I recently had the privilege of working with Erika Banks for a recent professional-styled photo shoot featuring Sottile Fashions and interior looks from my home. We had such a blast and I absolutely loved her work and connecting with her. Erika is a Pittsburgh-area photographer specializing in a variety of areas including commercial photography for brands and women-owned businesses. Newly launching her next company, Phusion Photography, Erika chats life behind the lens.
Q: Tell us a bit about your profession/Company.
I am a professional photographer with two different brands that I operate under – Erika Banks Photography specializes in dance, fashion, and portraits – Phusion Photography specializes in custom commercial photography for women owned businesses and professionals. I operate exclusively on location, I do not have a studio. My work is clean, modern, and has an artistic soulful flare.
Q: How did you get started in your career?
I have always loved photography, and even would ask my friends to dress up and pose for me to take photos of them in high school! When I went to college, I applied for a part time job at the Target store in Greensburg. They gave my application to the portrait studio, owned by Lifetouch Portraits, where I was hired to work as a photographer. I grew to love working with clients and creating memories with photos. After college, I apprenticed with a wedding photography studio in Pittsburgh and ended up managing the portrait studio division for a while. In 2011, I broke out on my own and launched Erika Banks Photography.
Q: Do you have any tips for professional women?
This is a great time to be a professional woman! There are so many ways to market yourself and create your dream job or business.
“My advice is to always stay true to your passion and keep taking action steps towards your goals regularly no matter how big theymayseem. Stay focused on the end goal but celebrate the small daily achievements as well.”
Q: What do you love about working in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is an awesome city with so much to offer. The people here are hard working, creative, and supportive. For a photographer, there are so many landscapes and great architecture to use to create images that stand out. And of course our 4 seasons always keep life interesting!
Q: Any big plans for the future?
I am so excited about my recent launch of Phusion! This new brand has been in the works for a while now and I am looking forward to the new projects and opportunities it will bring. Working with creative and hard working women to create images that help them promote what they do in the best light possible is my passion and the focus of this brand. Now more than ever, high quality images are a necessity to sell any type of product or service and I am looking forward to providing that to my clients.
