Meet Erin Pruitt | Founder – Erin Pruitt Photography, LLC

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

Hi Erin, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
If I had to choose one core value that matters most to me and my brand, it would be generosity. You never truly know what someone is going through and any opportunity to go above and beyond for someone is an important one.

Working in the service industry has taught me more than a few things, but most importantly it has shown me that if I have the means to make something grand happen for someone else, to do it. Whether this involves spending an extra hour at session so that clients don’t feel rushed or stressed, working within their budget, or investing time in continuing to get to know them even after the session, serving others is always worth it.

Generosity involves a lot of trust – trust in God, trust in yourself. Yes, this is my business. Yes, my business’ success is important to me, but ultimately, my business is about people. It celebrates people. It grows with people. It loves people and allows people to better love themselves – and that is everything that I am about.

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.
I am blessed to say that I get to do what I love every day. When I am not working on photography, I work as a private chef, preparing lovely meals in homes all over the Atlanta area with The Real Chef OH (Michael Oh).

Despite being absolutely in love with photography, I studied Dietetics at UGA. My final year at the University of Georgia (2022) was jam-packed with closed doors and a whole lot of confusion. Feeling pressed to go the route that everyone else was going filled my life with anxiety. I knew that I wanted to prioritize my photography business, but did not want to abandon what I had studied – food and nutrition.

After graduating, I kept taking baby steps, unsure baby steps. I began working as a personal chef while continuing to avidly pour into my photography. I stumbled upon Michael Oh while researching the food industry shortly after. Two years later, I could not be more thankful that I stayed true to myself at the end of college, as uncomfortable as it was.

I am excited to say that this is only the beginning of my career as a private chef and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I know that the journey will absolutely involve my photography and there has been nothing sweeter than to watch my two passions continue to grow alongside one another.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had to show someone around Atlanta, these are the places that would without a doubt secure a spot on the itinerary –

Le Bon Nosh (65 Irby Avenue NW Suite 103)
This place is altogether lovely. It is wonderful for a morning coffee + pastry, brunch, or a fancy evening dinner. Usually, I love to sit outside, but the indoor space is stunning.

Passion City Church (515 Garson Dr NE)
I recommend this church to everyone. I always leave feeling like my heart got a hug. This body of believers is so special and the Lord is here! I love attending their Young Adult ministry on Tuesday evenings and Sunday morning gatherings. They have a podcast as well, which is super awesome for car rides or a listen on a Sunday morning at home.

Zakia (3699 Lenox Rd NE)
5 stars! This place is amazing. I have had the privilege of meeting some of the staff here as well and they are incredibly kind + talented. The flavors here are wonderful. I highly recommend trying one of their desserts if you have a sweet tooth.

Tuscany at Your Table (1050 North Highland Ave NE)
This is the sweetest little Italian grocery store/eatery, perfect for a casual lunch. I always get a combo (pasta and sandwich) with a cup of espresso.

Georgia Tech Campus
I know that I am a dawg, but many of my clients graduated from Georgia Tech and this campus is beautiful. Bring a blanket and enjoy some fresh air and a snack on the lawn.

TiE Atlanta
I have the privilege of photographing for this organization consistently. SUCH an amazing group of talented entrepreneurs and mentors. They truly value helping others and want to see people succeed. From monthly meetings to private mentor sessions, this is the organization to be in if you are a founder or aspire to be a founder.

Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Drive)
Perfect for a walk or run with a great view of the city!

Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE)
Favorite place to shop around or eat when you have some down time.

High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE)
Beautiful place to spend the day if you love art as much as I do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to Eric Elliott, Jordan Summers and my parents.

Eric – Thank you for creating a space for me to develop a new skill, to make mistakes and learn from them, and to be truly creative. I am so thankful that my middle school self was smart enough to know that I wanted a seat in your photography elective.

Jordan – The unwavering friendship and encouragement you have shown me over the years is one of my greatest blessings. Here is to many more long editing sessions over coffee/tea.

Mom and Dad – Thank you for buying me that first DSLR that I “had to have”. Would never be where I am today without your continuous love and support. I love you both!

Website: www.erinpruittphoto.com

Instagram: @erinpruittphoto

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/erin-pruitt-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.pruitt.146069?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Would love to connect! Feel free to email me at hello@erinpruittphoto.com.

Image Credits
All photos except the Chef team photo are my work (Erin Pruitt Photography, LLC). Angie Webb Photo took the team chef photo. Here is her instagram profile. https://www.instagram.com/angiewebbphoto?igsh=MWMyZjZkbTg5YWJvbQ==