Rising Stars: Meet Erin Epperson of Osceola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Epperson.

Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve loved creating for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I took photos just for fun, and as a teen, I was fascinated by YouTube—long before “influencers” were a thing. I even dreamed of becoming a YouTuber myself!

After graduating high school, I bought a camera with the intention of making videos, but I quickly fell in love with photography instead. I started by capturing moments with my friends, and before long, I was photographing friends of friends—eventually even strangers who became friends along the way.

I went on to study business in college, which gave me the foundation to turn my passion into a thriving photography business. In the process, I had to wear many hats—learning social media marketing, web design, email marketing, and more. I even earned my drone license to capture rural Missouri from an entirely new perspective.

My photography and marketing skills have opened doors for me to serve as an in-house content creator and marketing team member for a real estate team, a university, and now a church.

What I love most about working in digital media is the constant opportunity to grow and evolve creatively. Photography is not just a job—it’s a passion. And the relationships I’ve built along the way, from clients to coworkers, have made this journey incredibly rewarding.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Erin Danielle Photography has grown alongside some of the biggest transitions in my life. I’ve always juggled multiple roles—earning my degree, planning a wedding, working full-time in marketing, relocating and rebuilding a client base, and most recently, becoming a mom.

There have been both extremely busy seasons and painfully dry ones. I’ve struggled with pricing—wanting to make my work accessible while still meeting my business goals. As a people-pleaser and perfectionist, I’ve often put pressure on myself to meet every expectation and deliver flawless work, even at the expense of my own time or energy. Finding balance has been a constant process. There has been lots of trial and error with figuring out what business models work, and which ones don’t.

I’ve also wrestled with trying to fit into tight-knit communities, especially after moving. But every challenge—personal or professional—has shaped me into a more grounded, thoughtful, and intentional creator. These experiences have deepened my resilience and strengthened my passion for meaningful, people-centered work.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portrait photography that’s built on genuine relationships with my clients. I’m not just a “maternity photographer” or an “engagement photographer”—I’ve had the honor of walking alongside clients through many seasons of life. From couple sessions and engagements to weddings, pregnancy announcements, maternity shoots, newborn and family portraits, even birthday parties—I’ve captured it all. And I consider that a privilege.

While I hope I’m known for creating beautiful, reliable work, what matters most to me is how I make people feel. I want every client to walk away feeling seen, valued, and truly beautiful. The people who choose me to take their photos are never just an appointment—they are individuals with their own stories, personalities, and moments worth celebrating.

My favorite part of what I do is building those relationships and capturing the unique beauty in each person’s journey—preserving it forever in the form of a photograph.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor has really just been about asking. I’ve reached out to photographers whose work I admire—often just by sending a simple DM. I’ve been surprised (and so grateful) at how generous many have been, sharing tips, tricks, and even their favorite gear recommendations.

When it comes to networking, I’ve learned that it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself. Introduce yourself, be kind, wear your heart on your sleeve, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. And if a door closes? That’s okay. It just means it wasn’t the right one—and something better may be ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erindanielle2000.wixsite.com/erindphotography
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erindaniellephotographymo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erindaniellephotographymo