The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think my biggest challenge was setting up my business altogether. Taking a risk and really backing myself. It challenges me still to make sure I’m not comparing my style to any other photographer’s style. It’s difficult being my own worst critic, and I struggle to remember that what I may think is not good composition of an image, may be interpreted with different emotion to someone else.
I’m learning though, and I think that’s the beauty of overcoming challenges: learning every day and improving in everything you do. I now love my work, and I respect it – but there is still a lot to be learnt and still a lot that can be improved!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros well and truly outweigh the cons. The only con I can think of is that as I’m an outdoor photographer, so natural elements like the weather can make getting that perfect shot difficult – but not impossible! Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
I get to spend time with my family and I can be flexible with my time. My family is what is most important to me, so I think if I can be flexible, spend time with my family and still be able to run my business from home and create magic for other beautiful human beings – then I think I’m living my dream.
Another pro is that I get to put all of my energy, blood, sweat, tears and creativity into something that means so much to me! I absolutely agree with the saying “If you do what you love, you’ll never have to work another day in your life”.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’m currently studying birth photography and I hope to start photographing births soon when the time is right.
Birth photography is a powerful healing tool. Having images to look back on from your birth can help you piece together your birth story after you’ve forgotten. It can help you heal from a traumatic birth experience by giving you a new perspective on the whole journey. Birth photography, when done right, can be modest but empowering and highlight the moments that were truly beautiful.
Knowing what I know now, I would have liked a birth photographer to have been present for my son’s birth. I feel like my own birth was traumatic. If I’d had a birth photographer and could look back over those images, I would probably feel more at peace and accepting of the journey.
I feel so drawn to this line of work. I want to be that extra support for the birthing person and create beautiful memories for them that may otherwise be lost in the moment. My own experience has led me to value being able to help heal and be part of someone’s healing process after going through a traumatic birth, or any birth for that matter.
Visit the Erika Berendsen Photography Facebook and Instagram pages to find out more and to see some of her beautiful images.
