had my son and he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 1. I realized pretty quickly that I would not be going back to work at an investment bank as planned. He had a full schedule of therapists and doctor appointments and later when he started school, he needed more of my support at home. It was this pivot that allowed me the time at home to practice photography and develop my own style. And it was this need to be more present for my kids that allowed me to slowly start growing a business that worked for my family.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Because my business grew (and is still growing!) very slowly, it has allowed me to build my reputation through word of mouth. Whether it is for commissioned family portraits or larger commercial jobs, I have had many years of showing up on time, being flexible when necessary, being prepared for the specific job and delivering a consistent final product. As I am the only photographer in my business and the only point of contact, every interaction with clients has to be positive for them in order to continue getting called back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erinborzellino.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/erinborzellino
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/erin-borzellino-855177142

Image Credits
Picture of Erin is by Jaye McLaughlin, all other photos by Erin Borzellino