Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Swantek.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My deep-rooted love and appreciation for the great outdoors began early in life. Growing up in Colorado, I was exposed to camping, hiking, and fishing from a young age. Family trips to the mountains or lakes were cherished opportunities for us to connect with nature. When I pursued my education at Colorado State University, I chose to major in Forestry, and after graduation, I spent seven years working for the Forest Service. During my time in college, I met my husband, and together we embarked on backpacking and mountain biking adventures across Colorado and Utah.
Then, in 2006 my husband decided he wanted to take a travel nurse assignment, and we spent almost a year traveling in our VW van, living in Washington and California before returning to Colorado where I pursued a post baccalaureate elementary education program, leading to a job as an elementary school teacher.
In 2008, my husband and I made a bold decision to uproot our lives from Colorado to Oregon. With our belongings, two dogs, and a cat in tow, we embarked on a journey to start anew. Leaving behind a promising teaching job, I was uncertain about my future. Although I had initially considered returning to the US Forest Service, I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me.
Driven by my love for the outdoors and nature, I stumbled upon a newfound passion when I picked up a camera. Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of my new home state, I found myself capturing portraits of people amidst the stunning scenery. Self-taught in the art of light and honing my craft, I registered my business in 2014 and began specializing in weddings in 2016.
While I may not spend as many days backpacking as I used to, my love for thrilling experiences and unforgettable adventures remains unwavering. Navigating with a map and compass was second nature to me, and I discovered a talent for finding unique, off-the-beaten-path locations. As I took on more adventurous clients in my photography business, I realized that this skill was ingrained in me. I love sharing all the wild places in the PNW with the couples that hire me for a very personal wedding experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been a road full of bumps and obstacles along the way. First, choosing to leave a stable government job with the US Forest Service, was not an easy decision. I loved working outside, but I also felt like there wasn’t creativity in my career. I’ve always had an artistic side, and I wanted to explore that again. After traveling for a few years and deciding to go back to school for elementary education, I thought I had found a balance with creativity and a stable career. However, the lack of autonomy in a teaching position was really difficult for someone like me. I also found the long hours difficult and took more from me than I could reasonably give. Moving to Bend pushed me towards finding something that was both fulfilling and allowed me to nurture my creative side. Starting a photography business was challenging. Teaching myself how to use a camera, read light, find clients and figure out how to make myself profitable was the hardest part. It also took me some time to really figure out what I wanted to specialize in. Weddings were something I loved for a while, but as I began working with more intimate weddings and elopements, I realized that was where my strengths were.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an Oregon-based elopement and intimate wedding photographer specializing in adventure elopements throughout Oregon and Washington. I work with couples who want their wedding day to feel intentional, personal, and deeply true to who they are — whether that means exchanging vows on the Oregon Coast, hiking through the forest, exploring the Columbia River Gorge, or creating a quiet day somewhere wild and meaningful.
I’m known for photographing elopements in a way that feels both cinematic and emotionally honest. I love beautiful landscapes, but what matters most to me is the experience my couples are having inside those landscapes. My work is rooted in presence, connection, and storytelling — the wind, the weather, the laughter, the nerves, the quiet in-between moments, the way a couple reaches for each other without thinking.
What I’m most proud of is the way I help couples feel safe to do things their own way. So many people come into wedding planning feeling like they have to follow rules that don’t actually fit them. I love helping couples strip all of that away and create a day that feels spacious, grounded, and meaningful. It’s not about performing a wedding for everyone else. It’s about creating a day they’ll actually want to remember.
What sets me apart is the combination of my photography experience, my background in the outdoors, and the amount of care I put into the planning process. Before becoming a photographer, I worked for the Forest Service, so I bring a deep respect for wild places, Leave No Trace principles, and the logistics that go into planning outdoor celebrations. I help with location ideas, timelines, permits, vendor recommendations, and all the little details that make the day feel smooth and relaxed.
At the heart of it, I believe elopements are for couples who value presence over performance. My job is not just to take beautiful photos, but to help create an experience where couples feel seen, supported, and free to be fully themselves.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that Bend still has a hometown feel. I’ve been here for 18 years and it’s nice to be able to go somewhere and still run into people I know. It’s a place rooted in community, where locals support locals. I’ve been here long enough though to remember the quieter days, where trails weren’t crowded, roads were easy to navigate and there weren’t so many multi-story condos and apartments impeding the views. That’s the part I like least. Growth is inevitable though, and as long as we do our part to not change Bend into something it’s not, I’m okay with it. I think diversity is important and while we still have a ways to go to be a truly diverse town, I do like that we have more representation than we ever have before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericaswantekphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaswantekphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaSwantekPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricaSwantekPhotography
