We recently had the chance to connect with Aubrey Dykeman and have shared our conversation below.
Aubrey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I feel like my life is taking a really interesting turn! I’m being called to step out of my comfort zone and surrender a lot of things I’ve held really tightly to the past 5-10 years. My job is going to look different, my involvement with music is evolving in different ways, and I believe God has some really beautiful things ahead for me. I’ve honestly felt stuck for a long time because I was afraid of change, but I think I’ve become so tired of that feeling that the idea of allowing different opportunities into my life is such an exciting thing to look forward to. 2026 is going to be a big year for me, I can feel it!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Aubrey — the heart (and camera) behind Aubrey Erin Photo. I’ve been photographing weddings and all kinds of portraits for over 14 years, and what keeps me inspired is the people I get to meet and the stories I get to tell. My style is very documentary and laid-back — I’m not about stiff poses or perfection, but about capturing the real, in-between moments that make each season of life so meaningful.
I’m not a super “pose-y” photographer. I want my sessions to feel fun and relaxed, like you’re hanging out with a friend who just happens to have a camera in hand. The real smiles, the silly moments, the little in-betweens — that’s the magic to me. I bring a playful, warm energy that helps everyone relax and just be themselves. I believe those unscripted, genuine connections make the most beautiful images.
At the end of the day, my goal is to give my clients photos that feel most like them — warm, genuine, fun, and full of life — the kind they’ll look back on years from now and immediately be taken back to how it felt.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
People pleasing! I’m (however slowly) learning to let go of the part of myself that holds on to people, jobs, or situations that no longer align with my well-being and who God made me to be. I don’t want to be known as a peace-keeper, but a peace maker.
I’ve spent too much time trying to please other people and make things work even if it actually hurts me – which is not to be confused with serving and loving people well. I’ve stayed in job roles that ultimately kept me from the people I care about most, and let others’ behavior dictate my worth and actions. It’s hard to grow into something different, but also so freeing to release what’s holding me back. I am nowhere near perfect and will never be, but I aim to give my best, show up with kindness, and do my best to love others, but now it’s with clearer boundaries and more peace.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes! When my dad passed in 2021, I couldn’t bring myself to do photography. My work relies so much on shared joy with clients, and I just didn’t have it in me at the time. I still did some second shooting for other photographers, but mostly I set it aside for a few years and took a job at a local bakery, which ended up being such a saving grace as they allowed me to work from home doing event coordinating for them.
I didn’t know if I’d quit photography for good, but I never fully closed that door — and I’m so glad I didn’t. Now, I feel beaming with creativity and excitement to be back at it. I’m so thankful for that chapter at the bakery, but I’ll be letting it go at the end of this year to step into new adventures.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is connection — with God, the people I love, the work I do, and the life I’m building. I care deeply about showing up fully for the people I care about and being someone they can rely on, being present, and creating moments that matter, whether it’s through photography, relationships, or simply being there for someone. Authenticity, kindness, reliability and shared joy are what I gravitate toward, and I try to center those in everything I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the simple, grounding moments — walking with my dog, talking with my mom, or sitting on my back porch with my husband or simply by myself. I also find deep peace in worship and music, and when I verbally surrender my worries to God. Lately, I’ve been learning to live more open-handed, letting life flow in and out without holding on too tightly, and that mindset has brought a real sense of calm and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aubreyerinphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyerinphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-dykeman-9094122a/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AubreyErinPhoto/
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me.
