I am a freelance photographer based in Houston specializing in visual storytelling and editorial portraiture.

I started making pictures in sixth grade using black and white film and printing in a darkroom. The first photo I made was with a pinhole camera created from an oatmeal container.

I have a BA in studio art from the University of Texas at Austin, and have a MA in photography from the School of Visual Communication at Ohio University.

I've completed photojournalism internships at the San Antonio Express-News, The Seattle Times and The Dallas Morning News.

I am also a former staff photographer at the Houston Chronicle and The Brazosport Facts.

Awards received include:

Best of Photojournalism 2009 - 1st place, general news

Southern Newspaper Publishers Association - Photo of the Year 2008

NPPA Student Quarterly Clip Contest - Student Photographer of the Year

2006 Pictures of the Year International 64 and 66 - Award of Excellence - general news, and 3rd place - issue reporting picture story, newspaper category

College Photographer of the Year 61 - Gold Medal - documentary, two medals of excellence , general news

2006 Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar - 3rd place, best student portfolio

Ian Parry Scholarship - image selected for exhibit, Getty Images Gallery, London, 2006

I can be reached at 713-226-9857 or at eric@erickayne.com