Artist ~ Erika Stewart ~ Providence

Artist’s name: Erika Stewart 

Shop name: It Clicks Photo 

Website: www.itclicksphoto.com 

Blog: www.itclicksphoto.com/blog 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/itclicksphoto  

Pinterest: https://pin.it/165peph  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itclicksphoto 

1. Tell us about your work

I am a commercial, lifestyle, and wedding photographer. I help businesses tell their story through imagery, and make sure all the fine details are captured. My editing style is bright, bold, and colorful. I hand edit everything to make sure your brand is properly portrayed. As far as wedding and lifestyle photography, I make sure my clients have fun and can look back on their photos and think "wow! That was a blast!" I think everyone is unique and is beautiful. Sometimes we forget- it's easy to forget when we are constantly comparing ourselves to others on IG and Facebook. I'm here to help you remember all your uniqueness and stunning traits that make you who you are! 

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business? 

To be honest, I was playing around with the idea of clicking in 2012, and It (just) clicked- It Clicks Photo 

3. How did you come to be a photographer? 

I went to Grand Valley State University in Michigan and earned my degree in photography in business. The rest is history! I was always the kid that stole her parent's cameras and chasing down critters in the backyard. Somewhere along the way, I knew it was something I wanted to do forever. Originally, I was going to school for Radiology (job security) but I changed all my classes over without letting my parents know. I learned photography through film for 3 years, then learned in digital. Every shoot I strive to be better than the last- I'm constantly on a mission to make my mom proud. 

4. Where do you draw your inspiration? 

Everywhere- but mainly from the people I'm interacting with. Photography is a great tool to convey messages and to communicate across the world. I love hearing my client's personal journeys- it gives me ideas to explore for a photo opportunity. 

5. What’s your favorite item to create? 

I love creating editorial work for businesses, specifically women boutiques. Each item in a store is hand picked for a certain woman "on the go" and I love creating imagery that matches that persona. 

6. What’s your best seller? 

Lifestyle and Branding photos. I set a schedule on something for my client to do (explore Blithewold Mansion + Gardens, for example) and I'll capture some candids and staged photos as we go! 

7. How long have you been in Rhode Island? 

Almost 9 months! Hasn't been long. We moved here the day before new years eve

8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island? 

I *heart* all the parks, history, and beaches. Rhode Island is absolutely beautiful. I love that it is a community and most of the restaurants are small business owners. We love the many many many adventures available (even amidst the pandemic) and the fresh ocean air 

9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners? 

Aquidneck Islands- Newport Cliff Walk, Coddington Brewery, and Narragansett Beach 

10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers? 

Stay true to yourself, dig deep on why you want to do what you do, and keep trucking along. If there's 1 person that's the most important cheerleader, it's yourself. 

11. Please include anything else you’d like to add: 

I feel so incredibly lucky to be a creator, and to have this opportunity to be interviewed by I Heart Rhody- thank you! As a creative, it is important to believe in yourself, and believe in the work you're creating. I am doing this work in hopes of changing the world imagery- specifically models in magazines. Growing up, body image was tough for not only me, but a ton of other friends of mine. I create to ensure the people I come in contact with feel their importance, can see their beauty, and all the adorable things they do (have you ever looked at someone laughing? It's literally the best thing in the world). Mental wellness is everything, and it starts with loving yourself for you who truly are. I'm here to help with that, and I'm here to try and change the fashion imagery to something where we celebrate all body types. I think we need to take care of ourselves, and one another no matter any differences. Love one another!