We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Sun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, how does your business help the community?
As a photographer, I never just thought that photography was only about taking photos. It’s so much more than that and it is one of the many genres of creativity. Photographs capture moments, bring attention to things overlooked, and visually engage people’s emotions. With my business, my aim is to always capture the humanity of people and their communities. Providing our services to businesses, organizations, non-profits, and charities who are hands-on in their communities brings light to what should be highlighted and celebrated. Capturing the emotional connection between people and visually speaking to issues that our communities face are all significant reasons why photography is so important and visual storytelling in general. When you walk down a street in the city and see someone without a home, it’s easier to look away or consciously separate yourself but when you see a photo that captures the person’s emotion and current situation, it’s captivating and it engages the viewers to feel and to respond. Examples like that is how my business helps and impacts the world. Through storytelling and being hands-on with the community and its members.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Anyone who’s started a business can tell you that it’s no easy task but it’s worth it. Growing pains are rough when you don’t have a strong business background and that was/is still me. I never imagined myself starting a business, let alone a photography business (one of the most saturated markets there is!) but what excites me is being able to work with people, businesses, organizations to bring their visions to life. It makes my day having a great photoshoot session and seeing the client’s reaction when we preview the photos together and after they’re delivered. Creating happiness and worth in who they are and what they’re doing is 10 times the reward of anything else. I’ve always believed that if you take care of others, they’ll take care of you. Of course, that isn’t always going to be the case but most times than not, if you continue to put out your best to the best of your ability and love on those who trust you enough to work with you, it’ll come back to you and help both you and your client. People hate working with businesses who are just about the bottom line and especially in a heavy customer-facing profession, showing how much you care and how much you put into your time with them, it goes a long way. Not everyone’s going to help you, I’ve been burned a lot, but staying true to you and your brand but loving on others is a great way to stand out and do what you love, to do what I love which is helping others. What I would like the world to know about me and my photography is that I’m here to help and to tell your story and am passionate about yours and will do everything I can to see you thrive and achieve your successes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is absolutely beautiful! It’s the best city in the world! From the jump, we have so many amazing and authentic restaurants. Since you’re in Atlanta, we would have to go to a Waffle House! It wouldn’t be a far drive because there’s one basically on every city block. Then go check out the largest aquarium, the coca-cola factory, CNN, Skyview Ferris Wheel, eat some Korean fried chicken and bubble tea off of Buford Hwy and in the evening, go to Jackson St. Bridge, see the Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park. Then head up to the Sundial Restaurant to get a 360 view of Atlanta. Again, more food at Mary Mac’s and rooftop bar at Ponce City Market. Walkthrough the historic downtown part of the city, take a helicopter ride to see the sunset/sunrise of Atlanta (it’s breath taking) and take a nice walk along the beltline trail that runs through the city and connects to Piedmont Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife and accountability group. Owning a business is tough and without a strong support system, I wouldn’t be where I am. Putting up with the emotional roller coaster that comes with starting your business, maintaining it, and growth, without their advice, help, time, and investment in me, it wouldn’t have been possible to give to others what I don’t have and they make it possible for me to continue to give to others through my business.

Website: http://ericsunphotography.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ericsunphotography
Facebook: facebook.com/ericsunphotography