Meet Erin Thames

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Thames.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Erin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey with photography started when I watched my Dad as a little girl take landscape film photos. He eventually gave me that film camera and away I went. I always took photos but I didn’t turn it into a business until I was in my early 20s. I’ve dabbled in every niche: weddings, newborns, families, animals and more. I’ve always had a crazy connection with animals and can read their energy easily. Last year I decided to specialize exclusively in pet portraits.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve struggled with my health for over 15 years. Last year I was finally diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease and have been in treatment ever since. Each day is different in the variety of symptoms I experience so I have to watch what I spend my energy on. Some days it is tough to balance work, photography and my personal life, but animals always make me feel present and bring me joy. Pushing through and capturing their true personalities brings me back to my happy place. Animals have this intrinsic joy and I feel honored when a client lets me into their world to capture it.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
In 2016, I was feeling in a lull with my art. I decided to do a personal creative project thought up by a photography group I belong to. The objective was to focus 10 minutes a day on a subject for 100 days. This became my 100 Days of Animals photo project. I put a post on Facebook about wanting to photograph all types of different animals and had 75 responses in two days. The ten minutes a day turned into much more! I photographed over 150 animals in those 100 days, including tortoises, goats, chickens, rabbits, horses, dogs, insects, cats and more. The project made me realize my calling in photography. Here is more about the project:

https://fortcollinsmag.com/features/the-animal-project/

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/life/2016/04/05/100-days-life-fort-collins-pet-photographer/82677006/

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My ability to connect with animals. I’ve had friends and clients call me an animal whisperer. I can feel into their energy and in my own way, I can communicate with them. It is pretty rare that I meet an animal that doesn’t warm up to me. Even the toughest subjects — an untrusting foster dog or a notoriously shy tabby cat come to mind — always come around. We always end up pals.

I love to photograph animals who are waiting for their forever homes at local animal shelters. The folks there always tell me I’m able to capture the essence and character of each animal, which I consider the ultimate compliment. It must be the unconditional love between us shining through!

Pricing:

• One hour sessions start at $285.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erinthamesphotography.com
• Email: erinthamesphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: @erinthamesphoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/erinthamesphoto

Image Credit:
Camila Bruce Photography for the portraits I’m in, the rest are mine.

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