HEY!
I'M ERIK.
SUNSET LOVER / DISC GOLF PLAYER / DAD OF TWO GIRLS / HUSBAND TO THE WOMAN OF MY DREAMS
Before my own wedding, being in front of the camera made me feel as stiff as I was in my first-grade choir concert. I know what it’s like to feel unsure or out of place when all eyes are on you. Experiencing a photographer who created space for me to actually feel like myself changed everything — it reframed how I saw being photographed. I’m not the type to run toward a camera but I’ll always rally when it matters, because you can’t go back and capture those moments later. That’s why I care so much about creating a space where people can relax, be themselves, and enjoy every second of the moment they're in.
Because when comfort comes first... connection follows.
Getting comfortable in front of the camera didn’t come natural to me...
& that's when your photos start to feel like the real you.
SEE THE PROOF
My Story
In 2022, I unexpectedly found myself hooked up to every machine imaginable, including ECMO, a form of life support all while in a medically induced coma. My family was told by some of the best doctors in the country to prepare for the worst. During that time, my story spread like wildfire and many people were praying for me — strangers, friends, even nurses and hospital staff who would hide in closets to pray. To this day, doctors still say there’s no scientific explanation for how I survived. Not only did I survive, I recovered months sooner than expected. I was diagnosed with a 1-in-5-million autoimmune condition affecting my lungs — one that’s often misdiagnosed. Thankfully, once identified, it’s very treatable, and I’m now on minimal treatment and moving toward none at all. SO thankful!
Here’s why that hospital story matters – Those vows, "in sickness and in health", got tested fast. My love for my wife Mackenzie is deeper than I ever imagined because of what we walked through together. And our friends and family who stood beside us on our wedding day? They carried us through the hardest season of our lives. Because I’ve lived what those vows really mean, photographing weddings hits different for me. I get to stand with couples at the very start, surrounded by their people as they set foot on a journey you simply can't put into words. Being trusted with those moments is something that I don't take lightly for a second.
Now I get to continue building a life with my beautiful wife Mackenzie. Together we have the two insanely cute daughters named Nova and Eden. Not a day goes by that our home lacks vibrancy with those two little squish-faces singing their hearts out, running out of tread on their toes from chasing each other (and me 😂).
I’ve always been a romantic with a heart for adventure and storytelling. What started as photographing the night sky and documenting adventures in high school, became working with brands and touring on the world’s largest Christian music tour.
The adventure and storytelling was there, but somewhere along the way, my hopeless romantic side realized something simple: photographing love is where I’m meant to be, and how lucky am I to do it with those I cherish most by my side.
DON'T LET ANOTHER MOMENT PASS
YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW THIS, BUT...
I still know most of Hannah Montana's songs by heart. I can’t even blame this on me being a girl dad, my girls don’t even know who she is.
My first username for anything was “Erikhoops333” and to this day it’s still the coolest out there.
Fall is the best season in Minnesota. I mean c’mon… leaves crunching under your feet, getting to wear any type of clothing and be comfortable, cozy foods,... It just can’t be beat. 😍
My secret obsession is disc golf and I got my first ace recently!
I used to be a sponsored snowboarder! The sponsorship wasn’t very impressive considering it was a knock-off brand to Axe body products that didn’t last very long. 😂
Something I’m unreasonably good at: Cooking Mac and Cheese.
Something I’m unreasonably bad at: Singing...
(Mackenzie, this is what you wanted me to write, correct?)