Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Crowley.
Erin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My journey into becoming a photographer wouldn’t have been possible without the music scene. I have always loved taking photos ever since I was little, I would bring my tiny point and shoot with me EVERYWHERE, but it never occurred to me that I would want to do this for a living until I started going to concerts. I remember the first concert I went to I brought my point and shoot with me and was in awe. At the time I was just getting photos to keep as a memory and didn’t care too much what they looked like. I had never photographed something like that before so it was so exciting to my little 12-year-old self. I remember getting home from the concert and looking through the photos and thinking “wow this is so cool!” They were probably the worst photos but I didn’t care then, I was just happy to be in that kind of atmosphere taking them. Every concert after that I would make sure to bring my camera with me. It wasn’t until I was around 15 or 16 when I had gotten my first official DSLR. I had this awful summer job and I literally used my entire paycheck to buy this camera and I regret none of it. I was so happy to finally have a good camera. I remember when I got it I couldn’t stop taking photos on it. I’d ask every one of my friends to do a photoshoot with me, (I still do today haha) I was way too excited. I couldn’t wait to be able to take it to more shows.
I was so excited I started doing research on music photography and what other people were doing with it. I tried to learn as much as I could before going to a show I had coming up. Even though I knew the venue didn’t allow cameras, I still somehow snuck it in and took some of my first concert shots with my new camera. Almost getting in trouble was worth the shots I had gotten! (but I don’t recommend doing what I did!) I was blown away by my own work, even when I didn’t know too much about this kind of photography. It was then that I thought to myself that I would want to pursue this as a career. The thought of being able to photograph musicians doing what they love was such a joy to me. It really drove me to start working as hard as I could to get my name out there.
My journey into becoming a photographer came with its hardships of course. Becoming one though was one of the best decisions I have ever made and has helped shape me into who I am today. Art has always been very therapeutic to me. Growing up I was always the “quiet” kid and would often times get teased for it. I have always had trouble connecting with people and still do today. It was slowly bringing me down. Art was a way for me to escape. By becoming a photographer, it has helped me realize that I can use my art to express myself. Becoming a photographer has given me a new outlet into the world where I can easily connect with people with something I’m passionate about. Photography has immensely helped my social anxiety and how I connect with people. It’s helped me learn more about myself and who I want to become. Of course, there are days where I feel like I hate my photography and wonder if I should still do this, but what artist doesn’t do that? If you’re an artist of any kind you’re not always going to be satisfied with your work and I’ve come to realize that and it’s helped me a lot along the way. You’ve just always got to trust yourself and believe in what you’re doing. Now at 20, I have my own photography business that keeps growing and I feel more inspired than ever! Follow ya dreams kids! 🙂
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a photographer & videographer who specializes in music photography along with lifestyle, sports, landscape, and pets, as well as anything in between! I often say if I can make someone’s day by taking their photo then my job is done! That’s the reason I love doing music photography the most. The pure joy of seeing other artists on stage doing what they love, and the other photographers in the photo pit doing what they love as well, it’s just an endless cycle of love! Just the thought of someone saying “wow that photo you took is insane!” to me is surreal, and I still sometimes don’t believe it when someone does. With my work I just hope people enjoy it, I hope they see my photos and get inspired to make their own kind of art because the world can never have enough artists! (especially queer artists like me, we need more of you!) I make my art for myself but also for others to see and if I can inspire someone in any way then I’m happy!
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
Times like this call for all the art in the world. Art is very therapeutic for many including myself, so by creating more we’re helping in all the ways that we can. For many people, making art is a way for their voices to be heard, and voices need to be heard now more than ever! If there was no art being made I don’t know how we would survive. Making art in times like these is also very inspiring in a way and given everything that has been going on it has definitely helped me become more inspired to get my work out there and make my voice heard. Seeing other artists work that pertains to certain events is truly inspiring and I hope that we all keep creating to help make the world a little more joyful because boy do we need it!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
If the people want to see my work the best place to see it would be my website! www.erincrowleyphotography.com. I also tend to upload some of my favorite photos on my Instagram @Erin photography which would also be the best place to support my work! Hopefully someday I can have my photos featured in an exhibition but until then check out my website and Instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erincrowleyphotography.com
- Email: erincrowleyphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erincphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erincphoto/
Image Credit:
Erin Crowley
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