Erik Umphery

The best part of my remote shoot with @andradaymusic for @the_blackhouse was 5yrs ago we shot probably for the same amount of time (10mins) and she remembered me. I love when I get to work with talented people who are also genuine. Watching Andra’s career continue to ascend has been inspiring and shooting her after these years of growth was special. Congrats on your role in @usvsbillieholiday

This recent project I shot for @the_blackhouse #sundancefilmfestival has become one of my favorite shoots ever. The challenge was to have a remote portrait studio for creators. I had seen several remote shoots and I wasn’t inspired to do one until @bricksond challenged me to push myself and do one for the festival. After seeing the work @christopherandersonphoto created from his home in Paris I was all in to push myself. And the results surprised me what you are able to create remotely. This shot of @nickdsagar was in his hotel room in Scotland on a gloomy grey day against a door. He was by himself using an #iPhone . I was directing and controlling his phone while he was holding the phone with the hand you don’t see in the frame. He couldn’t see me while we were shooting and could only follow the directions I was giving.

It still does not feel real and I’m looking for the right words to say. I lost my Grandmother this morning and I know she is in a better place. Lost is never easy for me to deal with but I know it is a part of life. I love you grandma and I hope you are at peace now. Losing both grandmothers in 2 months is unthinkable to me. I am holding on to the fact they were always by my side on earth and will now be angels by my side in Heaven.

@camguest #shotbyerik

@ryanntorrero #shotbyerik