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

Alright, Erinn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life was deciding to leave my nursing career behind to pursue photography full-time. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, and it came after a lot of soul-searching, reflection, and personal challenges.

The backstory starts during my time working in the Pediatric ICU. It was a high-stakes, emotionally charged environment, and while I was passionate about helping children and families, the mental and emotional toll of the job began to weigh on me heavily. I was also a mom to young children myself, and the experiences I had at work made me acutely aware of how fleeting and precious life is. On top of that, the pandemic exacerbated the sense of burnout I was already feeling, and I started questioning if this was the path I truly wanted to stay on for the rest of my life.

At the same time, I began to reconnect with my creative side, which had always been a big part of me before nursing. I majored in Graphic Design before switching to nursing, so I had a natural love for visual storytelling. I had always loved photography but never truly learned how to use a camera properly. When I became pregnant with my second son, I decided to take a leap and invest in a professional camera, almost as if I was daring myself to see if I could make something of this passion.

The biggest challenge was believing in myself. Leaving behind a stable, well-paying career with clear expectations and benefits to pursue something as unpredictable as photography felt almost irresponsible at times. There were so many unknowns—how would I find clients? Could I really turn this into a business? Would people value my work?

But I pushed forward. I started small, taking on second-shooting gigs for weddings and slowly building my confidence and skills. The experience taught me so much, not just about photography but about how to connect with people and tell their stories authentically. Eventually, I booked my first solo wedding, and the sense of pride and accomplishment I felt in that moment was indescribable.

How did it turn out? I won’t say the risk has been without challenges, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I feel more fulfilled than I ever did in nursing because I’m able to tap into my creative side while still serving people in a deeply meaningful way. Photography has allowed me to preserve the moments that matter most—something I value even more because of my time in healthcare.

Taking this risk has taught me the importance of betting on myself, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s reminded me that sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the most rewarding journeys.

Erinn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Erinn! I’m a Metro Detroit photographer and the face behind Erinn Lynne Photography. My journey into photography started as a mix of personal passion and a desire to preserve life’s fleeting moments. Before diving into photography, I spent years in nursing—specifically working with children and families in both long-term care and the Pediatric ICU. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for how fragile and beautiful life is, which ultimately influenced my decision to take the leap into this creative career.

Photography became my outlet during a time when I felt burned out and needed something that fueled my soul. Growing up, I was always surrounded by creativity. I majored in Graphic Design before nursing, and my mom’s love for taking photos planted the seed of appreciation in me. While I always had a camera, I never truly learned to use it until I made a life-changing decision: to set aside fear and start building a business around a passion that felt deeply aligned with who I am.

At Erinn Lynne Photography, I focus on capturing love and life in an authentic, storytelling way. I offer wedding photography, lifestyle sessions, and mini-sessions for families, couples, and individuals. My goal is to create a relaxed, fun, and natural experience for my clients—whether that’s documenting the intimate details of a wedding day or creating playful, joy-filled family portraits that reflect real-life moments.

One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera. I know being photographed can feel vulnerable, but I strive to make every session feel like you’re hanging out with a friend. I guide you through the process with ease, so the focus is on creating memories, not on how to pose. My approach is laid-back and conversational because I believe that’s how the most genuine moments happen.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend my creative eye with my nursing background. Nursing taught me how to connect with people on a personal level, adapt to any situation, and stay calm under pressure. These skills translate into my photography—whether it’s helping a shy toddler warm up during a family session or capturing candid, emotional moments during a fast-paced wedding day.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time. I started this journey not knowing if I’d succeed, but through hard work and a genuine love for what I do, I’ve built something that feels meaningful and true to me. I’m especially grateful for the clients who trust me to tell their stories—they’re the reason I love what I do.

For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that I see photography as more than just images. It’s about preserving the moments you’ll want to look back on years from now—the laughter, the connection, the love. I’m here to document your story in a way that feels natural, timeless, and uniquely you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to freeze time and preserve moments that people can cherish forever. There’s something so powerful about taking a fleeting second—a laugh, a glance, a hug—and turning it into something tangible that becomes a part of someone’s story. Knowing that the images I create will be revisited in years to come, sparking memories and emotions, is an honor I don’t take lightly.

I also love how photography allows me to connect with people on such a personal level. Every session tells a unique story, and I get to witness and capture moments of joy, love, and vulnerability. Whether it’s a couple celebrating their wedding day, a family laughing together, or a mom snuggling her kids, I feel a deep sense of purpose in documenting these relationships and emotions authentically.

As a creative, there’s also the reward of constant growth and discovery. No two sessions are ever the same, and I’m always finding new ways to see the world, push myself artistically, and embrace challenges. It’s incredibly fulfilling to look back and see how much I’ve grown—not just in skill but in my ability to connect with clients and tell their stories in a way that truly resonates.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part of what I do is knowing I’m giving people something that matters. Life moves so quickly, and it’s easy for precious moments to slip away. Being able to slow things down and provide my clients with memories they’ll treasure for a lifetime makes every bit of this journey worth it.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. The core mission driving my creative journey is to preserve life’s fleeting, meaningful moments and tell authentic stories through my photography. I want my work to remind people of what truly matters—love, connection, and the beauty in the everyday. Whether it’s the quiet intimacy of a wedding, the joyful chaos of a family session, or the small, overlooked details that make a moment unique, my goal is to document these experiences in a way that feels real and timeless.

This mission is deeply personal to me. My background as a nurse, particularly working in pediatrics and the Pediatric ICU, shaped my perspective on how precious life is. I’ve seen how quickly things can change and how important it is to hold onto memories. That understanding fuels my passion for capturing moments that people can look back on and relive, whether it’s a milestone event or a quiet day with loved ones.

I also strive to make photography accessible and approachable. I believe everyone deserves to have their story told, and I want to create a relaxed and joyful experience for my clients. My goal is for them to feel seen, valued, and celebrated through my work.

Ultimately, my mission is to blend creativity, connection, and compassion into everything I do. I want to leave behind a legacy of images that not only tell stories but also remind people of the love and beauty in their own lives. It’s this sense of purpose that keeps me inspired and committed to growing as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinnlynnephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552532880808