Erik Vail of Vail Studio Photography

Vail Studio is a family owned and operated business so I was taught the art of photography by my father and the business of photography by my mother. I work side by side with my Wife, Mother, and Father everyday. My wife, Ali does all of the studio's printing, manages the office, and works as my assistant wedding photographer. My Dad, Larry is the main studio photographer. He works mostly with high school seniors and families. My Mom, Patsy is the business manager, and my son Hunter helps with maintinance and is already saying he wants to be a photographer when he grows up. I am responsible for the weddings (photography and business), some of the high school senior photography, and the editing of every image that goes through our studio.

I have been a working professional photographer for 15 years. Before I actually picked up a camera professionally I was working in dark rooms and photo labs, so I have about 20 years total experience in the photography industry. I think that starting from the ground floor of photography, having a solid background in film, and transfering that knowledge to the new digital days has really helped to shape my style and who I am as a photographer. Coming from the days when we had to retouch blemishes by hand directly on the negative has given me a real appreciation for what you can and can't do to a digital image, as well as what you should and shouldn't do to enhance that image. I didn't just pick up a camera one day and decide to be a photographer. I have spent the better part of my life learning every aspect of the art and business of photography. My style is my own, I have developed it over many years of hard work, and it is a constant growing and changing experience.

Like most things truly worth doing it took me a long time in the photography industry to decide what I wanted to do. I started photographing weddings about 9 years ago. I guess about four years ago I realized that it was what I loved and began to really focus on the art and craft of wedding photography. I continue to challenge and educate myself through professional associations like WPPI, NAPP, PPW and courses like Image Explorations.

I love wedding photography!!!

Even now 9 years later I still get excited before each wedding. I am passionate about my work, and I am first and foremost an artist. My job is to tell the story on the biggest day of that couples lives. I get to create memories for people so they can take that day with them forever. WHAT A GREAT JOB!! The more I do it the more I love it. I believe that God, Marriage, and family are the most important things in life, and I hope that you will see that represented in my work and in my life.

I am a member of:

WPPI (wedding and portrait photographers international)
NAPP (national association of professional photoshop users)
PPW (professional photographers of Washingtion)