Meet Erica Richards | Equestrian and Equine Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Erica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Life can be so funny; it can take you in a direction that you never, ever would have expected. While all my life I have loved taking pictures and not just snapping the camera but setting up the shot, being a professional photographer never occurred to me. I spent my adult working career in the film industry and doing graphics as the Labeling Manager for a cochlear implant company. Then I purchased my first professional camera; I had no idea about aperture, ISO, and speed but I learned. I fell madly in love and even though it came late in life, I finally knew what I was meant to do. You can teach an old dog new tricks so I set out creating my business and have never looked back!

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.
As a lot of new photographers do, I started out shooting everything. My business included equestrian/equine, family, maternity, kids, couples, weddings, etc. And I will always support my clients in any way they want but now, I specialize in equestrian/equine portrait photography.

There are a lot of horse photographers out there to choose from who are also horse people so they also know how to photograph horses, take great pictures and they are wonderful to work with. I am also a horse person and my clients all say I am easy and fun to be with as well as provide them with the pictures they dream of but what I’m known for is a magical, whimsical, fine art touch to my photos.

Running your own business is not easy and what I’ve learned is that marketing is hard. All I want to do is take pictures but I can’t take pictures if I can’t be found! LOL. So, I’m learning all about marketing.

I will never stop learning and growing. I want my story to be all about stunning pictures and fun, creative photoshoots that tell the love story my clients have with their horse or the picture of their horse that takes their breath away.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in Los Angeles but someone visiting L.A. for the first time and we could fit it all in I would take them to Disneyland and Universal Studios (sorry, I’m riding Star Wars and Harry Potter a zillion times)!

Of course, there is the beach, my favourite is El Matador – just love the rock formations. And for food at the beach, love Dukes and there is the ever-popular Gladstones for a great walk along the beach after. And the drive through the canyons can be breathtaking.

I’m a big hiker with my dog, so we would definitely hit the trails. There are some great ones right near me including the Old Stagecoach Trail – so much history there.

Hollywood Bowl for a concert and even the summer concerts in the park are a great way to spend a Sunday evening.

If it’s during hockey season, Crypto.com here we come for a Kings game!

Perhaps a ride up to Santa Barbara especially when the French festival is happening (hopefully back next year). Or, any one of the fun festivals that can be found throughout Los Angeles is another great way to spend a day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The beginnings of my photography career began when I joined an online group called CCPro. The membership was all about supporting photographers on their journey. I learned so much, had a ton of support and help, saw my skills grow, and made a lot of friends. With their help and support I launched my business. I am also so grateful for the continuing support from my mentors Edel Danger Clark, Jenn Adams, and Chris Cutler, my coach Heather Chesky, my equine business coach, Denise Alvarez, and my equine fine art instructor, EJ Lazenby.

Website: https://www.ericarichardsphotography.com

Instagram: instagram.com/ericarichardsphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-richards-857a608/

Facebook: Facebook.com/ericarichardsphotography

Image Credits
Erica Richards Photography Patti Monson Photography