Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Boylan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eric, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence and self-esteem have always been tied to my creativity. There’s something about making something out of nothing—something that didn’t exist before and now does, simply because I imagined it—that has always grounded me. It’s a quiet but powerful kind of pride. When I create, I feel most like myself.
I’ve been a musician for over 30 years. Long before I ever picked up a camera, I found my voice through music. I wrote original compositions, performed in bands, and taught music in Pennsylvania public schools. And somewhere along the way, I realized that this act of creating—of turning silence into sound—wasn’t just a skill. It was a form of self-expression that reminded me I had something unique to offer. Every musician has a voice, and mine could move people, make them feel, even make them cry. That ability became a mirror I could look into and say, “You matter.”
But confidence isn’t a straight line. It gets shaken. It has to be rebuilt sometimes.
In March 2020, my son Alex was born—right at the start of the pandemic. That time was filled with uncertainty, and like many first-time parents, I felt overwhelmed. I couldn’t perform or teach in the ways I was used to, and without those creative outlets, I felt a bit lost. My confidence faltered—not just as an artist, but as a new father trying to lead his family through the unknown.
Then I picked up a camera.
At first, it was just to document Alex’s first moments—moments no one else could witness in person. But something clicked. The same spark I’d always felt when creating music came rushing back. I began to see light, emotion, and beauty in ways I hadn’t noticed before. And just like that, I found a new voice.
Those early photos helped reconnect my family, brought joy to others, and slowly helped rebuild my own self-assurance. Once the world began to open back up, I started photographing others. And with each session, my confidence grew. I wasn’t just taking pictures—I was capturing stories, emotions, fleeting moments that mattered to people. And that same pride I felt as a musician returned, this time through the lens.
Today, my confidence isn’t just built on what I create—it’s built on knowing that I can adapt, that my creativity will always find a way to shine through, even in the darkest moments. That’s something I carry with me every time I perform music or pick up my camera.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi, I’m Eric Boylan—a wedding photographer based in Northeast Pennsylvania with a background in music and a passion for creative storytelling. Before I picked up a camera, I spent over 30 years as a musician—composing, performing, and teaching. But everything changed in 2020 when my son Alex was born. With the world shut down, I bought a camera to document his first moments. That rush of creativity I felt through music found new life in photography.
Today, I photograph weddings with a focus on real emotion and honest storytelling. My style is vibrant, relaxed, and full of unique personality. I love helping people feel like themselves in front of the camera, and I approach every wedding with the goal of capturing not just how the day looked, but how it felt. My background in music helps me notice rhythm, energy, and those fleeting in-between moments that make each couple’s story unique.
What makes my work special is the connection I build with my couples. I’m more than just a photographer—I’m a guide, a cheerleader, and sometimes even a timeline coordinator. I’ve recently expanded my services to include full-day coverage, videography services, and heirloom prints and albums.
At the heart of it all, my work is about preserving moments that matter. If my photos help people relive their day with joy, laughter, and maybe a few happy tears, then I know I’ve done my job.
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?
Looking back, I think the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey are creativity, adaptability, and emotional awareness.
Creativity has always been at the core of who I am. Whether I was composing music or capturing weddings, the ability to make something meaningful out of nothing gave me purpose and confidence. I truly believe creativity isn’t just about talent—it’s about curiosity. It’s something you nurture by staying open, exploring different perspectives, and allowing yourself to make imperfect things along the way. For anyone starting out, don’t wait until something feels “perfect” to share it. Create consistently, and your voice will come into focus with time.
Adaptability became essential—especially when I transitioned from music into photography during the pandemic. I had to learn a whole new skill set, build a business from the ground up, and find ways to stay connected with people during an isolating time. Being open to change and willing to step outside my comfort zone allowed me to discover a new passion and build a second career I truly love. The thing that scares you might end up being the best thing you ever do.
Emotional awareness is probably the most underrated skill in a creative career. As a photographer, it’s what helps me read the room, anticipate moments, and connect with my clients on a personal level. It’s not just about technical skill—it’s about making people feel seen and understood. That’s what turns a good photo into a powerful one. If you’re just starting out, invest time in learning about people—listen more than you speak, and be present. That connection will elevate your work more than any new gear ever could.
At the end of the day, your journey will be uniquely yours. Embrace the twists, be kind to yourself, and keep creating. Everything else will follow.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who values connection over perfection. They’re not hiring me just to “check the box” of having a wedding photographer—they’re choosing me because they want someone who gets them. Someone who sees beyond poses and Pinterest boards and understands that the real magic lies in the in-between moments. They care more about how their wedding feels than how it looks on a highlight reel.
They might be a little sentimental. They’re probably the type of person who tears up during vows or dances with their grandparents like it’s the last song of the night. They want their wedding photos to reflect who they are—not just as a couple, but as people. They want to laugh hard, cry freely, and look back on their photos and say, “This feels exactly like us.”
They also trust me. And I don’t say that lightly. The couples I connect with the most aren’t micro-managing the shot list or trying to recreate someone else’s day—they’re open. They lean into the process, they laugh when things don’t go exactly to plan, and they give me the space to create honestly. That trust allows me to go deeper, to notice the small stuff, and to tell their story in a way that’s uniquely theirs.
And honestly, my ideal client probably doesn’t love being in front of the camera. But they do love each other. And they love the idea of capturing something real—not for social media, but for themselves, for their families, for their future.
At the end of the day, I’m not the right fit for everyone—and I’m okay with that. I’m not the trendiest, and I don’t shoot to impress other photographers. I do this because I genuinely love people and I believe in the power of preserving moments that matter. The people who feel that too? They’re my people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ericboylanphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_boylan_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericboylanphotography
- Other: https://ericboylanphotography.com/philadelphia-wedding-photographer
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