Meet Erika Joseph

We recently connected with Erika Joseph and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Confidence, for me, wasn’t something that developed overnight. Like many, it began with seeds planted by my parents. They weren’t perfect (most aren’t), but they parented through a lens of love. They poured so much into me and expected just as much in return. Because of that foundation, I grew up holding myself to a high standard. I had no choice but to demand more from myself.

As I entered adulthood, I found myself in unfamiliar environments that challenged my sense of self—spaces that made me question who I was, what I deserved, and what I truly brought to the table. The “hack” for me that helped me quiet the noise, was solo travel. Not just a vacation here or there, but traveling around the world alone. Putting myself in foreign places where I didn’t know a soul, and had to rely solely on myself and God to make it through.

That experience gave me proof that I could not only survive, but thrive joyfully and fully in any environment. I learned that I didn’t need to carry much with me. Travel lightly: you already have everything you need. The gifts, the vision, the personality, the presence, the smile—it’s all already in you. That realization became a cornerstone of my confidence. It taught me that I was enough, as is.

In 2022, when I was offered a job in Portland, Oregon, I had never stepped foot in the state. I didn’t know a single person there. But because of my experiences navigating unfamiliar cities and cultures on my own, I had the courage to say yes. I packed my things and moved across the country, knowing I could build something beautiful from scratch—because I’d done it before.

Almost three years later, Portland is home. The fears I had of hating it, of being lonely, of failing never came true.

That same journey of self-trust carried over into my creative life. When I first began pursuing photography, I was deeply insecure in sharing my work. I found myself constantly comparing my work to others—feeling like it didn’t look like theirs, so it must not be good. But just like traveling taught me to trust my steps, photography taught me to trust my eye. My unique perspective is what makes it art. It’s not supposed to look like anyone else’s.

And that’s the thing, I’ve learned that whether I’m navigating a new city or a new creative pursuit, I already have everything I need. The more I trust that, the more I find myself exactly where I’m meant to be.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Erika, with a “K.” I’m a photographer from Atlanta, Georgia, now living in the Pacific Northwest. As a quiet soul, photography became my language—a way to express everything I struggled to say out loud. One photo could hold so much: a story, a feeling, a truth. I fell in love with capturing everyday people, revealing the art in what others might overlook. Photography also became my legacy. A way to say *I was here.* A form of immortality. Long after I’m gone, the moments I’ve captured will still speak, still breathe. The stories I’ve frozen in time will still live.

My passion lies in showcasing everyday people as the masterpieces they are. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, capturing the beauty, complexity, and richness of culture through both digital and film photography. Whether it’s a quiet moment or a bold expression, I’m drawn to create images that honor identity and elevate stories that too often go unseen.

Now based in Portland, Oregon, it’s especially important for me to continue telling Black stories. We’re living in a time when our history and culture are being distorted, erased, or rewritten. I feel personally called to preserve and share Black narratives—for ourselves and for the generations to come. Photography is my contribution to that legacy.

I’m currently working on a body of work that will fuel my first-ever solo exhibit, which I’ll be hosting later this summer. *Fibers* is a visual exploration of the patterns, textures, and fabrics that have woven together the tapestry of my life. It highlights the intricacies of Black girlhood, womanhood, and the sacred rituals that shape us. Through photography, set design, and storytelling, the work celebrates the intimacy, beauty, and cultural significance of everyday moments—those filled with love, care, and legacy.

This work was made with love, intention, and, most importantly, pride. Throughout the process of developing this body of work, I’ve gained a deeper sense of gratitude for being in the skin I’m in. I’m thankful for the people God has placed in my life and the shared experiences that have shaped me. Even though many of these moments were experienced collectively, each person held a unique connection to them. There’s something incredibly beautiful about that. I’m proud to be a Black woman. I’m proud to have reached this point of clarity. And I’m proud that I followed through and brought this vision to life.

Eventually, I hope to capture portraits and tell stories for people of different cultures around the world—connecting across borders and celebrating global identity through art. But for now, I’m making work for us. Telling our stories. Celebrating who we are. And doing it with care, for the people.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Humility
As a self-taught photographer, I knew there would be learning curves—bad photos, technical gaps, and moments of uncertainty. What helped me grow was learning to humble myself. I had to ask for help, seek guidance, and embrace being a student. I had to be open to collaboration, open to not being the most knowledgeable person in the room, and willing to truly listen to advice from those with more experience.

Practicing humility also transformed how I see people. When I approach my subjects through the lens of humility, I see them as the art they truly are. It’s easy to photograph things that are conventionally beautiful. The real challenge—and the real art—is finding beauty in what’s often overlooked or considered hard to love, and revealing its light.

Courage
It takes courage to start. Courage to experiment with new techniques, compositions, lenses, and styles. It also takes courage to ask for help, to approach strangers and ask to photograph them, and to put yourself out there publicly as a photographer. For me, it’s been like exposure therapy—the more I’ve done it, the braver I’ve become. Each moment of courage builds another layer of confidence.

Understanding People
Not to brag, but my clients often leave our sessions saying it was the best photoshoot experience they’ve ever had. They feel empowered, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. And truthfully, I’m not doing anything overly technical or magical to create that feeling. It comes from understanding people.

Before I ever pick up the camera, I try to get into my client’s mind. What will help them relax? What can I say or do to help them feel confident and joyful so that their true selves shine in their photos? The same principle applies in my documentary and street photography. It’s about studying people—how they move, how they respond—and anticipating a moment before it happens. There are no do-overs in life. So much of this work is about being deeply connected to the human experience and putting yourself in the right place to witness it.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone with a story to tell—no matter how big or small, long or short. It’s someone who believes, or even just has the smallest inkling, that their life, their journey, and their truth can be a source of hope, inspiration, or joy to someone else.

Whether it’s an individual, a brand, or an influencer, I’m drawn to people who want their story captured in a raw and authentic way. People who aren’t afraid to be seen as they are, and who understand the power of vulnerability, beauty, and honesty in storytelling. Those are the stories I love to tell.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erikajoseph.com
• Instagram: @erikaj33