Meet Sierra Erickson | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra Erickson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve had a strong passion and interest in photography for nearly my entire life, but after the birth of my son in 2018 I quickly realized I needed to make a shift in my career path that would allow me to be home with him and have the flexibility to create my own schedule. At the time I was a single mother working 2 jobs and going to college full time with a newborn- I’d always wanted to pursue photography as my full time career but was always held back by the pressure to work a “normal” job and the fear that my business wouldn’t be able to provide for my little family. Ink and Ivy Photography started as a side hustle so I could pick up less shifts at the coffee shop I was working at, and quickly blossomed to my full time income and career path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist I’m proud of what I can offer my clients. My photography style is labeled “moody” but my priority is always to preserve true skin tones and color. I want my clients to review their images and remember the day but in the most artistic and creative way. I like to think that my commitment to continually bettering myself as an artist (through courses, workshops, etc) is what sets me apart. My clients invest in me so I want them to see that I am also investing in them and the ability to better serve them! I take great effort to get to know my clients and their needs, and to also educate them on the process so that they can get the most out of the time we spend together. I think taking the extra effort to plan sessions and cultivate relationships with my clients is a large part of how I’ve gotten to this point in my business. I want my clients to feel special and like I truly care (because I do!). I’ve learned that this business is all about people, how you make them feel and enabling them to be themselves infront of the camera. Everyone is different and I really like to highlight that in my work. I want people to know that when they work with me I truly pour my heart into their images and my goal is make art they can feel and that they’re proud to share.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My must see and must do’s in LHC:

-Grab coffee from wild coffee.
-Breakfast a the Red Onion
-Sushi from Shogun
-Share a charcuterie board and drinks at Summer Ray

-watch a sunset from The Island
– rent paddle boards and check out the area around the London Bridge
-shopping on main street

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am SO blessed to be in the position that I am in, and I could not be here without Lake Havasu’s generous community and strong word of mouth. My entire business has been built on a referral basis and the fact that my amazing clients are always sharing their experience and the work we’ve made together is the best compliment I could ask for! I take the privilege to document milestones very seriously and the fact that my clients feel inclined to tell their family and friends about me is the best feeling.
I also credit my (now) husband for my ability to take this business full time. Without him I’m unsure if I ever would have had the courage and confidence to quit my 9/5 and take the leap to being an entrepreneur… I’m so thankful for that confidence and support!

Website: Inkandivyphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @inkandivyphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InkandIvyPhotography/