Ericka creates modern portraits that uplift women and honor their lived experience

Interview and Article by Danielle Bastos

Erika’s journey into photography is a tale of transformation and self-discovery. Born and raised in Los Angeles, this self-described “true west side till I die type of girl” grew up in a super blended family. Like many first-generation Americans, she followed the path laid out for her: go to school, get a degree, and secure a good job. “I checked all the boxes,” Erika recalls. “Like did it all. But it was just still something like, you know, it just doesn’t feel like a calling to your soul.”

Her love language has always been active service, a driving force that led her through various careers – teaching, social work, and eventually, 14 years as a police officer. Each role allowed her to serve, but none quite fit. The common thread through all these experiences was her love for storytelling. “I love to hear people like, I’m always, and why, and why, and why? Like that’s always been me and it’s still me,” she explains.

The turning point came when an on-the-job injury as a police officer left Erika recovering at home. With time on her hands, she dove into “YouTube university,” immersing herself in photography tutorials. However, she soon realized that online tutorials weren’t enough. “I didn’t find the value of education in photography,” she admits. “Well, I was like, YouTube university has it all. But then you figure it out, like they don’t have anything.”

This realization spurred Erika to invest in herself, taking the leap into formal photography education. It was a decision that would change her life. On February 20, 2020, she retired from the police force and embraced photography full-time, just as the world was about to change dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenging timing, Erika found that she needed this period to “set my mind right” and embrace her new identity. Now, four years into her photography career, her portraiture work has gained recognition for its breathtaking quality.

Erika’s Mexican-American heritage plays a significant role in her perspective as a photographer. She describes the tension of not fully fitting into either culture: “When I’d go back to Guadalajara or Mexico, it’s like, ‘Well, you’re not really Mexican.’ And then I was here, I was like, ‘Well, you’re not really American.'” This experience of existing between cultures has influenced her approach to photography, allowing her to see and capture the unique beauty in every individual.

Her focus on modern portraiture, particularly of women, stems from a deep appreciation for the female form in all its diversity. “I’m really, really attracted to the female body,” Erika explains. “Like it just is beautiful, like in all shapes and sizes and in all colors.” She encourages her clients to embrace their natural selves, often asking those with curly hair not to straighten it for the shoot.

Erika’s boutique studio is a reflection of her personality and approach. Inspired by her love for clean, scented spaces, she’s created an environment that immediately puts clients at ease. “I love walking into any boutique,” she says. “If it smells good and it has that clean aesthetic, I will be there for hours.”

Her process goes beyond just taking photos. Erika invests time in getting to know her clients through multiple Zoom calls before the shoot. She views each session as a chance to empower her clients, often resulting in emotional moments. “Don’t be surprised, you won’t be the first, you won’t be the last if you cry,” she tells them. “All of this is just like a love note to yourself.”

Erika reflects on the importance of music in her work. “It’ll literally set the tone,” she explains, describing how she uses different genres to evoke specific moods during shoots. “If you want to depict that mood you would turn down the music, right? You would do a very Al Green, soothing, even Marvin Gaye, like even listening to those lyrics, it was like, holy shit.”

When it comes to fashion, Erika prefers timeless pieces over trends. She encourages clients to opt for classic items, saying, “A white button up blouse, never will go out of style.” She’s particularly fond of black and white photography, believing it will never go out of style.

Erika edits all her photos herself, it’s a process she describes as “a little hazy” but deeply rewarding. “It’s like your baby’s coming to life,” she says. This hands-on approach allows her to maintain full control over her artistic vision.

One of her most memorable sessions was with a 60-year-old woman who had recently lost a significant amount of weight. The client struggled with body dysmorphia, unable to reconcile her new appearance with her self-image. “She had body dysmorphia, like this didn’t match what was actually on her body,” Erika recalls. The resulting portrait, which now hangs in Erika’s studio, captures a calm, confident, and classically chic woman embracing her new chapter in life.

Erika’s advice to aspiring portrait photographers is simple yet powerful: “Invest in yourself.” She emphasizes the importance of quality equipment and continuous learning. Her own journey included dedicating an entire year to business education, recognizing that artistic skill alone isn’t enough to sustain a successful photography career.

From law enforcement to lens craft, Erika’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the transformative nature of art. Through her camera, she’s not just capturing images; she’s empowering women, celebrating diversity, and creating timeless portraits that serve as love notes to her clients’ authentic selves.dy.couples will cherish for a lifetime.