06/09/2026
It's story time! 📖
One of the greatest blessings of my work has been that so many clients end up becoming dear friends. Erik is one of those stories.
Just short of 10 years ago, we met while I was bartending. He'd stop in occasionally for a beer and dinner, and we'd end up chatting about life.
A while later, we realized we'd both be at Art-A-Whirl in Minneapolis—an event my husband and I had attended for years. As art lovers, it was one of our favorite weekends of the year.
Only this time, Erik wasn't attending as a guest.
He was performing.
When we found his stage, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This quiet, reserved guy I'd gotten to know was suddenly commanding the crowd with a voice that stopped me in my tracks. My jaw literally dropped.
My husband and I were instantly hooked.
After seeing him perform a couple more times, I finally said, "Erik, you're way too talented for people not to know where you're playing!"
At the time, he barely posted on social media, so I started helping him create content and photographing his shows.
A few months later, he asked if I'd be interested in helping book gigs. I had zero experience, but he was willing to teach me, and it felt like the perfect fit.
That first year, we booked nearly 100 gigs together.
More importantly, I had the privilege of documenting an incredibly talented musician, growing alongside a wonderful friend, and discovering a whole new creative path.
Looking back, that experience played a huge role in shaping the photographer I am today. It opened doors to opportunities I never could have imagined and sparked my love for live music photography.
It's funny how one conversation can change the course of your life.
And sometimes, years later, you get a reminder of just how meaningful that connection was. The review Erik left for me, is one I'll cherish forever 🥹💕
