Thanks for dropping in and taking the time to visit my digital home; my name is Eric Lillard living in Erie, Colorado. I am a full-time photographer having recently retired from a demanding corporate career working for Discover Financial Services as a Senior Director of Application Development.  Throughout my life, photography has always been a passion of mine and I am now living my dream, capturing the beauty of our world.

MY ROOTS

I grew up in Carbondale, Illinois — a vibrant college town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. It was the perfect place to spark both curiosity and creativity. When I wasn’t competing in sports, I was out exploring the woods, camera in hand. My first camera, a Minolta XG-7 from K-Mart in 1977, became my passport to capture the world around me. Long before cell phones and digital images, I was that high school kid showing up at gatherings with an SLR, documenting moments and memories as they unfolded.

After earning my degree in technology from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, my career took me from Philadelphia to St. Louis and Houston before ultimately leading me to Erie, Colorado — a place that truly feels like heaven on earth. Every day here brings new light, new landscapes, and endless inspiration for my photography.

I’m blessed with three incredible children, five wonderful grandchildren, and my loving wife, Diane, who not only supports my passion but also the occasional whirlwind that comes with it. I’m grateful every day for the beauty of life, family, and the chance to share what I see through my lens.