Spotted: on the Streets of Oakland
Occupation: Freelance Photographer, ErikaPino.com
What do you like to take photos of?
People, places, roadside attractions, anything out of the ordinary—that’s my passion. But I love being out of sight and I love being outdoors—those are my favorite things.
Do you have a place nearby that you gravitate to for photos?
So whenever I’m planning for a photos I’m looking for something picturesque and somehow I always end up going to bodies of water, they just have a calming vibe.
Are you from this area?
I was born in San Leandro and I have been living in the Easy Bay forever, Oakland, Berkeley, everywhere in the East Bay—you name it! [Do you have a favorite?] I have to say Oakland has been my favorite place to live, just because of the diversity and the food *laughs* and it’s just a fun, funky mix of people.
Any plans for the holiday weekend?
I’m hoping to take an evening ferry ride. I wanted to do something fun for the holiday that was kind of a getaway but someplace local.
I stopped you because of your pants so I have to ask, where did you get them?
Everybody asked me about these pants, and it’s so funny because I found them in an unfrequented corner of Target. You wouldn’t believe it, but they were sitting there on the clearance rack and no one was giving them any love and they deserve it. I have never gotten such compliments on a pair of pants.
And that ring is really beautiful!It was a gift from my friend, she’s practically my sister. It’s Moonstone and I’ve had it forever, I get a lot of compliments on it. I love it!
What is your favorite place to just sit and think?
High places. Roofs, mountains, anywhere with a view. I think my mind tends to wander better when I’m at a vantage point.
Anything that you have been really thinking about lately?
I guess . . . how to live the life I want to live. How to just follow my passion and let that open doors for me.
When was the last time you said “I love you” and meant it?
A couple of days ago to my boyfriend.
Where is your favorite place you have traveled?
South East Asia, I went to Singapore and Malaysia and I did it on my own. It was one of the best experiences I ever had cause I have a thing for hot and humid so I went there to visit a rainforest! I love the Rainforest—next stop, the Amazon!
When was the last time you cried?
Probably the last time I was about to start my period, if I’m going to be really honest about it. I get those monthly cries and then I’m just like, “Damn my hormones!” I know that it’s out of my control, but I still resent it every month.
