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

Hi Erica, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I don’t think people know what all goes into food photography, and how many roles there are other than the photographer. It really takes an entire team to create an image, from the art director, food stylists, prop stylists, photo assistants, photographer, talent, if used.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Los Angeles based food photographer. I love collaborating with teams of stylists to create magic in a photos. Bright colors and interesting use of shadows excite and inspire me. I’m most proud of having some images featured on billboards in Times Square last year, 2022.

Being a freelance artist is not easy. You have to constantly be improving your craft, making connections, going to events, putting yourself out there. I stay busy during the slower times by planning test shoots, which usually become my favorite portfolio work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them on a Taco Tour. You can’t do LA without having good street tacos. Some of my favorites are Leo’s and Taco Zone. We would spend some time at the beach and walking along the boardwalk. We would go hiking in Griffith Park and Mandeville Canyon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first graduated with my BFA, I moved to Los Angeles and became a studio manager for a fellow BYU Photo alum, Logan Havens. Logan encouraged me to seek out my own clients when I wasn’t helping with his, and he helped me structure my business, even while I was on his clock! He believed in me and instilled in me the idea that we are responsible for our own success. My business wouldn’t be what it is today, had Logan not gone out of his way to mentor me.

Website: www.ericamaeallen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericamaeallen/

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