Meet Eric Ahlgrim | Photographer // Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Ahlgrim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, why did you pursue a creative career?
I would have to say that art is just the way that my brain is wired. I struggled in school my entire life. My older sister was a straight A student since kindergarten, and I was just never blessed with that haha! It wasn’t until high school when my school offered an arts & media program. I completed every art and creative course the school offered my 4 years there. Every art class, photography class and video production class. I graduated with honors in Arts & Media. If it hadn’t had been for those courses I don’t know if I would have made it through school.
I hold no degrees under my belt, I only have my work to prove to others that I know what I am doing behind the camera lens and I’m grateful that the world has shifted in that way, accepting experience and portfolios rather than demanding degrees and paperwork from colleges.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional photographer & videographer, based in Nashville, TN. Photography was a side hustle for me for years. Truth is I worked a lot of concerts for free just so I could practice and build a resume. It was not easy at all, but I learned a lot about myself, my craft, the music industry and how to run my business.
I was a graphic designer for Remo drumheads in California, and shooting concerts in Hollywood every night.
When the pandemic hit and we all went on lockdown, I started focusing more on product photography, something I could still do from home. Companies were shipping product to my house and I was shooting photo & video product content for them for socials and marketing. after 7 months of unemployment Gibson offered me a job as a full time photographer in Nashville. I accepted and we moved across the country 12 days later.
Once I got my feet on the ground here in Tennessee, my photo & video work exploded, word of mouth has been so good to me and my clientele grew basically over night. Its been a very long journey to this point, but it has been a huge blessing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite spots to hit in my opinion would be: The Ryman Auditorium
Grand Ole Opry
Attaboy, its my favorite speakeasy bar on the East side.
Leipers Fork out in Franklin is a great town to walk around and shop and eat, and the Leipers Fork Distillery is great for the whole family to sit outside and play games and listen to the live music.
Main Street downtown Franklin is great day or night. Tons of shops, tons of food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my wife. She has supported me and has been my backbone through the trenches. I also would have to just thank all of the management companies, bands, and artists that have trusted me to provide them with content to help boost their careers. They took a chance on me and I work my ass off to never let anyone down.
I take nothing and nobody for granted, ever.

Website: https://www.ericahlgrimphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericahlgrim_photography

Image Credits
Shot for the Ryman Auditorium and Gibson Guitars