Photographer Erika Hokanson

Erika Hokanson offering up knuckle sandwiches, any takers?

Early 2011 I had the pleasure of being asked to assist young celebrity stylist, Scot Louie, on a photo shoot with photographer Erika Hokanson in Brooklyn. Scottie and I referred to the photo shoot as "Numero" since the look Erika was aiming for was inspired by the Parisian fashion magazine Numero. It was an exciting and honorable adventure and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with people as talented as Erika, Scot, Kimberly Caudle (MUA) and Ashley LaCamp (Model). One can learn a lot by watching Erika work. Her talent extends beyond being an amazing photographer; she has an incredible eye for the best hairstyles for each look, an incredible director with a ton of ideas for posing, always gives valuable input and last but not least, is so appreciative and thoughtful of her team (I will NEVER forget those amazing peanut butter cookies from Trader Joe's that Erika brought for us. They put Do-Si-Do's to shame). The honor is taken on my part to be able to work with and interview such a talented photographer this early on in my endeavors with the CAM project. Lucky me! Well, here she is folks, answering my questions in a beautifully written blarticle:

Fashion Photographer Erika Hokanson

Hello, my name is Erika Hokanson. I am a fashion photographer from California now working in Brooklyn. Thank you so much for the interview, I am honored to be a part of the CAM Project.

I have to start off by saying I really enjoy being a photographer. There are many aspects of my profession that I enjoy. The parts I most enjoy are creating a lighting scene or mood. I love the on set technical part as well as the collaboration among the team on a fashion shoot. All the creativity among the models, hair stylist, make up artist and wardrobe stylist is so inspiring. I love how much freedom you have in fashion. You have so much room for interpretation and room for great things to happen.

I got my start in photography pretty young. My father was a big inspiration. He used to have photos hanging in our garage from his classes in college. He would let me borrow his camera from time to time. I got hooked pretty quickly. I decided to get serious about photography and study at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. When I finished college I headed out east. I started working as an assistant to many fantastic photographers in New York. I learned a lot about the industry, lighting and what it takes to make a  living in the photography field.

These shots that I did with Scot and Lisa were inspired by a shot I saw in Numero Magazine. I was going for a sixties high contrast vibe.

Please visit Erika's website here-->CLICK ME!<--to check out more of her fabulous work and for contact info.


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~CAM

Credits:
Photographer: Erika Hokanson
Model: Ashley LaCamp
Make-Up Artist: Kimberly Caudle
Stylist: Scot Louie
Assistant Stylist: Lisa Reyes

Wardrobe specifics will be available in the Hattitude and Erika Hokenson Album at Circle of Art Movement on Facebook by the first week of November.