We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erica Dunhill. Check out our conversation below.
Erica, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Encouraging our oldest to play more sports, he chose Cross Country and has now qualified for states.
And watching our youngest find joy in tennis and wanting to tap with me. It’s all just the best.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erica Dunhill. I’m a native Floridian in year fifteen as a photographer and on my fourth decade of chasing after joyful moments, sunny days and appreciating the good things in life.
After a degree in design from Florida State, and not taking lightly the privilege of being among the first in my family to go to college, I happened upon a design assignment position. Yes, there were a few fantastic opportunities abroad on the paradise of Exuma, and for those my adventure-seeking self will always appreciate, but it was mostly a desk job. I’ll never forget looking away from the spread sheet out at the blue skies and telling myself there must be a better way to experience each work day.
It took a shift in the economy and layoffs within the company for me to pivot to being a photographer. At the time it was hard to accept but it sure did end up being a good thing in the end as I otherwise probably wouldn’t have shifted from the comforts of a regular paycheck and overtime.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When this 11th at old Florida girl crossed across a stream in Oregon and crouched down, looking around in awe of the beauty around me. I knew that documenting moments, seeing new places, understanding the expanse of the world and that there’s more to it then what I had grown up around was meant for me. It was a clear, decisive moment of inspiration and perhaps even a sense of purpose.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It directs you. It creates gratitude for what you have and an understanding of what to work towards.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Ha ha ha, yes. Very much so. I believe in authenticity and have Made a point to grow as an individual while still being true to myself and what makes me Me. Surely this is reflected in my work. Yes, I do as clients ask but I’m also upfront about limitations I may have or ways I approach a job that perhaps isn’t always the standard.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I love photography on a personal level. Just yesterday a family I was working with suggested I would want to join a photography competition for fun. What I do is spectacular and a blessing and I love it. It feels unreal that I have made a living working alongside families and knowing surprises before others and sidestepping onto a dance floor bopping my head and having access to the scene unfolding. It’s an honor to be asked to freeze a moment for people and watch their children grow up. To have people fly in and hire me for their limited time here. To have been referred to be appreciated for my vision. It feels unreal in the best way. I do love that.
However, I don’t picture my legacy as being a photographer. Photographers are flys on the wall that observe and relay emotions and memories and interactions. Being remembered as being able to do that would be cool, for sure. But I imagine my children and their ability to go out into the world and hopefully add to making it a better place and finding the good in it is a legacy…an epic one at that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ericadunhill.com
- Instagram: ericadunhill
Image Credits
©️Erica Dunhill
