Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Schaeffer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eric , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a lot of different aspects of my life, some I can explain, and come I cannot.
My photography has been driven by my love of visual story telling, capturing moments, and nostalgia. I was heavly impacted by my mothers point and shoot 35mm photos that she turned into photo albums. 35mm film, old camcorders, and 8mm video was used in such a candid way in the past that using them today evokes emotion and triggers memories that we don’t always get from modern visual media. The joy of using these tools to tell stories fills a space in my soul that nothing else has before. I’ve been blown away by so many artist I know and inspire to be like. I’ve always been pretty optimistic (sometimes foolishly) but why not be? It drives me to starting a new project or finishing an old project.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I discovered my love for photography and videography in high school, and my endeavors since have led me to New York, Miami, Delaware, and back to Philadelphia. Since returning to Philadelphia, I have worked at numerous mixed media production companies, subcontracted for other local photographers, and assisted some of who I consider to be the best filmmakers in the area. Some of my favorite recent projects have been with the recipients of local grants funding local small-business owners such as Cake Life bakery.
My own life and experiences are always a part of my work, and in offering others the same dedication to authenticity, I have been able to capture people, lives, and experiences paired with my passion for visual story telling. I have worked with visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, chefs, small-business owners, and families, all of whom have these things in common – passion, art, and love.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I never gave up, but there was a time when I needed to step away from the camera. For two years, I didn’t pick up a camera after the loss of my mother and dealing with my own personal struggles. When I finally returned to photography, I came back fully invested. Even now, I don’t have it all figured out—I’m still unsure of exactly where my photography is headed or what my long-term goals are.
If I were to offer any advice, it would be this: trust your intuition and avoid comparing yourself to others, whether you feel you’re better or worse. Focus on what makes you happy, and create work that you like.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Shooting with 35mm film, camcorders, and 8mm has completely shifted my perspective on creating and what appeals to me. For most of my life, I’ve been distracted by technology—chasing the latest cameras, editing software, pixel resolutions, and all the accessories that come with them. I’m 100% a camera spec nerd at heart, but I’ve realized that when the focus shifts to the gear, my work suffers as a result. Stepping back from always seeking the newest equipment has had a noticeable impact on my creative process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eric-schaeffer.com
- Instagram: @Eschaee
- Facebook: Eric Schaeffer
- Youtube: Eric Schaeffer
Image Credits
These photos are all taken by Eric Schaeffer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
