This week I had the privilege of interviewing Servite senior Leo Eriman ’24 to learn the behind-the-scenes of his flourishing photography career. Let’s dive into the interview.
Q: When did you get into photography?
A: I’ve always had a camera since 2020 but never really used it until early 2023 after the school asked me to start shooting photos at the school dances. As senior year came around, I started taking photography more seriously as I shot the Asylum at Football Games, and it took off from there.
Q: Why did you start?
A: I started getting into photography because it connected me with my uncle who was a professional photographer, and the more I started to shoot, the more I felt connected to him.
Q: Are there any professional photographers who influence your work?
A: I wouldn’t say any professional photographer has truly influenced my work, but working with numerous photographers in the LA/OC Area has truly helped me in honing my skills. One in particular is Felisha Carrasco (Her Portfolio: NBA, Grammys, Rolling Loud, etc.), who I met and got to work with at an NBA G League Game, and she taught me the ropes of what it’s like at the professional level.
Q: How have you seen yourself improve and develop your photography skills?
A: Over these past few months, I’ve seen my photography, editing, and graphic design skills improve dramatically. From shooting numerous games, I was able to learn how to capture the moment and find the emotions in the players and fans. While editing those photos, I learned how to color grade to bring out the finer details in everything while my creative instincts improved my graphic design skills.
Q: What editing software do you use for your finished photos?
A: I use Adobe Lightroom for the color grading and lighting, Canva for my graphic designs, and when I make my videos, I use DaVinci Resolve.
Q: What details do you believe make the best photographs?
A: I believe there are two major details that, if captured correctly, make some of the best photographs: The Moments and The Emotion.
Q: How do you go about focusing on them in your work?
A: They both go hand in hand, such as a player screaming after a bucket or the team raising their trophy after they win playoffs, I wait for the moment and capture their smiles, energy, and laughs. I focus my work on the moments and emotions because once I finish the photos and post them, those photos alone could tell the whole story.
Q: What is your favorite event you have shot for?
A: My favorite event or game I shot was the Ontario Clippers (G League/Minor Affiliate of the LA Clippers) vs the G League Ignite. Being invited by the Clippers to shoot my first Professional Sporting event will be forever one of my favorite shoots.
Q: Do you see yourself pursuing photography out of high school?
A: Yes, I hope to attend a top university that has D1 athletic programs and I hope to be able to do photography for the athletic department and have my work shared around the Uni. But as well as shooting sports, I hope to travel and get around to shoot wildlife, portraits, nature, and try to build a portfolio to be a freelance photographer.
Q: Do you post your photos on any platforms?
A: I post all photos to my Smugmug (LjLenns.Smugmug.com) as well as post my favorite photos to my Instagram @Lj.Lenns.
Q: How do you gain publicity for your work?
A: I gain publicity by shooting everything and everyone. This past winter season, I shot every Servite sport and worked in collaboration with 10 different high schools, generating support and publicity from their students and community.
Q: Are there any upcoming events that you are shooting for?
A: I plan to shoot a lot of the spring sports this season as well as return to Toyota Arena and shoot another game for the Ontario Clippers.
Make sure to look out for Leo Eriman, Servite’s up-and-coming photographer, shooting at Servite and Rosary sports games and events!