Glenside residents Eric and Monica Harris met through a kickboxing class 12 years ago and have been snapping family-friendly photos together ever since. With plenty to keep them busy this time of year— including three school-aged kids of their own—the husband-and-wife team captures visions of clients ranging from brand-new parents to pets to birthdays to milestone life events.

In the fall of 2020, the Harris family opened their first brick-and-mortar studio on 54 Limekiln Pike, conveniently located right next door to the photographers’ home. Business expanded and a second studio within the Wyncote House apartment complex opened its doors last year. “There’s an entire commercial level that no one knows about,” Eric said. “We’re one of many businesses on their first floor.” The studio expansions have allowed outdoor sessions to duck inside during uncooperative weather, or host shoots more befitted to a studio atmosphere.

As busy holiday season leans closer, the duo is looking to help families without the wherewithal to attend their Christmas sessions.

“We tailor towards families who may not be able to get out to those sessions,” Eric said. “We make digital Santa frames, where families send us pictures of their kids, and then we superimpose them. It also helps families celebrate lost loved ones who may no longer be around for the holidays.”

While Halloween isn’t yet a staple of theirs, ideas are in the making. “We’re trying to put together a child-friendly yet spooky-feeling theme, but it isn’t quite ready yet. We want to catch kids in their element while they’re out wearing costumes.”

The business has a thriving philanthropic side and regularly donates sales and services to organizations such as Kisses for Kyle, a non-profit focused on childhood cancer, Morgan’s Light, which raises awareness about domestic violence, and Cradles to Crayons, each of which lend support and assistance to families in need.

“We’ll travel to capture the families and make sure they get some photos that capture them in good spirits, at the beach for example,” Eric said. “These organizations try to make families feel good despite what they’re going through, and so we try to give back monetarily and through our services. It’s nice to interact and meet them. Sometimes we’ll cover food truck and vendor events and donate a portion of our sessions. Morgan’s Light might have softball games, for example, so we’ll advertise their games, their vendors.”

And just as one good deed deserves another, the family tries to do their part in supporting their fellow Glenside business owners.

“There are a lot of local businesses in the area, so we try to stay as close as possible when we’re conducting our own business,” Eric said. “It’s a small community and we try not outsource to keep it close to home as possible.”

“I’ve loved watching how Glenside has developed over the years,” he added. “There’s been a modernization, and it’s making a nice curve upwards.”

For more information on Eric Harris Photography, you can visit their website for orders, bookings, and samples from their portfolio.