Young Entrepreneur or the Year

A few weeks ago I was honored with receiving the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for Campbell River by the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award: "Honors a business owner or founder under the age of 35 who has excelled in business; exemplified leadership and entrepreneurial skills; and demonstrated exceptional vision that has contributed to business success."

I was absolutely floored to receive this award as I was nominated along with many other talented and inspired business owners! Other nominees include Scott Kilby, Campbell River Hyundai Heather Larkam, Urban Dance Connections Jonathan Kervin, Web Sense Aum Song Troughton, Embody Wellness

In any case, I was completely unprepared for the receiving of the award. The tidemark theatre was full of people. I was sitting in the furthest darkest corner of the room (furthest from the stage) so internally there was only one thing happening on my very long walk to the stage... a mantra repeating itself... "Do not fall Erin". Upon arriving at the stage, I awkwardly accept my award, break out my best double chin for the photo of me receiving my award (no, I will not be showing you that particular photo) and then realize that someone is telling me to "say a few words".

The whole world stops turning at this point. My instincts tell me to elbow anyone in my path, grab my award and head for the nearest exit. I am terrified. With a camera in my hand, I am fearless. Honestly. Nearly fearless. I will yell at a group of 200 or more people, cracking jokes, orchestrating an entire field of people into the right spot for the right photo. I can make cranky kids laugh, or smile, I can become best friends with the most ornery old fella, or the craziest auntie around. Without my camera, I am just another person terrified of public speaking.

I know the moment it all changed, yet I can't seem to overcome it. I was 21 and asked to give a speech about my personal involvement with Cystic Fibrosis, and specifically about my Uncle Michael (moms brother) who had passed away from it at the age of 21. Even writing those words brings my heart rate to a panic and the lump in my throat is painful. I had a beautiful speech written, there were funny parts, sad parts a great ending and beginning but the delivering of the speech was something I wasn't prepared for. Prior to this particular speech I was always the one to be the speaker. Grad fashion shows, MC's no problem. NO problem! So I thought, I would be just fine at the Rod Brind'Amour Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament. I was far from fine. I'm pretty sure I cried through the entire speech. I don't know if anyone even heard one word of what I said, but I just remember the whole time looking at my moms face (who was squatting in the front taking photos of me). Her face said "you're doing great, you're ok". But I knew, I was bombing. I was crying and spitting out words and trying to race through my speech. I've never been able to speak at a microphone since then. (without a camera).

So, forgive me for my one second "thank you everyone" speech at the Chamber Business Awards of Distinction event. While everyone else had amazing speeches prepared, saying eloquent things... I was fumbling and awkward and if we're being honest here... that is just totally me.

What I might have said, and should have would have been more like this...

Thank you for seeing me. Thank you to this amazing community for opening your arms to my art, to my dreams to my visions. Thank you for humoring all of my wild ideas and for supporting us through my imagery. I am so grateful for my clients. Every single one of you. I am grateful that you believed in me 5 years ago, and still do today. I'm grateful you've grown with me, and brought my images into your homes time and time again. I am grateful to the Chamber for recognizing me, for picking me out of the crowd and acknowledging me for all of my hard work and efforts. My business hasn't grown by itself. I've worked so hard to get to where I am today, and with the continued support of my beautiful family and friends and clients, we are able to stay in a city we love, have grown up in and want to raise our children in. I am so grateful.

Thanks to Lee from Island Life Photographics for the image above.

Emerging Photographer 2009

Front CoverWell, I suppose it's about time to reveal my current achievement. In the September issue of Photo Life magazine. I was named one of their 'Emerging Photographers' of 2009. I am deeply honored and excited all at the same time. It truly is incredible to have your work recognized by the photographic community. Being an artist, and one who profits from your art, is a profession clouded in self-doubt and intense self criticism. So, being chosen for this has helped to further affirm that I am, in deed, on the right path.

Thank you to Photo Life for such a fabulous opportunity! Congrats to all of the fellow 'Emerging Photographers of 2009' as well! inside close up The image featured is one of my favorites, from a beautiful rainy wedding in 2007 at Strathcona Park Lodge. wedding image

a bit of recognition never hurt...

Well folks its official. Erin Wallis Photography has placed second in the WedComp International Wedding Image contest, under the "Portrait" category!!!

Generally, I don't enter contests, don't join photo groups, forums or clubs. Although I realize its a wonderful way to network and learn. At times I find it all a bit like information overload, and its all a bit hard to swallow. But then again, I did spend a great deal of my life working around 15 different photographers at all times, from all different backgrounds and walks of life... so I am not opposed to the idea. I'm just blazing my own little path here, I suppose.

Last year, I decided to enter a photo contest randomly. Much to my surprise, I placed second in the portrait category. It was certainly unexpected as the sheer volume of submissions are overwhelming, but I am truly honored to place at all. (not to mention the talented photographers that entered)

For so many reasons the above image of Kim Black is an instant favorite, and although I know I love it, and my mom loves it... it certainly is nice to be recognized by my peers, and some of the leading photographers in the industry. Thank you!!!

I've also just noticed that another image of the beautiful Katy, placed 15th as well. Maybe I should enter more competitions? Off to a wonderful wedding tomorrow in Parksville... beaming with joy.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WINNING IMAGES