Meet the Photographer
I’m Ericka Hartzell. My friends call me Eri.
I was born in San Mateo, California, and raised in the suburbs of North Atlanta in a Filipino-American household. Art has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. My parents have always said it was my first love, and they were right. From painting and sketching to ceramics, crafts, and crochet, I was always creating—but photography was the medium that stayed with me.
My first real introduction to photography came through a hybrid school program in the fourth grade. I fell in love with the process and the creative freedom it gave me: the ability to notice beauty, explore light and shadow, and preserve the way a moment felt.
After graduating from college in 2019, I felt the Lord lead me to pursue photography professionally. What began as a childhood love became the work I felt called to build—a way to create with purpose, serve others, and preserve some of life’s most meaningful moments.
I love Jesus Christ with all my heart. He is the reason I have been entrusted with this business, and I see Salūme Stills as both a form of worship and an opportunity to serve others well.
That faith is also at the heart of why I was drawn to wedding photography. I believe marriage is a tangible representation of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. There is something sacred about being invited to document another person’s journey with love—the people who shaped them, the promises they make, and the beginning of the life they are building together.
On a wedding day, I bring a calm, grounded presence to the moments that feel overwhelming and plenty of encouragement when you need to be hyped up. I’ll check in throughout the day, help you find ease within the movement and emotion, and probably join you on the dance floor before the night is over.
More than anything, I want you to feel relaxed, cared for, and free to remain fully present. I pay attention to beauty, light and shadow, honest emotion, and the quiet interactions that might otherwise pass unnoticed—preserving your celebration in a way that feels artful, personal, and true.
When I’m not photographing weddings, you’ll usually find me spending time in nature, watching any and all Marvel movies with my husband and our two fur babies, searching for really good pho or sushi, or bringing my Fujifilm X100VI along on a photo walk.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Salūme takes its inspiration from Matthew 5, where Jesus tells His followers, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.”
The name brings together the Latin words sal, meaning salt, and lumen, meaning light. Together, they reflect the philosophy that guides my work and the purpose behind every story we have the privilege of preserving.
Just as salt enhances and light reveals what was there all along, we want our photographs to draw attention to the love, joy, beauty, and goodness God has already woven into each couple’s story. Our heart is to preserve the evidence of His grace in every season, honoring both the defining moments and the quiet ones that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
Our prayer is that, years from now, these photographs will remind you not only of what your wedding looked like, but of how it felt—and how faithfully God met you there.
OUR CORE VALUES
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How we live this out
We lead with honesty, accountability, and a deep respect for the trust placed in us. We communicate clearly, follow through on our promises, and take responsibility for serving each couple with consistency and care.How this shows up for you
You can trust us with what matters most. From our first conversation through the delivery of your gallery, you’ll receive honest guidance, dependable communication, and the confidence of knowing your story is in responsible hands. -
How we live this out
We believe people feel most cared for when they feel genuinely seen. We listen closely, communicate with intention, and lead from a place of service—bringing a calm, grounded presence to every interaction.How this shows up for you
You’ll have the support and direction you need without feeling as though your wedding has become a production. We’ll step in when guidance is helpful and create space when it isn’t, allowing you to remain connected to one another and fully immersed in your celebration. -
How we live this out
We approach our work with preparation, precision, and an unwavering attention to detail. Every part of the experience is considered—from planning and communication to the way each final image is selected and finished.How this shows up for you
Every detail will be handled with care, allowing you to trust the process and move through your wedding day with ease. Your experience will feel organized, refined, and designed to support the natural flow of your celebration. -
How we live this out
We view this work as something we have been entrusted to carry well. Through discipline, continued growth, and a commitment to serving others, we strive to honor both the gift of photography and every story placed before our lens.How this shows up for you
Your story will never be treated as ordinary. The people you love, the promises you make, and the fleeting moments that give your celebration meaning will be preserved with reverence and a clear sense of responsibility. -
How we live this out
We create from a deep love of beauty and observation, drawing inspiration from honest emotion, meaningful connection, light, shadow, movement, and the quiet details that often go unnoticed.How this shows up for you
Your photographs will feel elevated without losing their truth. By blending documentary honesty with editorial elegance, we’ll create timeless imagery that reflects not only how your celebration looked, but how it felt to live it.