Featured Photographers V.2: Erin and I Photography

A while back, I was part of a collaborative group of photographers from around the country who began a pretty cool project called From Her Lens.  We shared 1 prop and shot form our own perspective, then passed it along.  The end product was fantastic and it was such a fun project.  Sadly, life got in the way and it fizzled out after about a year.  BUT, I was able to meet some amazing women, I was inspired by their work and I got to meet one of the ladies behind erin and i photography.

erin and i photography is a team of sisters who shoot incredibly "real" photos.  They capture true life as it happens and their work is evidence of their incredible talent for this photojournalistic style. Without further Adieu, meet the sister team of Erin and I!

Name(s):

​ Andi Johnson and Erin McCain

Andi and her Fiance

Andi's Dog Lola

Erin and her family.

Business Name:

​ erin and i photography​

Website:

​ www.erinandiphoto.com​

Location:

​ twin cities, mn​

Using only one sentence, describe your photography style:

capturing the REAL life stories.​

When did you discover your love for photography:

Andi: when my sister, and biz partner, took my senior photos! we had SO much fun!​

Erin: when my baby sister turned 17, I took her sr. photos and from there we went into business together and that’s how erin and I started! 12 years ago this year.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Andi: honestly - in light and the colors of nature. sounds crazy, but I generally get a crazy urge to shoot when I'm outside, and it's either gorgeous sunset lighting or freshly fallen snow!​

Erin: I have always love nature photography, and from there I knew that I loved creating beautiful images, so that’s when we decided to take on new clients and start photographing people!

Please describe yourself (family, dreams, etc.):

Andi: I am a crazy wanderer​ and lover of all things beautiful. I thrive off the simple things in life. An early morning cup of coffee on the patio, a quiet walk with my dog outside in the afternoon sun, a night of cuddling and ice cream on the couch with my love. you know, the really simple things in life. I have a desire to do and be more than I ever thought possible. to change lives, and to build and grow friendships that truly add something to my life. 

Erin: The first word that comes to mind is “home body”. I LOVE being in our new house that we bought last March with my husband and kids, and spending time together. I would much rather be at home than out somewhere spending money. My life is already busy enough as it is, so I want my down time to be relaxing and with those who I love the most. My husband and I have been married almost 13 years, and we have 2 amazing kids. Max (9) and Charli (5-she’s a girl). My sisters and I all have boy names, Toni, Erin and Andi. I wanted to keep the tradition going with my daughter! My dream is to travel when my kids get a little older, and to be at a point financially where we can make this happen.

What is currently in your camera bag?

​Andi: business cards. camera batteries that need charging, a pen and a some hand warmers - cause you never know in minnesota!​

Erin: Nikon D700 body, 50mm lens, 85mm lens (my favorite!) a flash (which I rarely use, as I prefer natural light), memory cards, batteries and business cards!

Name another photographer that inspires you:

​Andi: AHH there are so many. seriously! ​olive avenue. sarah beth. just to name a few!

Erin: Wildflowers Photography (Joy Prouty). She captures the moment like no other, and I absolutely love her style!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

​Andi: a doctor or lawyer. now I am SO outside of that realm of normality - it's actually comical.​

Erin: an artist and a Vet!

If you could photograph anyone in the world, living or already gone, who would it be?

Andi:​ marilyn monroe and my grandmother.​

Erin: My baby brother who died when he was born. My mother chose not to see him, as he was born at 24 weeks gestation and she didn’t want to hurt any more than she already did by losing him. I photograph for NILMDT (now I lay me down to sleep) which specializes in bereavement photography and as hard as it is to photograph a child that is either no longer living, or will pass away shortly, the gift to those parents is something that I will never forget. I wish I could go back and take photos of my brother with my mom holding him, and to capture those tiny little features.

Name a song that describes you right now:

​Andi: homegrown by zac brown. UGH. I love them!​

Erin: ”Thrift Shop” by Macklemore. I absolutely love shopping at thrift stores, hoping to find that perfect CHEAP item for my home or for re-sale. My whole family is obsessed, and we have had some amazing finds at thrift stores!

If you could do anything else in the world, choose any other profession, what would it be?

Andi:​ the only other thing I would rather be is a fancy blogger or artist. Other than that, I'm so happy right now. I could scream!​

Erin: Pediatric nurse, working with newborns primarily and children.