Through the Lens of Intention: Eryndae Photography’s Artful, Sustainable Storytelling

Minneapolis-based photographer Eryndae shares how her love of travel, nature, and human connection shape her documentary approach to weddings and boudoir. From sustainable business practices to intentional celebrations, she’s redefining what it means to capture meaningful moments.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m Eryndae, a documentary photographer based out of Minneapolis, MN. I grew up in Madison in a family of artists, activists, makers and shakers. We ate local food, went to shows, traveled anytime we could and spent time adventuring in nature. After high school, I moved to Bellingham, Washington where I earned my bachelors in Environmental Studies from Western Washington University. While I was there I deepened my connection with the outdoors, travel and community. I vehemently believe a strong connection with our natural world fosters a sense of responsibility to have a healthy, symbiotic relationship with it.  After 6 years of living out west, the Midwest called me back. I still spend my free time traveling, hiking and biking, but I also love to dress up and try new restaurants, go to art events, and spend time with this incredible community. 

What is your background and how did you find your way to starting a photography business?

At the age of 13 we took a family trip to France where we lived on a houseboat, spent time on the southern beaches and spent days exploring Paris. We had gotten a new camera for the trip and I was glued to it the whole time. I had found a culture that also loved people watching, fashion, food and architecture. When we got home I didn’t hesitate to take all three photography classes offered at school, yearbook and an independent study to learn as much as I could. From that moment, I was taking pictures of everything, traveling with my friends in Switzerland, hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest and running around campus. 

Once the pandemic hit, I knew I wanted to be back in the Midwest, closer to family and I was ready to lean into my creative self. I moved to Minneapolis and eventually turned my 12 year hobby as a photographer into my dream job. I drew on what had been constants in my life - family, photography and travel. Weddings gave me a chance to spend my weekends dressing up, people watching, creating art, eating great food and dancing. Now I have shot weddings in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, California and New York! 

Describe your brand’s aesthetic and your favorite types of projects to work on.

My driving forces are connection, nature, expression and mindfulness. I am drawn to projects that are deeply intentional and grounded in nature. This includes tented backyard weddings, engagement sessions at the restaurant from your first date and celebrations at the summer home that’s been in your family for generations. I do this work to create meaningful art that preserves personal stories, honoring each couple’s uniqueness and fostering a deeper connection to their most significant moments for generations to come.

What are some of the biggest issues in the industry that you see when it comes to sustainability?

I see waste as the biggest issue the wedding industry faces when it comes to sustainability. This is not only an issue with weddings but our lifestyles in general. There is so much marketing around what you need to have to have a perfect wedding and when it comes down to it, we don’t need most of it. I talk a lot with my couples about intentionality, finding the points of your day that are the most important to you, and invest there. Investing in high-quality items or renting can reduce the waste created from your wedding, or partnering with caterers and florists that donate or compost waste. Looking at a wedding as a reflection of your relationship means you don’t have to compromise your values to get what you want!

What are some behind-the-scenes sustainable practices that you do with your business and personally?

This is where I focus on mindfulness, thinking about the impact of my consumption, everything from lens filters to household cleaning products. Recognizing the full lifestyle of items because reducing our consumption of new things is the most sustainable and the second is understanding where these products are sourced, how they are made and where they will go at the end of their lifecycle. Anytime I want to purchase something for personal or professional use, ask myself these questions - can I find it secondhand (avoiding new materials being used and extending the lifecycle of an item), can I find it locally (avoiding the emissions and plastic use and keeping money in the local economy) and then lastly investing in companies that share my sustainable mindset/practices. Going through this process makes every decision intentional!

Your company donates a percentage of its proceeds back 1% for the Planet. What is 1% and why was this important to you and your company?

While I lived in Bend, Oregon I was the Environmental Coordinator for Patagonia Bend and was able to incorporate my sustainability knowledge into the business practices. Evon Chinard, most known as the founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews started 1% for the Planet in 2001 as a way to give back in consideration of the resources that are used in business. I was introduced to the idea that business can look different and be more sustainable in Chinard’s book “Let My People Go Surfing”. Traditional business practice is focused on constant growth and consumption, which is inherently unsustainable with the finite resources that we get from the earth. As a business owner, I see donating 1% of my annual revenue as a no-brainer when I am using these resources. 

You do more than just wedding photography, tell us more about your boudoir photography and why you love it. What are your top tips for anyone thinking about this type of photography?

Boudoir photography is one of the most rewarding experiences I get to have with clients. Every client steps away from the experience with noticeably more confidence than when they arrive. It is self-care to spend an hour celebrating how strong, sexy, and powerful you are as a woman. My top tip would be to avoid overthinking it, most clients tell me how uncomfortable they are in front of the camera, but I cheer you on, model all the poses, and work with you to enhance your favorite features of your body. You also don’t need any fancy lingerie, show up in your boyfriend's t-shirt and your favorite underwear, and we can make magic. 

You have a love of travel, where have been some of your favorite places you’d recommend? (Any maybe one place you’d love to go, especially for the photography opportunities!)

As for travel, I have to start with France, particularly southern France along the Canal Du Midi and Paris. This is where I fell in love with photography when I was just a teenager. The rich history, the fashion, the people watching, the colors, and the architecture are endlessly inspiring. Nepal would be the second most life-defining trip I’ve taken. Spending a few months trekking in the Himalayas was an unforgettable experience and a reminder that I don’t need anything more than what I can carry on my back and a camera in my hand. My last recommendation would be the Bonneville Salt Flats, it’s another worldly place and on my list of top 5 places in the world. My list for dream locations is long, but top of it would be New Zealand for photography. Water has always been an inspiration for me, as well as lush green rolling hills. Personally, I’ve always dreamed of snowboarding in Japan! 

Discover more of Eryndae’s work on Instagram or her website.