Meet Erin Lancaster | Destination Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Lancaster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My family really struggled financially growing up. My mom was constantly working, sometimes 2-3 jobs. She’s always been a hard worker, which has really made an impact on both my siblings and myself. Because of this, I’ve always felt somewhat discouraged by what would be considered typical 9-5’s. I’ve been lucky enough to have been surrounded by entrepreneurs throughout my life (my mom, siblings, grandfather, & grandmother). Which I believe has led to where I am today, my family constantly inspires me and encourages me to take risks, in pursuit of doing what I love. I’ve always been someone who takes calculated risks and I think that as long as you have passion and consistency, you have what you need to thrive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been obsessed with visual perception, how everyone views the world and the people in it. Documenting people and the world I live in have always been one of my top priorities in life.

From a young age, my mom would always buy disposable Kodak cameras, and I was lucky enough to occasionally snap pictures on them. My family was always taking photos growing up, and it’s a fond memory for me. We upgraded to a point and shoot around 2006, and I remember being fascinated by it. Eventually I got my first DSLR around the age of 11, and ever since, I’ve had a camera with me every day.

I remember starting out in yearbook and journalism in high school while also interning for a local news company. I got my start in sports, and eventually crossed over into lifestyle. A few years ago, I met a now friend, Kate Garcia, who really supported me in my decision to jump into weddings. She was constantly giving me advice, and encouraging me to take risks. Without her, I never would have taken the jump into the wedding industry.

I made the decision to go full time this October of 2022. I am a big believer in taking risks and though it hasn’t been very long I am so glad I made the jump to full time. I now shoot content every week, and I absolutely adore what I do, and the people I get to work with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I consider myself a journalist of my own life, I always keep track of everywhere I visit. If my friends are stopping by SoCal, we would definitely head to Coronado to enjoy the beach, or go snorkeling in La Jolla. We would spend a day exploring the SD Zoo, and check out Scripps aquarium for the kelp forest. We would also spend a day checking out the La Jolla art scene, and stop by Soledad Mountain to end the night with a view of the city. San Diego has some of the best food representation out of anywhere I’ve been, but my go to, by far, is Tacos El G off of Highland in National City, hands down the best local Al Pastor I’ve ever had.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Who you are today, is a mosaic of everyone you’ve met. I am so grateful for everyone I’ve had the opportunity to grow with, but specifically would like to recognize my family. They’ve truly believed in me since day 1, even on the days I didn’t believe in myself. There have been countless conversations, pieces of advice, and moral support given to me throughout the years, but none stand out quite as much as my mother’s. She always has my back and constantly supports me in what I do.

Website: https://www.picturethiserin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picturethis.erin/

Image Credits
Image copyright property of Erin Lancaster/Picturethiserin