We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erika Lizette a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I grew up very artistic, I was always drawing and eventually became an art major. When I first dived into photography it was just something I’d do to do it and it wasn’t until family or friends would tell me how artistic the shots were till I realized I was actually good at it. Overtime, my photography has became my main creative outlet. Now I just want to create more meaningful art with what I see in the outdoors.

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.

My name is Erika Portillo, I am first gen Salvadoran-American, outdoor and nature photographer. My photography consists of my outdoor adventures but also the flora and insects we may come across. I like to use my photography to identify the different species and educate others on what they may find. I am a huge advocate for our planet and sustainability and wanted to use my work to educate and spread awareness in away that’s educational and get others to notice the little things you can find outdoors. I will selling prints of my work soon so others can enjoy them in their spaces.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal when it comes to my photography is sharing the beauty of our outdoor spaces and what flora and fauna may be hidden within in it. I think it’s important to be educated by your surroundings and the more you learn about these things, the more someone may want to protect them. I hope to inspire others to appreciate our outdoors and become better stewards to the lands we reside in.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding apsect for me, has to be the community. I have met such amazing fellow photographers and outdoor creatives doing the work and inspiring others. It never feels like a competition but a mutual understanding of wanting to achieve more in what our own personal mission is. I am grateful for social media and the people I have crossed paths with because of my photography and I only hope to create an even larger community from this.

Contact Info:

• Website: Byerikalizette.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/erikallizette
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalportillo

Image Credits
Photograph of me holding camera and taking a photo by Mack Mager The remaining photos are my own photography