About
As I embark on the relaunch of my photography business, memories resurface of my first camera, lost four years ago in the Santa Cruz Mountain Fires. That Canon AE-1, held sentimental value as it was a wedding gift from my mother to my father. Reflecting on that meaningful gesture, a connection emerges, especially as my return to photography aligns with the joyous news of my wife’s pregnancy with our first child.
That Canon AE-1 accompanied me to the California Institute of the Arts, where I pursued a major in Photography. Over the past two decades, I’ve been deeply engaged in creative pursuits, collaborating with my wife, Athena, as a creative team working in Hollywood for over 10 years, and making our first independent film together. Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance, our journey led us to Santa Cruz, where we established a boutique film and video production company, with photography as one of our services. Despite the setback of losing my artist studio in the Santa Cruz Mountain Fires, we leaned into our film production company. Following the completion of our latest documentary, I found myself reflecting on the delicate equilibrium between work and life once again, and our latest creative endeavor of starting a family.
Embarking on a renewed journey with one of my earliest creative passions—photography, Athena is taking a step back from our business ventures to prioritize our family, while she may answer your call and early visitors to this site might even catch glimpses of her in a few photos within my portfolio.
Nestled in the historic Old Sash Mill complex, my small yet vibrant creative photo studio serves as the heart of my artistic endeavors. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to capturing the essence of every moment, my studio provides an inspiring space for creative photography sessions.
My dynamic capabilities extend beyond the studio’s confines. Equipped with a versatile production Sprinter van, I bring the studio experience to various locations, ensuring convenience for clothing changes and adapting to the unique requirements of each setting.
Whether within the walls of my studio or on the go with my mobile unit, I am dedicated to creating visually stunning and conceptually rich photography that reflects the spirit of my clients and the stories they wish to tell.
Meet our team
With decades of professional creative experience, we are here to provide you with amazing photos and efficient services and photography packages that meet all your needs.
Eric Lake
Photographer
Athena Gam
Manager
Black and White Large Format
Black and white large format photography is an almost lost analog art form that enables the profound exploration of tone, contrast, and composition. The process demands a deliberate and immersive approach, emphasizing manual focusing, meticulous composition, and careful consideration of lighting. The results are images with a unique depth and clarity. This style of photography stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and expressive power achievable when precision meets artistic vision.
I am currently engaged in a photo documentary capturing the aftermath and rejuvenation of the Santa Cruz Mountains after the Santa Cruz CZU Lightning Complex wildfires. Employing a lightweight 5×7 travel view camera and reverting to black and white film, I’ve embraced this slow and methodical process, handling everything from development to contact printing in my darkroom.
If you have a project that you envision in striking black and white silver film, feel free to reach out – I’d love to discuss it with you.
