Meet Local Photographer & Makeup Artist Erika
By Kelly Lamano Diaz
Meet Erika, a photographer, makeup artist, and self-proclaimed perfectionist who captures people’s stories with vibrant photos and creative post-production scenes. Erika started booking the space in 2020 after finding us through an online search and has created magic with clients in the studio ever since.
A Limitless Space to Create
Erika captures it all: portraits, real estate, commercial, drone, weddings, and more. But what does she mainly use the space for? She specializes in drag queen photography.
“I use the space for portraits and work mostly with drag entertainers, such as RuPaul’s Drag Race girls,” Erika shared. “I’ve shot a few celebrities there, like the '80s singer Tiffany, and local entertainment.”
Surrounded by colorful backdrops, bright lights, and a full makeup area with vanity mirrors, the studio provides everything Erika needs for a great experience and a successful shoot.
Erika originally held a residency at another photo studio, but as business slowed down, she moved to hourly rentals and eventually moved her photoshoots to the Orlando Photography Studio.
“I just found Carlos and Deon super laid back,” she said. “I loved the small cozy vibe, and they guaranteed my time slot. But mostly I loved how these guys treat me and my clients.”
Setting Up Shop at the Orlando Photography Studio
With C-Stands, softboxes, modifiers, the cyclorama, a reclaimed wood wall, brick walls, and a pro sound system, Erika transforms the studio into her own space.
“I do a four-point light setup with my Flashpoint XPLOR 600 and some modifiers,” she says. “I like to keep my kit very compact and easy to travel with.”
With a wide range of backdrops, lighting equipment, and a full makeup vanity, Erika and her clients can let their creativity and personalities shine. She named the grey backdrop as her favorite since she can build scenes around her subjects against a blank canvas in post-production.
“I love that my grey backdrop is provided. That’s mainly where I stay, but I like the flexibility of having the white backdrop as well,” Erika said. “Plus, I love the makeup station, awesome sound system, big parking lot, and safe neighborhood.”
Making Post-Production Magic
Given her background in photography and visual arts, Erika loves creating whimsical worlds in post-production. She captures what she needs in the studio and leaves room to add flair in the edits.
“I don’t do anything fancy as I manipulate my images in post, so I know what I need to get to make the art happen,” she said.
In post-production, Erika plays with digital art visuals, vibrant colors, and dramatic backdrops from cityscapes to forests and beyond.
Exploring the Right Studio Fit
Erika shared some pain points from her previous studio residency, where they didn’t honor her scheduled studio time, and when other residents didn’t respect her photoshoots.
“I had a bad experience with one of the residents who said, ‘Are you gonna have your people walking around the studio? I have professional headshots coming in, and I would like them not to see that,” Erika shared. “As if my clients aren’t professional. I consider myself a professional because I provide my clients with exactly what they hire me for. It just wasn’t the place for me.”
Thankfully, Erika found a creative home with the Orlando Photography Studio. She can rest assured knowing that when she rents the studio, 100% of that time belongs to Erika and her clients.
No distractions. No studio members walking in during a shoot. Instead, it’s all about creating and enjoying the space in a safe environment.
“I would 1000% recommend OPS,” Erika said. “Run by honest professionals who are also very down to earth and respectful of me and my clients.”