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THE PHOTOGRAPHER BEHIND THE CAMERA

In 10 years, I've gone from a high school senior with a dream to one day own a photography business to now being a full-time natural light portrait photographer with my BFA degree.  I love capturing the beautiful golden light during golden hour, watching a good romance movie and playing with my westie, Joey!

Read my full story below & watch me discover my passion.

Meet Erin

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THE STORY BEHIND ERIN PAGLIA PHOTOGRAPHY

From High school senior to 10 year professional photographer 

From High school senior to 10 year professional photographer 

I've always been a creative at heart: drawing, making house plans, reading lots of books from the library and writing so many stories.

It all began when my parents gave me a classic yellow and orange disposable film camera on a family trip.  Even at 7 years old, I loved capturing the world through that little viewfinder, unaware that I was preparing for my future career.  Eventually, I received my own point-and-shoot digital camera for Christmas when I was 10 and my love for photography grew.  I had a new outlet for my creativity that allowed me to take as many photos as I wanted.

 

"Even at 7 years old, I loved capturing the world through that little viewfinder, unaware that
I was preparing for my future career."

In 2014, I was a senior in high school, unsure of my next step.  I was always an A student and a dedicated member of the high school yearbook staff for 4 years, served as the editor of the senior section my senior year.  I considered majoring in Interior Design, Graphic Design or Photography.  Soon, it became clear that photography had won my heart after I was awarded the Gold Key Portfolio Award (the highest honor).  Even though I was in the Beginner Photo course, I was allowed to submit my work because I was a senior.  I couldn't believe that I had won with photos taken on my point-and-shoot camera.  After my high school graduation in 2015, I spent the summer beginning the roots of my business.  I could picture photography as my career and I knew that I wanted to make it happen.  

In May of 2019, I graduated summa cum laude from Cazenovia College with my BFA in Studio Art: Photography.  Throughout my four years of college, I built my business part-time. At graduation, I was awarded the coveted Division of Art & Design Award for my senior capstone, a narrative photography series about my childhood memories.  After graduating college, I could finally do what I had dreamed of since high school:  run my photography business full-time.  

"After graduating college,
I could finally do what I dreamed of since high school:  run my business full-time"

Since 2019, I have been a full-time photographer and I truly love every minute.  Now, celebrating 10 years in business in 2025, I reflect on my early days of being a high school senior who had no idea what her dream would turn into:  an amazing career!  I cannot wait to continue to photograph your special moments. 

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Natural   Timeless   Joyful

EST. 2015

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Natural light portrait photographer based in Cazenovia, NY

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