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

Eric, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

What sets my photography apart is my unique approach to capturing and editing images. While I enjoy various genres of photography, wedding photography is my primary focus and source of revenue. As an Oregon-based wedding photographer, I’ve observed that many local photographers lean towards darker, muted tones in their editing, creating a vintage, woodsy, and moody vibe.

In contrast, I see and capture love through a lens that emphasizes brightness and color. I strive to bring out the best tones in my images, making them pop off the screen or page when printed. This approach gives my work a timeless feel, ensuring that my wedding images remain relevant, authentic, and romantic for future generations. My mission is for these images to evoke the same emotions and beauty years later, preserving the essence of the moment for all to cherish.

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’m a photographer based in Portland, OR, and I specialize in photographing weddings, engagements, and portraiture. I’ve been working as a photographer in the creative industry for over a decade. Whether my job is to help influence the use of commercial products, or to capture the love that brought two individuals together, photography has allowed me to follow my passion as an artist, and partner with others from around the world.

From a very young age, art was a means of communication and self expression. Sketching and painting were the first two mediums I started out using, which allowed me to master composition and lighting. I was later introduced to photography by my Grandpa, who gave me his old film camera. I went on to attend Brooks Institute where I earn my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2013.

Capturing moments in wedding photography and fine art portraiture holds a timeless significance, their emotional resonance enduring across generations, unlike fleeting fashion trends. The longevity and emotional depth of these images inspire my passion, as I strive to preserve cherished memories that last lifetimes, imbued with heartfelt meaning. My work is heavily inspired by fine art portraiture, and combines photojournalism with contemporary art to curate a romantic story of each wedding day. Natural light, real moments, emotion, and color are my biggest sources of inspiration.

Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions couples have to make when planning their wedding. I seek to photograph couples that have an understanding of their style as a couple, and who aren’t afraid to think outside the box. I guarantee a personal, stress-free working relationship with my clients. I will dedicate the time to meet and discuss, in depth, the different wedding/engagement packages I offer, get a true sense of what each client envisions, and how I can make their dreams a reality. With years of experience coordinating with vendors, managing assistants, and directing poses/interactions between couples or large groups, I am confident in delivering professional quality, creative, and authentic imagery for client’s to cherish.

I’m humbled to say I’ve worked with brands such as OPI, BHLDN, Columbia Sportswear, Hanna Andersson, and Stitch and Tie, and have publications in Vogue Italia, Vogue.com, The Knot, Friar Tux, Green Wedding Shoes, Bridal Musings, The Guide: Palm Springs Life Magazine, Black Bride Magazine, and more.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

All my life, I have had to overcome adversity. Growing up as a closeted gay man in a religious household was emotionally challenging to navigate as a young man. I constantly battled feelings of self-hatred, fear, denial, and shame. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and one day I could no longer contain my secret. As a young adult in college, I mustered the courage to come out to my family and friends. To my surprise, I was welcomed and loved.

However, the prejudice against the LGBTQIA community still affects my business. I have seen clients withdraw their interest in hiring me because of my queerness. Despite this, I rise above it all and draw in clients who see my heart, recognize the value in my work, and appreciate the sincerity with which I lead. My mission is to ensure that their needs are valid, met, and celebrated with an open, loving heart. I firmly believe that the energy vibrations we put out into the world attract the same vibrations in return, a principle known as the Law of Attraction.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to communicate and express myself through my work. Art has always been my language, a way to convey emotions and stories that words alone cannot capture. I pour my heart and soul into every piece I create, striving to reflect the beauty and depth of the moments I capture.

Making a living off of creating is a gift I do not take for granted. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to pursue my passion as my profession. It brings me immense joy to know that my artistry and vision will live on in people’s homes for generations. Each image I produce not only serves as a visual reminder of cherished moments but also evokes deep emotions and fond memories of celebratory times.

Knowing that my work continues to touch lives long after the moments have passed is profoundly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to create something timeless and meaningful that resonates with people on such a personal level. This lasting impact is what makes being an artist so deeply rewarding for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ericdoolin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdoolinphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricDoolinPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdoolin/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ericdoolinphoto/
  https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/eric-doolin-photography/84c06723a83b378c.html

Image Credits

Photography: Eric Doolin Photography